Viewers of MasterChef:
The Professionals expressed strong opinions about the philosophy of Alchemist, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the finals week of the competition.
The restaurant, run by chef Rasmus Munk, is known for confronting diners with uncomfortable truths about ingredient sourcing and avant-garde decor.
As the finalists attempted to create dishes from Alchemist’s pantry, viewers took to social media to criticize Rasmus’s vision, branding it as ‘b******s.’
The comparisons to eerie movies like Silence of the Lambs and Ralph Fiennes’s The Menu added to the skepticism.
Alchemist’s high pricing also came under fire.
The episode showcased the finalists arriving at the restaurant through Copenhagen’s canals, greeted by performance art and fluorescent drawings.
Rasmus challenged them to create dishes like a chicken thigh in a cage (a commentary on battery hens) and a fish dish resembling plastic (highlighting ocean pollution).
While the chefs praised Rasmus’s philosophy, viewers were less convinced.
Some drew parallels with The Menu movie, and others found the episode reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs.
Criticisms ranged from calling it ‘pretentious moralistic b******s’ to accusing Rasmus of ‘sucking the joy out of food.’
The episode featured the chefs creating recipes from Alchemist’s unusual ingredients, with mixed reactions.
The windpipe croquette presented by contestant Kasae received praise from the Michelin-starred chef but garnered a less enthusiastic response from viewers.
In conclusion, the controversial episode left MasterChef fans divided over Alchemist’s avant-garde approach and Rasmus Munk’s culinary philosophy.
The social media backlash emphasized the diverse opinions on the intersection of fine dining, art, and culinary experimentation.
