After auditioning cooks to represent regions of the United States, this “MasterChef” season, subtitled, “United Tastes of America,” returns Wednesday. Among the top 20 who made the cut is James Barfield, a Portland home cook who impressed judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, Joe Bastianich and guest judge Susan Feniger, winning him a spot on the team representing the West.
(No cable or antenna? Stream “MasterChef” live on Fubo, which offers a free trial; or watch episodes the day after they air on Hulu, which also offers a free trial.)
Barfield made an impression in last week’s episode, where he emotionally spoke about his late mother, and how she influenced his love of cooking. His dish, a crab cake, drew praise from the judges, and inspired Ramsay to say, “That is one of the best crab cakes I’ve ever tasted. It is an absolute yes from me.”
The Wednesday, June 21 “MasterChef” episode asks contestants to create a state fair-inspired dish. The winner of the challenge will earn immunity for their regional team.
“MasterChef” airs at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 on Fox.
— Kristi Turnquist
503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist
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