New South Wales’ Sammy and Bella Jakubiak are the 2011 My Kitchen Rules champions after defeating Victoria’s Kane Lillywhite and Lee Chan in tonight’s dramatic grand final showdown.
In a five-course menu marathon, both teams had to serve up 100 plates to a full restaurant. The Sydney sisters were victorious receiving a near-perfect score of 56/60 to defeat the Melbourne housemates, who fell just short on 52 points.
Sammy and Bella fought back tears as the final score was read out. “It’s an emotional feeling,” Sammy, who at 22 was the series’ youngest competitor, said. “This is the most significant moment of our lives so far.”
Bella, 27, added: “We still can’t believe it. It’s been an amazing journey and winning was beyond our wildest dreams.”
Kane, 28, and Lee, 25, were gracious in defeat. “Outside the kitchen, these guys are our friends,” Lee said. “We’re so proud to see them win.”
Judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel and guest judges Tobie Puttock, Guy Grossi, Karen Martini and Liz Egan commended both teams on their outstanding menus. “Both teams are at the top of their game,” Pete said. “What an amazing grand final. All the dishes were top notch.”
The sisters walk away not only with the title but also with $100,000 prize money. The pair, who quit their jobs in fashion to be on the show, want to continue cooking. They’ve already started their own food blog – sammyandbella.com – and plan on taking a gastronomic tour through Europe later this year. “Winning My Kitchen Rules is a dream come true,” Bella said. “Cooking is our life and passion and we want to continue learning and growing.”
My Kitchen Rules has been a ratings smash hit this series averaging more than 1.5million viewers. My Kitchen Rules: The Cookbook is out this Friday and available in newsagents and selected supermarkets at RRP $12.95.
Applications are now open for series three. Interested applicants can head to the official website to apply.