Michael receives his Top 24 apron and a big old congratulatory hug from guest Maggie Beer.
It's a beautiful Sydney day as Michael arrives at the MasterChef kitchen ready to try and realise his food dreams.
Michael receives his Team Captain apron from Craig as they prepare to go head-to-head in the Cronulla Beach Challenge.
Michael and his Team rejoice after winning the miners' vote in the WA Challenge.
Michael's stunning goat dish in the Margaret River Invention Test is bested only by Jay's marron.
A speechless Michael meets his food idol Thomas Keller, even if he'd rather forget the dish he cooked.
Heston prepares to sample Michael's shake, which carries very personal memories for its maker.
Michael's performance in the Moran Farm Challenge sees him again narrowly miss a solo win, this time losing out to Billy.
Making a brilliant start to NY Week with his Five Buroughs Challenge performance won Michael an advantage going into the UN Challenge.
Michael's NY journey just gets better, as he and Alana are treated to a tour of culinary hot spots in a private Masterclass with George and Gary.
Another Challenge, another near miss as Michael narrowly gets beaten by Dani in the Dalai Lama Challenge.
Best buds to the end, Michael is forced to say goodbye to Hayden after ending his MasterChef dreams.
Michael and Kate get back to nature with a private bush tucker Masterclass coutesy of Mark 'Black' Olive.
Michael finally samples solo success, making his Mystery Box ingredients sing and winning not only an inclusion in Taste magazine, but a chance to cook for Immunity.
Michael stands back and enjoys the experience of a professional photo shoot for what will become his first published recipe.
While not quite able to win Immunity, Michael gave guest chef Teage Ezard plenty to think about.
Michael takes his first step towards his own cookbook with a winning chicken dish that his home cook Sue cooks perfectly.
Peter Doyle commends Michael on the standout venison dish that could easily have a fixed place on Est.'s menu.
Michael goes crazy after Gary announces him as the Three Hat Challenge winner and first contestant into the finale.
Looking the part in his chef's whites, Michael resembles every bit the professional chef at the end of a long competition.
With a brilliant performance in the Mystery Box round Michael take an early lead on the judges' scorecards.
Knowing he made a mistake with his leeks and sauce in the Invention Test round, Michael tries to take the feedback on the chin.
Having had amazing fun in the Pressure Test round, Michael receives glowing feedback for his Snowman dish.
He may not have taken the title, but Michael's achieved and experienced so much he can't possibly be disatisified.
2011 Recipe Collection
Cronulla Challenge Behind-The-Scenes
2011 Episode Gallery 3
Bakery Challenge Behind-The-Scenes
2011 Episode Gallery 2
First Week Behind-The-Scenes
2011 Episode Gallery 1
MasterChef 2011, Top 50
2011 Judges Gallery