Emma Dean has been crowned winner of MasterChef Australia 2013, outscoring fellow contestants Lynton Tapp and Samira
El Khafir, in a nail-biting finale that took the cooks on a culinary
rollercoaster testing just how far they had come on their Masterchef Australia journey.
With a score of 85 points over three rounds,
Emma was awarded the title, just four points ahead of Lynton on 81
points. She takes home a $100,000 cash prize, an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a
New Holland publishing book deal and the opportunity to work in the kitchens of
some of Australia’s best chefs.
Emma said the win was a surreal feeling: “I
just can’t believe it. It really hasn’t sunk in yet. The whole experience feels
like a dream, what a rollercoaster! I’m really privileged to have been able to
share this with Lynton, who’s become a wonderful friend. I can’t wait to head
out into the food world and make this restaurant a reality.”
Runner-up Lynton, said he was truly happy for
Emma, whom he has forged a close friendship with. He has already started working
on his food dream and has already commenced work experience in some great
kitchens.
Lynton said: “I’m proud of how much I grew
throughout the competition. Emma’s a deserving winner, she’s a great cook and I
know she’ll succeed at whatever she does next. I’m looking forward to getting
some hands on experience in kitchens across Melbourne. I just want to
learn as much as I can from the amazing chefs we’ve been exposed to on
MasterChef”.
Lynton and Samira both receive American
Express cash grants of $20,000 and $10,000, to help them realise their
potential and follow their food dreams.
A delighted Emma has already purchased a second-hand commercial kitchen
and is now looking for a space to open up her own restaurant with her
boyfriend, Dan.
