Olaolu Olorunnimbe was eliminated after his attempt at inventing a ‘breakfast trifle’ left the judges confused and underwhelmed.
The challenge saw the cooks tasked with inventing a dish based on two hero ingredients, and Olaolu picked pineapple and coconut.
He layered fruit with mascarpone, creating a dessert designed to be eaten at breakfast.
But the coconut and pineapple were drowned out by the cream, which the judges said was not sweet enough.
The judges also felt that the trifle overall lacked flavour, and were confounded by the talented chef choosing to make such a simple dish in an elimination challenge.
Olaolu Olorunnimbe (pictured) was eliminated from MasterChef Australia on Monday
His attempt at inventing a ‘breakfast trifle’ left the judges confused and underwhelmed
The 34-year-old brand consultant from NSW was sent packing as a result, and shared his disappointment at the result.
‘I’ve got some real mixed feelings right now,’ Olaolu admitted after saying his goodbyes.
‘It’s never nice to hear that your food didn’t hit the mark, but at the same time, I’m super proud of how long I’ve been here,’ he continued.
Olaolu said that he was happy to have shared his love of Nigerian cuisine on the show and would strive to continue to do so.
‘I’m so excited that I’ve learnt so much. It’s been cool to bring Nigerian flavours to all of Australia,’ he said.
‘I definitely want to continue to hero and showcase Nigerian food. Anything that allows me to do that, I will be chasing down for sure.’
It follows the elimination of contestant Miin Wei Looi, who was sent home during an emotional episode last Monday night.
The cooks were tasked with making a family recipe, and Miin offered his mum’s Kiam Chye Ark, a salted duck dish.
‘I’ve got some real mixed feelings right now,’ Olaolu admitted after saying his goodbyes
Olaolu said that he was happy to have shared his love of Nigerian cuisine on the show and would strive to continue to do so
However, he stumbled through the process, failing to complete his noodles on time, and undercooking his anaemic-looking duck.
The communications strategist from Victoria admitted he was ‘so disappointed’ by his efforts in the test.
While some of the judges enjoyed the broth, others felt it was bland and needed more time in the pressure cooker.
Miin had the worst-rated dish of the day, and was sent home.
In moving scenes, the 52-year-old broke down in tears when his name was called during the elimination.
‘Obviously, I’m very sad,’ Miin admitted after saying his farewells.
‘I tried my best, and today my best just wasn’t good enough.’
