Hell's Kitchen Season 24, Episode 1

Hello everybody! 

Here’s a fun fact for all of you reading right now: The next season of Hell’s Kitchen is premiering next month! 

To celebrate such a momentous occasion, I will be doing write-ups of all the episodes from the previous season, which was Season 24, because if there is anybody in this world who has taken the job of getting people excited for shows they don’t care about, it’s me.

So, with that out of the way, let’s get into it!

Season 24 was filmed at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, because even though everybody lives out in California, the producers love Connecticut’s cost structure. And if you don’t believe me, they have just filmed the next two seasons at Foxwoods as well. 

Also, for reasons that I assume are just because they can, since Season 17, every season has had a gimmick to it that has had almost no effect on how the season has played out, and Season 24 was no exception. The gimmick this season was “Battle Of The States.” 

It started off with a theater at Foxwoods being filled with fans and potential contestants. And then a video was played, showing that Chef Ramsay’s team had searched for the best chefs from all 50 states, and all those chefs were in the audience at that time, but only 20 would actually be competing in the competition. Yeah, isn’t that a nice treat for those other 30 chefs? They get brought to Hell’s Kitchen with the possibility of being a contestant, but then they find out they did not make the cut. And they didn’t even get highlighted once the episode actually aired. It’s like they are being told “Yeah, sorry, you’re not good enough to be on the show, but on the plus side, you now know who is, and you got to see Chef Ramsay from a distance.”

After the Top 20 chefs were brought up to the stage, they were brought into the kitchen to make their Signature Dishes. 

After the cook time was up, it was time for Chef Ramsay to taste everybody’s dishes head to head, with all the men making up The Blue Team, and all the women making up The Red Team. How it was going to work is that Chef Ramsay scored each dish on a scale of one to five, and whichever team scored the most points by the end would win the challenge, while the other team would either be forced to do manual labor or something completely disproportionate with losing a challenge on a cooking show.

Up first was Ellie and Paul.

Ellie was up first, and she had extremely dark red hair that looked like it was dyed that way, and I’m only saying this because I now want all of you reading to picture it. 

Chef Ramsay then asked Ellie to take him back to the beginning of her culinary journey, and she explained that it started when she was 14 years old, and went to culinary school along with high school at the same time, which is the most culinary  overachiever thing I have ever heard in my life. She was also 25 at the time she was on the show, and became a Sous Chef at the age of 21.

Ellie’s Signature Dish was a Ricotta Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce and Burrata, which is a dish that I would absolutely want to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told her the dish was simple, and the Gnocchi needed more seasoning, but it was hearty, so he gave the dish a 3 out of 5.

Up next was Paul, who had the most worried look on his face I have ever seen on any Hell’s Kitchen contestant ever. I am not even joking when I say that nobody in the history of this show, or really any cooking show I have ever watched has been as nervous as Paul was.

Yeah, so Paul was so nervous… How nervous was he?! A million points to everyone who understands that reference. 

Paul was so nervous that he couldn’t even talk to Chef Ramsay, needing to be prompted several times just to say anything, even removing the dome that was covering his dish. It was so awkward.

Paul then revealed that his Signature Dish was Ricotta Gnudi with a Roasted Tomato Sauce and a Tomato Medley, which is another dish that I would absolutely want to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like. 

For those of you who don’t know what Gnudi is, it’s a dish that is very similar to Gnocchi. Now I know what you’re thinking: What are the odds that the chef who made Gnocchi goes up against the chef who made the very similar Gnudi? Well, here’s the answer. 50%, either it was going to happen, or it wasn’t. That’s how odds work.

Chef Ramsay was disappointed by the fact that he had more Tomato than he had Gnudi, so he gave the dish a 2 out of 5. 

Up next was Jada and Anthony.

Jada told Chef Ramsay that her love of cooking started from a very young age, as when people were watching cartoons after school, she was always watching him, which Chef Ramsay took to mean that she was calling him old. And frankly, he’s absolutely right. The show first premiered in 2005, and Jada is now saying that she watched him when she was much younger, and she was 22 years old at the time of the show.

