Donato de Santis teaches Rusherking a lesson in maturity on MasterChef Celebrity

At a MasterChef Celebrity gala that marked a turning point in the show’s dynamics, one of the most tense moments of the season arose. While the judges tasted the final preparations, Donato de Santis found himself needing to intervene not only as a culinary evaluator but as a teacher of something more fundamental: attitude.

The challenge that changed everything: mysterious boxes and time limits

The night began with an unexpected twist. The contestants found special boxes at their stations, but these were not ordinary: they were completely made of dough, hiding fruits, chocolates, and other dessert ingredients inside. Damián Betular announced that there would be no set recipe, which immediately caused concern among the competitors. The challenge, revealed by Donato de Santis, consisted of preparing a sweet dish that incorporated the cookie they had just broken, with a time limit of 50 minutes.

But there was more. Germán Martitegui explained that an additional mini-challenge was at stake: six work stations with specific activities, divided among a trio and two pairs. The available time to complete them was just eight minutes, and those who finished could earn ten extra minutes for their main dish. The final complication was revealed at the last moment: each participant would have to use only one hand throughout the process.

Creations that divided the judges’ opinions

Marixa Balli opened the tasting round with a faux shortbread accompanied by cream cheese, orange zest, and caramelized fruits. Donato de Santis recognized the careful execution and proper presentation, though he suggested that the cream could have had more contrast. Chino Leunis presented a tartlet with vanilla cream and red fruits, which sparked debate among the judges about whether it truly deserved the name crème catalane, though Martitegui admitted he had been wrong in his predictions about its final outcome.

Ian Lucas chose a trifle with cookies and white chocolate, an ambitious proposal but one that was difficult to taste according to Germán Martitegui’s comments. Cachete Sierra presented a tartlet with lemon curd and cherries, receiving praise for its flavor, though Donato de Santis pointed out that the doneness was too close to burnt on the edges.

Evangelina Anderson took a risk with an upside-down pear tart that, although conceptually interesting, suffered from proportion issues. La Reini pleasantly surprised with her red fruit cheesecake, a preparation that Martitegui described as unnecessary external advice, demonstrating her technical mastery.

The moment Donato de Santis would not overlook

For the finale, Rusherking presented an apple tart with peanut butter and cream cheese. But before the judges tasted his work, the rapper directly questioned his placement in the order: “Why do they always put me last? Do they have something against me?” While tasting, he shot again: “I feel like they’re going to give it to me, but I think the dish is good. These three have bad vibes.”

That’s when Donato de Santis responded with an observation that resonated throughout the kitchen. Calmly but with absolute clarity, he said: “Even if it’s good vibes, aggressiveness is always a sign of insecurity.” The phrase, simple but sharp, captured the essence of the moment and set a clear boundary on how any competitor should behave, regardless of their experience in other areas.

Betular complemented the technical assessment, noting that while the idea was brilliant, the execution was lacking. He criticized the excess of butter that coated the palate and the lack of differentiation between textures. Martitegui was more severe, arguing that the combination of dough, peanut butter, and apple resulted in a monotonous sensory experience.

The winners and losers of a memorable night

After deliberation, the judges first called La Reini, Marixa Balli, and Cachete Sierra to confirm that their dishes had been the best of the night, securing them a spot in the next round of benefits. Ian Lucas and Rusherking received the dreaded gray aprons, putting them at risk of elimination.

Chino Leunis moved up to the balcony with his winning teammates, while Evangelina Anderson advanced to the last-chance night. Donato de Santis’s intervention was not just a culinary critique but a reminder of the values that govern the competition: beyond technique and originality, humility and respect are as essential as any ingredient in a professional kitchen.