This season’s finale saw Greta and Jack compete in a series of challenges under the watchful eye of judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Moran and Anna Gare, as well as special guest judges Tetsuya and Donna Hay. Winning with a total score of 92/100 to Jack’s 84/100, Greta who impressed the judges with her Deconstructed Citrus Tart with Tropical Mousse on Macadamia Nuts with Fresh Fruit and then, her replica of a famous Tetsuya dish – Steamed Tian of Queensland Spanner Crab with Bean Curd, Water Chestnuts and Junsai – judged and praised by Tetsuya himself.
“I feel, like, amazing!” said Greta. “I told myself don’t get your hopes up, but here I am! This has been the most amazing experience of my life. I want to continue with food and show the world how much I love it.”
Jack, who’s proven to be the charismatic optimist of the series said, “I’m very proud of what I achieved. So many kids applied to be part of this show, and I came second! I have loved every minute of it, but the most important thing I leave with, are great memories and plenty of new friends.”
It was a solid end to a series suffering from lacklustre ratings, due in part to reality overload from Channel 10 in the latter part of 2011, as well as criticism that the kids had been coached for challenges allowing them to prepare menus and recipies ahead of filming. Channel 10 have not yet confirmed if the program will return in 2012.