Jada then said that her Signature Dish was Crispy Skin Salmon with Koshihikari Rice. I’m not sure about this dish, because even though I’m not the biggest fan of Fish, I’m always willing to have some Salmon. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told her that the Salmon was cooked beautifully, the colors popped, it was very elegant, and as a result, he ended up giving the dish a 5 out of 5.

Anthony then talked about growing up in Iowa, saying that it’s kind of a small state, and has been misinterpreted as not being a big culinary state, and he got lucky to work with some chefs that have won James Beard Awards. He then said that when he turned 18, he decided to move to Chicago, and then ended up winning a star with a team as a Junior Sous Chef, and now he is the Executive Sous Chef at a place called Pickle Palace, which is a multi-level dining and pickleball place. For context, this is like if Chef Ramsay left one of his restaurants to work at a Chuck E. Cheese’s. 

Anthony then said that his Signature Dish was a Seared Duck Breast with Mango and Charred Ginger Puree, which is a dish that I might consider trying. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told him that the colors looked fantastic, and the cook on the Duck was beautiful, and he also gave his dish a 5 out of 5.

Up next was Cara Marie and Jayden.

Cara Marie said that she fell in love with cooking through her Italian grandmother, when she was very young, possibly even three years old, and she has been cooking ever since. 

Chef Ramsay then asked if her Signature Dish was a nod to her grandmother, to which she responded that it was actually a totally opposite direction, as she made a Crispy Fried Watermelon Tuna. 

Yes, you read that correctly. A Crispy Fried Watermelon Tuna. This is of course referring to the way the Watermelon was cut and cooked, as it sort of looked like Tuna. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not too sure that I would be willing to try this dish. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay was immediately skeptical of the dish, asking her why she chose to make it, to which Cara Marie responded that she was vegan, to which Chef Ramsay reminded her that she was not cooking for herself, she was cooking for him, trying to impress him to get 5, to get her team to victory. 

He then told her that the flavor profile was good, the Watermelon had a nice charred aspect to it, but there was too much Rice and insufficient Melon, which ended up getting her dish a 2 out of 5, which is one point higher than I expected her to get. Also, this is the only time in history you will ever hear anyone complain about “Insufficient Melon.”

Jayden then presented his Signature Dish, which was “Angry Shrimp.” For those of you who are like me and wondering what that means, it’s Hot and Spicy Shrimp cooked in a Fiery Tomato Sauce and served on top of Polenta. This is another dish that I would consider trying. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told him that the heat on the Shrimp was delicious, and he gave the dish a 4 out of 5. Yeah, at a certain point, the producers like to just yada yada through both the contestants and the dishes they made, and that’s not exclusive to this episode. Or this season.

Up next was Elaina and Antonio.

Antonio’s Signature Dish was a Spiced Pork Chop, which is another dish that I would be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

All they showed Chef Ramsay saying was that the Pork Chop was elevated, and he gave the dish a 4 out of 5. 

Chef Ramsay then asked Elaina how her culinary journey started, to which she very matter-of-factly stated that she blew up the microwave in high school, as she did not know that aluminum foil didn’t belong in there, at which point everyone around her decided that she needed to learn how to cook. Okay, that is the best origin story for a chef ever. 

Elaina’s Signature Dish was a Speck Wrapped Rainbow Trout stuffed with Sage and Mascarpone, which is not exactly a dish that I would be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay’s immediate reaction to the dish was asking “Where the ____ is the Trout?” Yeah, we all know what word he said here. 

Elaina’s response was that the Trout was under the Speck, to which Chef Ramsay asked if he had to go fishing for it, to which Elaina said that he did, to which Chef Ramsay then showed that he was slicing right then, and the Trout slipped out from inside the Speck, as it wasn’t wrapped properly. 

He then said that it was a shame, because the flavors were there, but he gave the dish a 3 out of 5. 

Up next was Cat and Chris. 

Chris explained that he was a Culinary Arts Instructor at a jail, teaching men and women how to cook, to get a career, and use culinary to change their life, which is the most admirable thing I think any of the contestants has done as a career.

