Master Chef Down to Two

Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot announced the Top Two finalists on MASTERCHEF: Christine Ha, a blind graduate student from Houston, TX, and Josh Marks, a U.S. Army Contract Specialist from Jackson, MS. Becky Reams, a food photographer from Stilwell, KS, was sent home after an emotional elimination round.

“Joe, Graham and I have been utterly blown away by the standard of cooking this season,” said judge and executive producer Gordon Ramsay. “Josh and Christine’s cooking styles and personalities couldn’t be more different, but they both truly deserve their spot in the final and they’re both very hungry to win. Trust me, it’s going to be one hell of a battle for the title of MASTERCHEF.”

“Josh and Christine have grown leaps and bounds since audition day, and it has been a pleasure for Graham, Gordon, and myself to watch these two incredibly strong competitors transform from talented home cooks to inspiring MASTERCHEF finalists,” judge Joe Bastianiach noted.

"Christine and Josh have proven that they deserve a spot in the finale," added judge Graham Elliot. "From Christine's incredible palate to Josh's remarkably bold flavors, both home cooks are not only exceptionally talented, but their undeniable passion for cooking has inspired us as judges."

Next week, on the season finale airing Monday, Sept. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top Two finalists have one last chance to prove to the judges that they have the passion, skill and drive worthy of the MASTERCHEF title. In their final challenge, Christine Ha and Josh Marks will conceptualize and prepare the most important three-course meal of their lives. Later, the judges will reveal America’s next MASTERCHEF, and one deserving home cook will walk away with a book deal and the $250,000 grand prize.

MASTERCHEF will once again travel across the country and give talented home cooks the chance to prove they have what it takes to make their mark on the culinary world. Open casting calls for Season Four of MASTERCHEF will be held on the following dates:

Cities	Dates
San Diego, CA	Saturday, Oct. 6
Minneapolis, MN	Saturday, Oct. 13
Nashville, TN	Saturday, Oct. 13
Chicago, IL	Saturday, Oct. 20
Miami, FL	Saturday, Oct. 20
Dallas, TX	Saturday, Oct. 27
Cleveland, OH	Saturday, Oct. 27
Los Angeles, CA	Saturday, Nov. 3
Boston, MA	Saturday, Nov. 3
New York, NY	Saturday, Nov. 10
Portland, OR	Saturday, Nov. 10

Additional details, including venues and times, will be announced soon. Visit www.masterchefcasting.com for the most up-to-date audition information.

The Top Two finalists reveal their favorite MASTERCHEF moments:

Christine Ha Age: 32 Occupation: Graduate Student Hometown: Houston, TX Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1 Team Challenges Won: 4 Keep up with Christine at: www.twitter.com/MC3Christine www.facebook.com/MC3Christine

Christine’s favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “My favorite MASTERCHEF moment is undoubtedly meeting all of these people who are so different from me and each other, and observing how, regardless of our various backgrounds, we share a common love for food and the creation of it. Experiencing some of the most intense moments of our lives together fostered inexplicable bonds, and many of these people have become family to me.”

Josh Marks Age: 24 Occupation: U.S. Army Contract Specialist Currently Resides: Jackson, MS Mystery Box Challenges Won: 1 Team Challenges Won: 1 Keep up with Josh at: www.twitter.com/MC3Josh www.facebook.com/MC3Josh

Josh’s Favorite MASTERCHEF moment: “Cooking at Venice Beach for the Food Truck Team Challenge was, hands down, my favorite moment. The best part was when Gordon came in screaming at us, but when he tasted our food he simply said, ‘It’s delicious!’ and walked out!”

On Tuesday, Sept. 18 MASTERCHEF fans can cook their favorite recipes from the show with the release of MASTERCHEF: THE ULTIMATE COOKBOOK. Readers can pick up kitchen tips from judges Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot, along with the Top 18 contestants from Season Three and some fan favorites from the show’s first two seasons. MASTERCHEF: THE ULTIMATE COOKBOOK also presents more than 100 of Season Three’s best recipes that will transform home kitchens into premiere culinary destinations.