Meet the men who will be entering Gordon Ramsay’s Hells Kitchen for Season Six of the show, on Fox – starting on a brand new day (Tuesday) June 21 with a two hour episode! Here is a background on some of the people who will be keeping us entertained over the coming weeks as they compete in what must be the most intense and public job interbiew in the world.
Here they are – I can’t wait to hear the Gordon Ramsay response when he hears that Tony’s inspiration is Jamie Oliver!
Chef Andy
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Age: 39
Occupation: Executive Chef
Kitchen Experience: 24 years
Culinary Education: Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Inspiration: Rick Bayless
Resides: Boston, MA
Notes:
Andy started his culinary career in Boston where he is now the owner and Executive Chef of his own restaurant. Andy is committed to cooking with seasonal and locally grown ingredients. In addition to being an award-winning BBQ competitor, he is a published cookbook author and an advocate in preventing hunger and promoting nutrition.
Chef Tony
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Age: 30
Occupation: Culinary Store Manager
Kitchen Experience: 5 years
Culinary Education: On-the-job training
Culinary Inspiration: Jamie Oliver
Resides: Chicago, IL
Notes:
Anthony has lived most of his life in the Chicago metropolitan area. While attending college, he spent a year abroad in Florence, Italy, where he learned the art of Italian cooking. After graduating, Anthony was able to apply his knowledge and excitement for cooking as a culinary store manager, where he can help people select proper cooking tools.
Chef Louie
Hometown: Fitchburg, MA
Age: 45
Occupation: Diner Owner
Kitchen Experience: 30 years
Culinary Education: On-the-job training
Culinary Inspiration: Gordon Ramsay
Resides: Fitchburg, MA
Notes:
Louie was born and bred in New England. A third generation cook and diner owner, he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Louie is a family man with three children. He has been cooking for the majority of his life.
Chef Dave
Hometown: Chester, NJ
Age: 32
Occupation: Executive Chef
Kitchen Experience: 10 years
Culinary Education: Western Culinary Institute
Culinary Inspiration: Inner drive
Resides: San Diego, CA
Notes: Dave is a man motivated by accomplishment and success. He trekked 2,200 miles on foot across the Appalachian Trail. Dave strives to be an innovator and risk taker in all aspects of his life and finds cooking and food his greatest outlet.
Don’t forget to check out the Plonker Club forum (www.theplonkerclub.com/forum) and pick your winner for this season – you could win an autographed copy of Gordon Ramsay’s latest and greatest cookbook, Great British Pub Food.
Chef Jim
Hometown: Mendham, NJ
Age: 34
Occupation: Sous Chef
Kitchen Experience: 15 years
Culinary Education: On-the-job training
Culinary Inspiration: None
Resides: Nashua, NJ
Notes: After realizing that a nine-to-five office job was not for him, Jim found his calling in the kitchen. In recent years, Jim’s eyes have been opened to his abilities as a cook and Sous Chef in fine dining restaurants.
Chef Joseph
Hometown: Massapequa Park, NY
Age: 27
Occupation: Sous Chef
Kitchen Experience: 8 years
Culinary Education: USMC Food Service Specialist
Culinary Inspiration: Siblings
Resides: Massapequa Park, NY
Notes: Joseph is a Long Island native who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school. While in the Marines, Joseph was a Food Service Specialist/Corporal. After serving his country, Joseph was able to apply his discipline and skills allowing him to excel in the kitchens he has worked.
Chef Kevin
Hometown: Plymouth, MA
Age: 35
Occupation: Executive Chef
Kitchen Experience: 13 years
Culinary Education: Culinary Institute of America, NY
Culinary Inspiration: Self-inspired
Resides: Middleton, CT
Notes: Kevin has been perfecting his craft in kitchens from Philadelphia to Colorado. A proud family man, Kevin resides with his son and wife in Connecticut where he is an Executive Chef. In addition to being at the helm of his kitchen where he has total creative control, he also established a culinary program for members of his country club, his high school, and for college interns.
Chef Van
Hometown: Buford, GA
Age: 26
Occupation: Fish Cook
Kitchen Experience: 5 years
Culinary Education: Art Institute of Dallas
Culinary Inspiration: Jason Weaver
Resides: Dallas, TX
Notes: Van graduated at the top of his culinary class while working full-time preparing breakfast and lunch for more than 100 people a day. Looking to advance his career, Van landed a job in one of Dallas’ top restaurants, which allowed him to work with several celebrated chefs. Van is currently a lead cook who shares his time between work, family, and volunteering.
Don’t forget to check out the Plonker Club forum (www.theplonkerclub.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=23&sid=c37f4e5afbadabd592948dbedc9617d6.) and pick your winner for this season – you could win an autographed copy of Gordon Ramsay’s latest and greatest cookbook, Great British Pub Food.