MKR’s open scoring leaves contestants on edge, with Rob and Liam’s dinner party setting the stage for high-stakes drama.
The latest instalment of My Kitchen Rules (MKR) erupted in tension as the Ultimate Instant Restaurant round launched on Monday, with Rob and Liam hosting a dinner party that cooked up both culinary critique and personal confrontation. A final score of just 57 out of 100 left the Mornington Peninsula brothers deflated, marking a stark decline from their recent success as guest judges in Kitchen HQ.
With high stakes, the pair were required to serve two entrees, mains, and desserts, with diners choosing between the options. Strategy was front and centre for contestants, with some choosing dishes based on ease and familiarity, while others like Mike and Pete opted for risky items to score “honestly,” despite the possible fallout. Janey and Maddie, meanwhile, selected dishes that represented the best of the menu to gauge their fiercest competition.
The evening took a sharp turn during service. Colin Fassnidge awarded the first entrée, Beef Cheek Tacos with Smoked Cheese Sauce and Pico de Gallo, a seven, critiquing the “chewy” taco shells. Before judges could comment, Janey interrupted, asking, “Why did you give us two tacos each and compromise on the quality of the tacos?” Her statement left Liam visibly annoyed, later sharing, “Immediately I kind of just saw red. Have some respect.” Unmoved, Janey countered, saying, “We are here to judge the food. It’s not a personality contest.”
The second entrée, Morcilla Spring Rolls with Red Pepper Sauce and Charred Chorizo Crumb, was lukewarmly received, with Manu Feildel giving a six and remarking that “something was missing on the plate.”
The main courses brought mixed results. The Peri Peri Woodfired Chicken was inconsistently cooked, with Mike finding his portion underdone. Colin praised the alternative main, Sticky Pork Ribs with Charred Sprouts and Chimichurri, awarding an eight, though he noted a lack of sauce.
Dessert, unfortunately, cemented the brothers’ slide. The Passionfruit Bavarois with Lime Sorbet and Tequila was marred by an overwhelmingly sour lime taste, leading Colin to score it a five. Meanwhile, the Churros with Pistachio Mascarpone Cream and Liqueur and Chocolate Sauce fell flat, earning a four from Manu, who noted it was “not well executed.”
The night’s twist – open scoring – saw contestants disclosing their scores at the table, leading to immediate reactions. Liam declared, “We get to hear everyone’s scores, and if they lowball us, we are low balling back.” Though they accepted the fives given by Caz and Fergus and Mike and Pete, Rob and Liam took issue with Janey and Maddie’s five, believing it unfair given that they had chosen what the brothers saw as the best offerings of the night.
Reflecting on the evening, Rob hoped for redemption, remarking, “Hopefully we get to cook again and bring it back up to where it needs to be.”
Judges’ Scores
Entrée Main Dessert Total
Manu 6/10 6/10 4/10 16/30
Colin 7/10 8/10 5/10 20/30
Total 36/60
MKR Team Scores
Team Score
Mike and Pete 5/10
Janey and Maddie 5/10
Caz and Fergus 5/10
Simone and Viviana 6/10
Total 21/40
Ultimate Instant Restaurant Leaderboard
Team Total Score
Rob and Liam 57/100
Next up, Caz and Fergus step into the spotlight as they host their Ultimate Instant Restaurant on Tuesday night.