His signature dish was a Spice Seared Quail with Charred English Peas and a Corn Jus, which is a dish that I really don’t think I would want to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay asked him if he cooked food like that in the jail, to which Chris said that he did, as he wants them to have the opportunity to work at any restaurant they want to.

Chef Ramsay then said that the Quail was cooked beautifully, but could have done with 30 seconds less, so he gave the dish a 4 out of 5. I’m sorry, but doesn’t that contradict the first part of his comments? How can the Quail be cooked beautifully and also need 30 seconds less of cooking?

Cat’s Signature Dish was Codfish Croquettes, which I would absolutely be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay said that the Cod was cooked beautifully, and it was a delicious and rustic dish, so he gave her dish a 4 out of 5.

Up next was Chase and Anaiya.

Chase’s Signature Dish was Elk Tenderloin with a Goat Cheese-Infused Mash, which I might actually consider trying. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay said that it was very good, and gave the dish a 4 out of 5. 

Anaiya’s Signature Dish was a Crab Cake. Yeah, that’s it. There was nothing special or fancy about it, but I’ll tell you this: If you put a Crab Cake in front of me, I will eat it. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay also liked the dish, and also gave it a 4 out of 5.

Up next was Maddy and Jon. 

Chef Ramsay then asked Jon to give him an insight to his home life, to which Jon said that he had built a great life, he has six kids, one of which is special needs, and he also lives on a 12 acre homestead, as he got tired of not being able to to find the vegetables and things that he wanted, so he started growing them himself, so he and his family enjoy everything from Chickens, to Ducks, to Vegetables. 

Chef Ramsay then commented on how Jon was very much a farm-to-table chef, and then in the biggest juxtaposition in possibly the show’s history, his Signature Dish was Chicken & Waffles. And if you think I’m exaggerating that this was a juxtaposition, I would like to add that after he revealed the dish, the music awkwardly cut out, fellow contestant Anaiya said in an interview segment that she wouldn’t even have the courage to lift the dome up, and Chef Ramsay commented that Jon got him excited with all the farm-to-table stuff. I am just going to say this right now, if you put a plate of Chicken & Waffles in front of me, I would absolutely be willing to eat it. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Despite the incredibly awkward juxtaposition, Chef Ramsay actually liked the dish, and gave it a 4 out of 5.

Maddy then explained that she was 21, was a Sous Chef at 18, co-owner of a restaurant at 19, and started a catering business at 21. Okay, remember when I said that Ellie had accomplished the most culinary overachiever thing ever? I take it back, Maddy has accomplished the most culinary overachiever thing ever. 

Her Signature Dish was a Vegetable Stir Fry with Basmati Rice and Marinated Strip Steak, which is a dish that I would absolutely be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay said that the Steak was cooked beautifully, but the Rice needed a touch more seasoning, and the dish looked like it was rushed, but the Steak and the Vegetables were delicious, so he gave the dish a 4 out of 5.

Up next was Cydni and Carlos.

Chef Ramsay asked Carlos if cooking has always been his passion, to which he responded that it wasn’t, as his original passion was professional skateboarding, and I just have to ask, was Chef Ramsay prompted to ask this question by producers? Because there is no way he could have known that Carlos would have such a specific answer.

Carlos’ Signature Dish was a Cashew Crusted Halibut with a Cherry-Apple Beurre Blanc and a Basmati Rice Pilaf, which I’m not too sure that I would want to try because Fish. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay had a big problem with the dish, which was that the Halibut was very overcooked, and the Cashew Crust also absorbs moisture, so if anything, the Halibut should have been undercooked, so he gave the dish a 2 out of 5.

Chef Ramsay then asked Cydni how her career started, to which she explained that she started cooking as soon as she could reach the top of the stove, and then when she was 12 years old, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. She then explained that Crohn’s poses an everyday struggle in the kitchen, as she is not supposed to eat all these things, as they cause inflammation or discomfort. In her words, pretty much everyone told her that she couldn’t be a chef, and they wanted her to give up the only dream and the only love she has had her whole life, and she basically told them to ____ off. See, it’s not just Chef Ramsay who says words that have to be censored. It’s the contestants as well. 

