MasterChef Israel Finale Delivers Sweet Ending to Disappointing Season

The finale of "MasterChef Israel's" "Stars" season, which featured returning contestants, concluded with a surprising winner, though the season itself was marked by lower-than-usual viewership and a perceived lack of consistent quality. The season struggled to coalesce, with the reviewer suggesting the absence of regular judges Israel Aharoni and Haim Cohen, and perhaps even Ruthie Brodo, contributed to the lackluster performance. The finale, however, provided a "perfect dessert to a disappointing meal," according to the article.

The three finalists were Eliav Sheshon, a fashion designer and former "MasterChef" runner-up; Haim Cohen, a chef at a high-tech company; and Gal Kaspers, who had previously placed third and now runs a Pilates business. Kaspers was eliminated first, despite her impressive final dishes, having been seen as less technically advanced than her competitors. Her use of a valuable sea bass for a single dish was noted as potentially wasteful.

Haim Cohen, the runner-up, was highlighted for his precision and technical skill, honed through pastry training in France. The reviewer likened him to a virtuoso composer, capable of creating seemingly simple yet complex melodies. However, his dishes, while good, lacked the "thrill" that elevates a dish from great to fantastic, prompting questions about whether he possessed that extra spark.

Ultimately, Eliav Sheshon emerged victorious. The article posits that Sheshon's win, despite Cohen's technical prowess, was due to his experience, having previously competed in a final. Sheshon's cooking was described as pushing Israeli cuisine forward, drawing inspiration from North American Jewish cuisine with new techniques and ingredients. The three-hour finale, condensed into a compelling television hour and a half, captivated viewers, leaving them eager for the next "real" season.