Maria and Bailey battle chaos and critics to claim MKR semi-final spot

High tension filled Adelaide on MKR tonight as friends and business partners Maria and Bailey fought through kitchen chaos and strategic controversy to earn their place in the semi-finals, finishing with a total score of 64 out of 100.

My Kitchen Rules contestants Maria and Bailey silenced their critics after a night of fiery exchanges and hard-earned triumphs. (image – Channel 7)

Determined to prove their cooking could stand above the recent talk of strategic scoring, the pair served an ambitious three-course meal under intense scrutiny from both judges and fellow contestants.

“The whole table has been turning on us recently since they found out we strategically scored,”

said Bailey.

“We have a target on our back,” added Maria.

For entrée, the team plated Octopus with Fava and Spicy Salsa Verde, and Feta Gnocchi with Prawn Bisque, Pepper Cream and Ouzo Gel, which drew mixed reactions. Colin Fassnidge scored the octopus a seven, describing it as “cooked beautifully” but wishing for “a little more char” and a lighter hand with the fava puree.

Manu Feildel was less impressed with the gnocchi, calling it “too dense and heavy” though he noted the feta added good flavour, awarding it a six.

The pressure intensified during the main course when Mark unexpectedly stepped into the kitchen, insisting he wanted to help with the steak order — a move that left Bailey visibly frustrated.

“He’s here to distract us,” Bailey fumed.

As smoke filled the kitchen, Maria admitted, “We know our mains are not perfect, but we faced a lot of chaos tonight.”

The duo impressed judges despite kitchen drama and pressure from rivals during their My Kitchen Rules cook-off.

Their Barramundi with Potato Scales, Mediterranean Vegetables and Lemon Velouté and Scotch Fillet with Red Wine Jus and Potato Terrine each earned sixes from the judges. Colin found the steak “slightly overcooked” and said the jus “still tasted of alcohol”, while Manu said the fish was “nicely cooked” though the potato scales “could have been done a lot better.”

Dessert proved a crucial test for Maria, who runs her own cookie business. The duo served Pistachio Cookie with Praline and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, alongside Pavlova with Earl Grey Ganache, Raspberry and Pink Peppercorn Coulis.

Colin liked the flavour of the cookie and the caramelised pistachios but admitted, “I wanted a soft gooey ooziness. It was a lot of hard cookie,” giving it a six. Manu praised the pavlova’s “fantastic” ganache and strong individual elements, though he said they didn’t quite come together, scoring it a seven.

Guest teams gave Maria and Bailey 26 out of 40, with Bailey voicing doubts about Mark and Tan’s score of seven.

“Mark cannot be trusted. He is playing a strategic game to butter us up, so we score them well for their Ultimate Instant Restaurant,” Bailey said.

By the end of the night, Maria and Bailey’s total of 64 out of 100 placed them third on the leaderboard, securing their progression to the semi-finals behind Justin and Will (75) and Lol and Lil (68).