Safe tactics end couple's MKR run

Monique and Henry Heke were left to rue their conservative approach last night. Photo / TVNZ

Hawke's Bay couple Monique and Henry Heke's play-it-safe strategy cost them a spot in the final as they exited My Kitchen Rules last night.

Cooking off against William and Zoe from Auckland in the semifinal the Hekes were left to rue their conservative approach to their three dishes.

Each team had to prepare a three-course meal within 90 minutes. "This is what it's all about, this is where we wanted to be," Mr Heke said during the TV2 show.

The couple surprised all by opting for a simple menu showcasing the best of New Zealand produce, saving their "big guns" for a potential grand final appearance.

For an entree the Hekes went with a seared scallop pumpkin soup. The judges described the creation as "pleasant" but "not a semifinal dish".

"Pumpkin is the easiest soup in the world to make, they are playing it safe," one judge said.

Their main dish was a generous portion of eye fillet with a Maori potato puree.

The star of their menu was Mrs Heke's creme brulee with caramelised apple dessert.

All judges agreed it was "perfection on a plate", with Gareth Stewart revealing it was one of the best he had ever tasted. "That was a 10 dessert right there," he said. But a perfect dessert wasn't enough.

The judges awarded the Hekes sevens across the board, giving them a total of 42 out of 60 points.

Conversely William and Zoe scored 54 out of 60 for their efforts.

Hanging up their aprons, Mr Heke said: "It's been a privilege and a humbling experience to be here," with Mrs Heke adding through tears: "It was a tough day at the office today. We had a lot more to show as far as what we wanted to serve - more Maori kai, more seafood."

"We may not have won the $100,000 but my wife is worth a million bucks," Mr Heke said.