RECAP | MKR’s Harrison and Oliver score 82 with family favourites

Harrison and Oliver have silenced some of their My Kitchen Rules critics, scoring 82 points with a menu of treasured family recipes to claim second place on the leaderboard.

The Sydney Gatecrashers impressed Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge with their stuffed squid main, while Oliver’s emotional tribute to his late Nonno gave the night a personal touch.

The pair opened their eclectic Instant Restaurant, Bloody Bellissimo, in Sydney’s inner west, determined to prove their cooking deserved as much attention as their distinctive style.

Their menu featured Venetian Liver and Onion Ravioli for entrée, ’Nduja Stuffed Squid with Polenta Bianca for main, and Chocolate Pavlova with Espresso Cream and Raspberries for dessert.

Not everyone was convinced they posed a serious threat, with Angus declaring:

“I’ve actually never felt less threatened in my entire life by these Gatecrashers. I’m pretty sure they’re going home.”

The boys hit trouble early when their pasta dough stuck to its cling wrap, threatening their entrée before the guests arrived. Oliver managed to salvage it, but the judges felt the ravioli needed more filling and the prosecco-and-saffron sauce required better balance.

Manu awarded the entrée six out of 10, while Colin gave it seven, for a combined 13/20. Colin described it as “a beautiful tasting dish” when the sauce and ravioli were combined.

Their main course proved to be the standout. Oliver learnt to cook stuffed squid with his late Nonno and has continued making the dish every Good Friday since his grandfather’s passing.

“I was incredibly close to my grandparents, but even ever since my Nonno has passed away, I continue to make it every single year on Good Friday.”

“I just hope that I can do them proud,” he said.

While the spicy ’nduja divided the table, the judges praised the tender squid and rich sauce, awarding the dish nine out of 10 each.

“I really love the way you cooked and braised these squids. The sauce, that was absolutely delicious,” Manu said.

Colin agreed, adding:

“It was a lot of sauce with a lot of love.”

Harrison drew on his own family memories for dessert, serving a chocolate pavlova he grew up making with his mum. The judges enjoyed the crisp exterior and gooey chocolate centre but wanted less cream and more raspberry acidity.

Both Manu and Colin awarded the dessert seven out of 10, bringing their combined judges’ score to 45/60. Manu finished on 22/30, while Colin awarded 23/30.

Alisha and Deanne were the pair’s strongest supporters among the guest teams, awarding nine out of 10. Angus and Simon, Sheridan and Ted, Zoe and Zac, and Krysten and Lucy each gave the boys seven, leaving them with 37/50 from their fellow contestants.

The combined score of 82/110 put Harrison and Oliver in second place, behind Krysten and Lucy on 92 points. Sheridan and Ted sat at the bottom of the leaderboard on 69.

Overwhelmed by the result, Harrison broke down in happy tears.

“I’m so relieved. I’m so proud of Oliver. These are happy tears,” he said.

Away from the kitchen, Angus continued the rivalry by describing the hosts as a “rip-off, reject shop, bargain bin Angus and Simon” duo.

Manu also declared Alisha and Deanne the loudest contestants in My Kitchen Rules’ 16-year history.

Judges’ scores

Judges’ total: 45/60

Guest team scores

Final score: 82/110

My Kitchen Rules continues at 7.30pm on Monday and Tuesday on Seven and 7plus.