If you consider yourself both a foodie and reality tv junkie, then cooking shows probably find their way to the tops of your DVR and watch lists. Network, cable and streaming services from FOX to BRAVO! to Netflix provide a myriad of opportunities to vicariously indulge in one's culinary passions. In fact, you may also find yourself indulging in the opportunity to participate in a challenge or two yourself as hosts, guests and competitors sharpen their culinary chops for viewers.
Whatever you choose to do, you're doing it in the comfort of your own home, not a pressure-filled kitchen, and, definitely not under the watchful eye and tutelage of someone considered one of the best chef's in the world.
Gordon Ramsey and Hell's Kitchen aren't for the faint of heart, or knife, or salmon! Let's see where a few of the past culinary conquerors are now, and if they're still fired up.
10 Hell's Kitchen Season 1's Winner Michael Wray
Chef Michael Wray won Hell's Kitchen Season 1, earning $250,000 to open a restaurant. Surprisingly, Gordon Ramsay asked Michael to work alongside him in London. After a visit, Michael decided against it, knowing his hidden drug addiction would be problematic.
Shortly before his opening, Michael’s daughter died during childbirth, sending him into a years-long, drug-induced tailspin that almost resulted in his death…ALMOST. Today, he's remarried and working hard to open a food truck that he wants to drive cross-country to help those in need.
9 Hell's Kitchen Season 3's Winner Rahman 'Rock' Harper
In his victory, Rahman "Rock" Harper became head chef at Las Vegas' Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, with an annual salary of $250,000. He left after a year, returning to his DMV (DC/MD/VA) roots, as Executive Chef at Ben's Next Door, part of DC's historic Ben's Chili Bowl franchise, then becoming an instructor at Stratford University.
He now owns and operates Queen Mother's Fried Chicken in Arlington, VA.
8 Hell's Kitchen Season 5's Winner Danny Veltri
After his tough season, Danny Veltri won the position of Head Chef at the Fornelletto at the Borgata Hotel & Spa in Atlantic City along with the $250,000 prize.
To Danny's surprise, he was expected to serve as sous chef, in spite of his win. He soon left. He had a short-lived catering stint and time working as Head Chef at NBA player Vince Carter's restaurant. At last check, Danny has settled in as Head Chef at Salt Life Food Shack in Jacksonville, Florida.
7 Hell's Kitchen Season 6's Winner Dave Levey
In his season, Dave Levey won the Head Chef position at the Araxi Restaurant & Bar in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, with a $250,000 salary. Dave, too, was surprised at his real position as a line cook. As the 2010 Winter Olympics were approaching, Dave decided to stay until their end. He has since returned to his home of New Jersey, working as a chef at various restaurants.
6 Hell's Kitchen Season 8's Winner Nona Sivley
Nona Sivley's win earned her the Head Chef position at L.A. Market Restaurant, in the JW Marriott Hotel, in Los Angeles, with a $250,000 salary, as well as an endorsement deal with Rosemount Estate Wines.
Since then, Nona has gone on a healthy diet and weight-loss journey, that now fuels her cooking passions. She currently owns and operates Sizzling Peach, a catering business, in Atlanta.
5 Hell's Kitchen Season 9's Winner Paul Niedermann
With his win, Paul Niedermann won the money and the Head Chef position at BLT Steak in New York City. He's currently cooking it up as a Corporate Executive Chef at Ft.Lauderdale's SALT7.
He has a new focus in his new location. “I like to make my fair a little bit lighter due to the fact that we are always in the heat, and I like to add a little bit of citrus notes to things that may necessarily not have them.”
4 Hell's Kitchen Season 10's Winner Christina Wilson
Christina Wilson won the Head Chef position at Gordon Ramsay Steak at the Paris Las Vegas, with the normal $250,000 salary. After leaving that position, she has served as the Hell's Kitchen Red team Sous Chef for the last seven seasons.
In her own words, "It's definitely, my favorite part about being on the show is what I get to do with the contestants and then working alongside Gordon in that capacity, of course."
3 Hell's Kitchen Season 11's WinnerJa'Nel Witt
With her win, Ja'Nel Witt gained the Head Chef spot at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesar's Palace.
However, due to an alleged failure of a drug test, Ja'Nel's offer was rescinded. However, she did get to keep the prize money. At last check, she was working at Sammy's Steakhouse in Richmond, Texas.
2 Hell's Kitchen Season 17's Winner Michelle Tribble
Michelle Tribble faced much backstabbing by her cast mates, but she emerged as the Season 17 victor with a position at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant at Caesars Palace.
Unfortunately, her position was lost due to the pandemic. While currently working at Gordon Ramsey North America as a Culinary Development Executive Chef, she is also redefining herself as a nursing student at Texas Woman's University.
1 Hell's Kitchen Season 20's Winner Trenton Garvey
Last season's winner, Trenton Garvey, the second-youngest winner in franchise history, earned the Head Chef spot at Gordon Ramsay Steak in the Paris Las Vegas along with, of course, the common $250,000 salary.
Gordon said of Trenton, "Trenton is everything I could want in a protégé. At a very young age, he's already proven to be creative, passionate, and a driven leader. He will be a great asset at Gordon Ramsay Steak 2.0 at Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas." Trenton Garvey is currently still working there.
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