After a 15-episode cornucopia of home cooks, challenges, and ingredients, it was revealed by judges Michael Bonacini, Alvin Leung, and Claudio Aprile that concrete contractor David Jorge (@concrete_cook) from Surrey, B.C., is the winner of MASTERCHEF CANADA Season 2.
Following a three-course culinary battle that saw the Top 2 home cooks elevate their dishes to a professional level, David was awarded the coveted title of MASTERCHEF CANADA and the $100,000 grand prize over runner-up Line Pelletier (@TheSaucyLine), a Canadian military veteran and computer specialist from Moncton, N.B.
“I am honoured to be named Canada’s next MasterChef, as there were so many worthy home cooks in the kitchen this season,” said David Jorge. “It has been my life-long dream to open a restaurant, and now I can make it a reality – all thanks to the support of my family and friends.” he said.
In the season finale, David and Line were challenged to create a three-course meal with their families and former opponents cheering them on.
The appetizer round saw Line’s refined lobster and foie gras surf and turf compete against David’s tomatoes prepared five ways with crispy sweetbreads. Line won the first round, as David’s sweetbreads were deemed slightly tough.
However, David’s main course of wild boar belly with geoduck clams impressed the judges and he took the second round against Line’s butter-basted elk tenderloin, which was undercooked.
In the third round, David raced against the clock to complete his lemon curd parfait, but he managed to pull it off with exquisite results, while Line’s take on a dessert cheese plate with chocolate-olive bread and pistachio brittle was a pleasant surprise for the judges.
Ultimately, it was David’s three-course meal that won over the judges, topping off his stellar performance all season long, and earned him the title of Canada’s next MasterChef.
