Photo credit: www.goldderby.com
The Season 23 finale of Hell’s Kitchen culminates with a high-stakes showdown between finalists Hannah and Kyle. In this decisive episode, each contestant had the opportunity to design a custom menu as they prepared for the final dinner service, marking their last chance to secure the grand prize and a coveted position at Gordon Ramsay’s renowned Hell’s Kitchen at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut.
After a rigorous competition, the pressure is palpable as any misstep could jeopardize their dreams. Viewers are on the edge of their seats to see which head chef will emerge victorious when Chef Ramsay announces the champion during the episode titled “Hell’s Finish Line,” scheduled to air on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
The Finalists: Hannah and Kyle
The Brigades
For the final challenge, both contenders enlisted the help of previous contestants, forming strong brigades to support their efforts during the dinner service.
Team Kyle: Brandon, Joe, Whit, Lulu
Team Hannah: Egypt, Brittany, Amanda, Ann Marie
As the teams gathered, each head chef assigned roles according to their strategy. Lulu expressed frustration at being assigned to the cold salads station, feeling that her talents were underutilized. Kyle, however, focused on maintaining control of his kitchen, quipping that if Lulu did not get her act together, he would haunt her. In contrast, Hannah fostered a supportive atmosphere, resulting in her team feeling energized and aligned with her calm instructions.
On the other side, Kyle confronted Joe about his pasta-making technique, attempting to maintain morale with humor amidst the intensity of the competition. His lighthearted approach seemed to alleviate tension, and the team focused on executing their tasks effectively.
The Final Dinner Service
Kyle took a bold stance, proclaiming his intention to deliver an impeccable service. He emphasized perfection in presentation, insisting on making each dish not only delicious but visually appealing. Conversely, Hannah maintained a nurturing approach, prioritizing a collaborative team environment even when addressing errors.
The dinner commenced with a few early challenges. In Hannah’s kitchen, Brittany encountered trouble with burned gnocchi, prompting concern about the effect on the overall service. However, Hannah’s composed guidance helped Brittany recover. Meanwhile, Kyle’s kitchen was characterized by a more boisterous atmosphere, where Brandon misjudged the cooking time for octopus but corrected swiftly as they progressed through the meal.
Despite some hiccups, such as Ann Marie’s issue with chicken, both teams demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the service. As the staff collectively responded to problems and maintained a positive atmosphere, even the toughest moments drew chuckles, particularly when Kyle jokingly told Joe to leave after a minor mishap. Diners in the restaurant responded positively, offering high praise for both teams’ performances, signaling a tough decision for Gordon Ramsay.
The Big Winner
Ultimately, the title of champion of Hell’s Kitchen: Head Chefs Only went to Kyle, greeted by celebratory confetti and emotional reactions from his supportive family. At 29, the Philadelphia native marked a significant victory as the 23rd winner of the series. “Who needs moisturizer when you have tears of joy?” he remarked in exhilaration. Chef Ramsay commended him, saying, “Kyle embodies everything I look for in a head chef. He brings charisma, passion, and unwavering creativity into the kitchen. He will be a tremendous asset at Hell’s Kitchen Foxwoods Resort and Casino.”
The Runner-Up
Though Hannah finished as the season’s runner-up, her journey was acknowledged as a significant achievement. Chef Ramsay encouraged her to hold her head high, and she expressed her pride in her perseverance. “I’m proud of myself. At this point in my life, I should have given up so many times, but I didn’t,” she reflected, showcasing her resilience throughout the competition.
Source
www.goldderby.com