Reynold Poernomo collapses in tears as he’s eliminated in emotional MasterChef finale – as he admits his KOI Dessert Bar is struggling
On Sunday night’s episode of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win, Reynold Poernomo was eliminated after an emotional pressure test.
When presenting his candy apple desert to the judges, Reynold admitted that his KOI Dessert Bar was struggling.
‘Like, we do have Koi. People think it’s successful. And it is. It’s great. I guess there were moments where we took the success for granted,’ he said, breaking down.
Out: On Sunday night’s episode of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win, Reynold Poernomo (pictured) was eliminated after an emotional pressure test
‘I’m not going to go too into details and… now there’s a lot of things that we’re trying to keep our head up high, trying to maintain our image. People see it as, like, the products are so great. But why is it that we’re still struggling?’
‘So that’s the saddest part about this business. It’s, like, hospitality industry has never been easy. I didn’t come on here for the fame or anything like that. I came on here because I love to cook. The only thing I’m good at’.
Reynold’s admission moved the judges, especially Melissa Leong, who related to his struggles as a child of immigrants.
Upset: When presenting his candy apple desert to the judges, Reynold admitted that his KOI Dessert Bar was struggling
Issues: But that wasn’t enough to get his dessert over the line, with the judges saying his desert was not bitter enough
But that wasn’t enough to get his dessert over the line, with the judges saying his desert was not bitter enough.
Guest judge Martin Benn, of Sepia fame, says that the dish was ‘lollipop sweet’ and the apple too small.
Upon being eliminated, Reynold broke down completely, and was unable to speak as he wept.
So upset: Upon being eliminated, Reynold broke down completely, and was unable to speak as he wept
Dramatic: He turned from the cameras, clutching his head, and at one stage leaned down on a bench, overcome with emotion
He turned from the cameras, clutching his head, and at one stage leaned down on a bench, overcome with emotion.
With tears running down his cheeks, the cook composed himself enough to say: ‘This competition has given so much.
‘I’m so happy to be here. Second chances don’t come around often. And it has been an absolute amazing experience.’
Afterwards, the chef admitted: ‘I feel pretty devastated. I really believed that I could win. But even though I didn’t win I’d say it was all worth it’
The judges called him an ‘inspiration’ and a ‘privilege’ to work with, owing to his perfectionism.
Afterwards, the chef admitted: ‘I feel pretty devastated. I really believed that I could win. But even though I didn’t win I’d say it was all worth it.
‘It was all a journey. I don’t know where it’s going to take me but I know from here on it’s nowhere but up.’
With Reynold out, Emelia Jackson and Laura Sharrad will compete for the title of MasterChef 2020.
Final: With Reynold out, Emelia Jackson and Laura Sharrad (both pictured) will compete for the title of MasterChef 2020