The son of a Marion County firefighter has advanced into the final round of MasterChef Junior and will compete during next week’s finale for the title and a $100,000 prize.
Michael Seegobin advanced into the finals of MasterChef Junior during Monday’s broadcast of the show, which aired at 8 p.m. on FOX.
During the episode, Seegobin and three other chefs competed in a “Keeping up with Gordon” challenge wherein the remaining contestants had to follow along with chef Gordon Ramsay as he butchered a duck.
The chefs were challenged with following along both to butcher the duck and to make duck à l’orange with the butchered duck, all while keeping up with Ramsay’s pace.
Throughout the challenge, the celebrity chef judges made multiple comments about Seegobin’s poise and focus.
At one point during the challenge, all the young chefs were each cooking items on three pans and aggressively multitasking.
Seegobin seemingly excelled at managing the pressure.
“I’m literally multitasking on a new level. It is so fun and so cool and scary. And I’m learning a lot of things too,” said Seegobin during the experience.
While presenting to the judges, Seegobin was told that his dish was the closest in appearance to chef Ramsay’s.
“I’m feeling really good that I can keep up with you,” said Seegobin about his experience keeping pace with the world renowned chef.
Ramsay described Seegobin’s dish as “delicious” and said he was proud of the young chef’s “concentration,” saying it’s “exactly what chefs need.”
“Cook with their ears wide open, eyes watching left and right,” said Ramsay about Seegobin’s keen ability to follow directions.
At the onset of the challenge, Seegobin compared his ability to follow Ramsay’s lead to that of following his father, Dean, who is a 21-year veteran of the Marion County Fire Rescue.
“In the kitchen, back home in Florida, my dad wants everything perfect,” said Seegobin. “So I’m used to following his lead.”
After their deliberations, the judges awarded Seegobin yet another immunity for his efforts, guaranteeing him a spot in next week’s finale episode.
Throughout the course of the series, Seegobin has been on a tear, claiming victories and prizes across multiple challenges.
That includes prizes like an all-expenses-paid vacation to Mexico for his family, as well as electric bicycles.
Seegobin’s father is stationed at MCFR Station 27 in Weirsdale, and Michael is a regular fixture at the building, having gone as far to make meals for the crew.
Michael Seegobin will now look to claim the title of MasterChef Junior during next week’s season finale. To support him on his quest to win the show, tune into the next episode of MasterChef Junior on Fox on Monday, May 13 at 8 p.m.
To keep up with the young chef’s culinary journey, follow Michael Seegobin on Instagram.