Her Signature Dish was Pan Seared Salmon with Brussels Sprouts and Wasabi Goat Cheese Pommes Puree, and as I already said, even though I am not the biggest fan of Fish, I would be willing to have Salmon. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Also, when Cydni was describing her dish to Chef Ramsay, she did not mention the Brussels Sprouts. I only included them here because I could very clearly see them, and I know what they are. 

Chef Ramsay told her that the dish was delicious, and the Salmon was cooked beautifully, and he gave the dish a 4 out of 5.

Up next was Alexandra and Bradley. 

Here are some fun facts that none of you reading care about, but I’m going to share anyway because it’s my life and I do what I want. A million points to anyone who knows what song I just referenced. 

First of all, Bradley was from a town in Louisiana called Alexandria. Yes, the guy from Alexandria was up against a person named Alexandra. I know that all of you reading right now are wondering what are the odds of this happening, and allow me to answer your question. 50%, either it was going to happen, or it wasn’t. 

Additionally, Alexandra also auditioned as a home cook many years ago on MasterChef, but failed to get an apron, much like Lauren from Season 19. If I had a nickel for every time someone failed to get on MasterChef but then ended up on Hell’s Kitchen years later, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice. A million points to anyone who knows what that reference is from.

Chef Ramsay then asked Alexandra to give him an insight to the beginning of her culinary journey, to which she said that her parents owned restaurants, and then went on a very long and rambling speech about her career as a chef, which used multiple fade dissolves meant to illustrate a very long passage of time. 

Her Signature Dish was a Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Greek Lemon Potatoes, which is a dish that I would be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay said that it looked like a big fat Greek mess, but it tasted delicious, so he gave the dish a 4 out of 5. 

Bradley then told Chef Ramsay the story of his culinary journey, which was that at the age of 13, his mom became addicted to crack cocaine, so he was fending for his brothers, and he had to cook for them a lot, and that’s where his passion for cooking started, because he realized that he loved to do it. 

His Signature Dish was a Crispy Skin Duck Breast with a Cara Cara Juniper Soubise, Carrots, and Mushrooms, which is a dish that I would surprisingly be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told him that the Duck was cooked perfectly, and then gave Bradley’s dish a 5 out of 5.

Last up was Henry and Lisa. 

Henry said that he started his career by joining the Air Force, did that for six years, then the GI Bill came out, and then he went to culinary school. 

His Signature Dish was Ricotta Gnocchi with a Vodka Sauce. Yes, another person made Gnocchi in this challenge, and yes I would absolutely eat this dish. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay told him the dish was good, and he gave it a 4 out of 5, which meant that The Blue Team had finished the challenge with a total of 38 points.

Lisa then said that for her inspiration, the previous year, on September 1, she gave birth to her daughter, so she had to let go of her Chef De Cuisine position in San Diego, but she was on Hell’s Kitchen to bring back her passion and to get the position of Head Chef at Hell’s Kitchen Foxwoods.

Her Signature Dish was a Mofongo with Grilled Angus Steak and Fried Plantains, which is a dish that I would be willing to try. Here’s an image of what the dish looked like.

Chef Ramsay said that everything on the plate was exceptional, and he gave the dish a 5 out of 5, saying that he would give the dish a 6 if he could, which meant that the challenge ended at a tie for both teams, with Chef Ramsay now having to choose between the two best dishes from each team, and then giving the win to the team with the best dish. 

Chef Ramsay then had to choose between Bradley and Lisa, and ultimately gave the win to The Red Team. 

For their reward, The Red Team got to enjoy a yacht excursion with Chef Ramsay, while The Blue Team had to do manual labor and prepare the dining room for service.

And this is where the blog post ends. No, I’m not joking. The episode stops right here. The reason for that is because ever since Season 17, the first episode has always ended on a cliffhanger for a challenge that is about to start right then and there, and they did the same thing here. I have no idea why they started doing this in the first place, as the only reason I can think of is because.

Overall, I hope you all enjoyed this blog post, even with the abrupt ending, and I’ll see you all soon with another one!