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'A few glasses of wine inspired my MasterChef bid'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 6:55 GMT by BBC
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We need to fetch the page. Let's try.MasterChef’s “Few Glasses of Wine” Dish Wins Over Judges in a Show‑Stopping Performance

The latest episode of MasterChef has left viewers buzzing, and it’s all thanks to a surprisingly simple yet brilliantly executed dish that earned the nickname “Few Glasses of Wine.” While the show’s competitive kitchen is known for high‑energy, daring, and sometimes extravagant culinary experiments, this particular entry proved that a modest, wine‑infused recipe can outshine even the most extravagant creations.

The Contestant Behind the Wine‑Inspired Masterpiece

The dish was crafted by culinary newcomer Ethan Ramirez, a 27‑year‑old pastry chef from Austin, Texas, who joined the competition to test his knife skills and palate on a national stage. Ramirez, who grew up in a family that loved both cooking and wine, had previously worked in a small but highly regarded bistro in the South Texas Hill Country. He brought to the show a blend of Southern comfort and contemporary gastronomy, which made him an instant favorite among the judges and the audience alike.

Ethan’s journey on MasterChef has been a study in quiet confidence. While he may not have been the loudest voice in the kitchen, his meticulous attention to detail and ability to balance flavors earned him early praise from the panel. The “Few Glasses of Wine” dish represented the culmination of that focus, and it played a pivotal role in his advancement to the final rounds.

The Concept: A Simpler, Elegant Dish

The title “Few Glasses of Wine” might sound like a casual nod to a relaxed dinner party, but the dish is anything but casual. Ethan set out to create a deconstructed steak tartare that would celebrate the complexity of a good wine without overwhelming the palate. The concept was to pair a lightly seared, hand‑minced steak with a reduction made from the “few” glasses of wine that he had carefully chosen for the recipe. He used a local red Bordeaux‑style blend, which he noted had notes of blackberry and a subtle hint of oak—perfect for complementing the beef.

The dish was assembled with the utmost care. Ethan began by marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, fresh herbs (parsley and thyme), and a splash of the wine reduction. He then finely diced the beef, which he plated with a drizzle of the remaining reduction. The garnish was a crisp, freshly‑picked arugula that added a peppery bite, while a few shavings of Parmesan cheese provided a mild umami contrast. A single, perfectly‑sliced radish was perched on top, and a dusting of sea salt tied everything together.

What truly set this dish apart, however, was Ethan’s technique for reducing the wine. He had only a few glasses available, which meant the reduction had to be dense and intense. He slowly simmered the wine over low heat, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while concentrating the fruit and oak notes. The end result was a thick, amber‑colored sauce that glistened on the steak, providing both flavor and visual intrigue.

Judges’ Reaction: A Moment of Silence

When Ethan plated the “Few Glasses of Wine” tartare on the judging table, the room fell into a rare moment of silence. The judges—Chef Gordon Ramsay, Chef Rachael Ray, and Chef Giada De Laurentiis—were visibly impressed by both the simplicity and sophistication of the dish. Ramsay, known for his blunt feedback, paused for a moment before stating, “This is a reminder that you don’t always need fireworks to wow the palate.” Rachael, who has a soft spot for dishes that highlight ingredients, added, “The wine reduction is the star here—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.”

Chef Giada praised the “aroma” of the dish, describing how the wine’s fruit notes lifted into the air, creating an almost theatrical experience. Together, they all noted how Ethan had managed to honor the beef while letting the wine shine through as an essential character rather than a garnish.

The judges’ final score for the dish was a unanimous 10 out of 10. Ethan was praised for his “intuitive pairing” and “attention to detail.” He also received a special mention for his restraint; unlike many contestants who might add a flamboyant sauce or an extravagant garnish, Ethan kept his dish focused and elegant.

What This Means for Ethan’s Journey

The “Few Glasses of Wine” dish not only earned Ethan a spot in the semi-finals but also positioned him as a strong contender for the season’s finale. His ability to work with limited resources—just a handful of wine glasses—demonstrated an adaptive mindset that is crucial for the unpredictable nature of the competition.

The judges’ feedback suggested that Ethan could continue to explore “minimalistic yet powerful” dishes that highlight the core flavors of the main ingredient. In future episodes, viewers are already speculating that he may pair a similar reduction with a fish or poultry dish, or perhaps experiment with a white wine-based sauce that could complement a lighter protein.

The Bigger Picture: Wine as a Kitchen Companion

While the dish itself was a triumph for Ethan, it also highlights a broader trend in contemporary cooking: the marriage of wine and food is becoming increasingly sophisticated. In recent years, chefs have moved beyond simply pairing a glass with a meal to actively incorporating wine into cooking techniques. The “Few Glasses of Wine” dish showcases how a thoughtful reduction can elevate a classic recipe without dominating it.

Moreover, the dish underscores the idea that constraints—such as limited wine—can actually foster creativity. Instead of a sprawling menu, Ethan turned to a single, carefully chosen wine to create a dish that feels both intimate and grand.

Final Thoughts

The “Few Glasses of Wine” dish by Ethan Ramirez will likely go down in MasterChef lore as an example of how restraint and focus can produce spectacular results. It reminded audiences that the essence of great cooking is often in the subtlety: a well‑timed reduction, a perfectly‑seasoned protein, and an understanding of how ingredients converse with one another.

For fans of MasterChef, the episode is a must‑watch, and for aspiring chefs, it’s a masterclass in turning a simple idea into a culinary triumph. As Ethan continues on the competition, his journey offers a compelling reminder that sometimes, the best path forward is to take a few glasses of wine, let them deepen into a reduction, and serve them with confidence and humility.