Thaindian News

Dec 16 (THAINDIAN NEWS) It was the last night of this season’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ with two contestants left; Nona, the chef from Atlanta, Georgia, and Russell from Chicago. On last night’s show, the winner was to be picked from those two chefs to see who would go on and become the Head Chef at the multi-million dollar LA Market Restaurant in Los Angeles, with a half a million dollar salary. Each chef spent most of the night working on their menus for the night’s show.

They spent the next day going over their food lists, and perfecting their cooking techniques. They were suddenly asked to get dressed to go and meet Chef Ramsey, but neither of them had any idea where they were going. Suddenly they were told that they were going to see LA Market from the air…in a helicopter. As they flew over the crowd which had gathered on top of the building, Ramsey told them that their next challenge was down there. He put parachutes on them both and told them that they had to jump off the building. While Nona was all ready for it, Russel was saying an absolute “No.”

Nona and Russell began to cook in the LA Market restaurant, each with their own style to go head to head in the final challenge. The president and CEO of AEG , Tim Leiweke was there to test the food. He loved Nona’s soup, and chose hers over Russell’s although he loved them both. Their salads were up next, and the chef and owner of 6 restaurants chose Russell’s. Chef Davis Meyers has to choose between the two main dishes, and he chose Nona’s. Next was their entrees, and Russell was down by one.

He chose Russell’s which left them all tied up, and left the decision of the final two. The future employer of the winner of the contest would be judging the last dish. With the score at a tie, this would mean the winner of the challenge. And the point went to Russell.

Ramsey had told the two that he had another surprise for them back at Hell’s Kitchen. They entered the building in the dark, and the other contestants from the season were there yelling “Surprise!” It was time for them to choose their team. Russell chose Jillian, Nona chose Gail, Russell picked Vinny, who was still holding a grudge against Russell for nominating him to leave. Vinny stated that Russell put him up to leave far too early, and added, “if he picks me I will throw up.” But pick him he did.

Nona chose Melissa, and Russell chose Sabrina, Nona chose Trev, and Russell chose Rob. But as the time to cook came, it was obvious that Vinny was not feeling it. When confronted by Russell, he told him that was dirty the way you did me, man.” Russell answered, “ Vinny, if you want to be on the other team, by all means, get your a– over there.”

But as Vinny went to leave, Russell called him back. He told Vinny that he wanted him to perk up because he knew he could do it. Vinny told him that he didn’t have to worry, he would do his part. But Vinny made it clear that he cannot stand Russell.

Nona had a few setbacks, such as Boris continuing to send out raw fish, but Russell and Rob almost came to blows when Russell continued to yell at Rob. When it was said and done, both chefs were on pins and needles as Chef Ramsey read the comment cards, and mulled over his own observations. The customers on both sides really enjoyed both menus and Ramsey said the scores were very close..so close he wishes he could give it to the both of them, but he cannot. As they each placed their hands on the doors in front of them, they knew that only one door would open, indicating the winner…

And the winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 8, to become Head Chef at LA Market is…Nona, the chef from Atlanta, Georgia who missed her son’s first birthday in an effort to make his life better.