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Christina on Her Hell's Kitchen Win

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:15:41 -0700

Yesterday I spoke with Christina, the young culinary school graduate from the Midwest, who won this season's Hell's Kitchen. Elated about her win and eager to get started at Gordon Ramsay's Los Angeles restaurant, Christina was bubbly and confident. She's kept in touch with Vanessa, but isn't friendly with runner-up Petrozza. To see what she had to say and find out what her real job title at the London will be, read more.

PartySugar: How did it feel to be the winner?
Christina: It feels really good. I've known for a long time now. When I won it was so strange, at that moment I couldn't think anything. I have no idea what Chef Ramsay said to me. I can't remember anything except thinking, don't fall down the steps.

PartySugar: Why did you win?
Christina: The thing about the competition is that at some point you see the worst and best of everyone. Gordon said I won because of my potential, but I think I won because of a combination of things. My ability to deal with stress, my quick wit, and my potential are all reasons why I won.

PartySugar: What was it like when you went back to culinary school, but couldn't tell anyone about the win and your experience?
Christina: That was horrible. Being on the show I was constantly challenged. To go back to culinary school was really hard. It wasn't exciting and I didn't feel challenged. The hardest thing about the show was not being able to rely on the formulas, recipes, and time frames they spend so much time teaching at culinary school. On the show you had to constantly create things off the top of your head. It only became easier when I realized I could do this without a recipe.
PartySugar: Have you started working at the London yet?
Christina: I haven't started there yet, I hope I do soon. Right now I am doing things like this, appearances in public. After graduating from culinary school I was working in a restaurant, but I quit my job on Tuesday. I'm getting everything in order to move. I haven't had a detailed meeting with the staff to know exactly what I will be doing at the London, but I do know my title is "Senior Chef."

PartySugar: What is it like to be a female in the kitchen?
Christina: I think a lot of the things you hear about being a female in the kitchen are not true. I don't think of it like it's hard and "boo-hoo, I'm a female in the kitchen I'm treated differently," females are treated differently in a lot of ways. Being a female in the kitchen gives me strength. Women are amazing multitaskers and it's beautiful to see a woman in that role.

PartySugar: On a previous episode of HK Ramsay said, "Nice girls don't make great chefs." Do you consider yourself a nice girl?
Christina: I don't think so. I come across sweet, I'm from the Midwest, but I'm mean as sh*t. Maybe I'm nicer than Ramsay is when he's in the kitchen, but I don't consider myself nice or mean. I consider myself fair.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Always a Gentleman, Petrozza Bows Out Gracefully

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:00:26 -0700

Many of you were disappointed by the outcome of the Hell's Kitchen season finale. Gordon Ramsay chose the young, inexperienced blonde over the seasoned, bearded male. I wasn't surprised by his decision, but I was bummed for Petrozza. Over the course of the fifteen episodes, he's the one character who I actually admired and enjoyed. Yesterday morning I spoke with the optimistic caterer, who chatted with me while he sat on his front porch nursing a soda. To see what he had to say, read more.

PartySugar: How did it feel to be the last person eliminated?
Petrozza: You know what, I feel happy and a little tired. Would I have rather won? Yeah, I would be lying if I didn't say I wanted to win. I'm accepting it. I like where I am. I love my job and my family. There are a lot of awesome opportunities out there for me and I'll find something interesting to do.
PartySugar: What was it like working for Ramsay?
Petrozza: At the beginning, working for Gordon sucked. I can understand how the people who got kicked off early would have nothing nice to say. They probably see him as a butthead in the kitchen. But, once you know the guy and you know yourself, you see he is a decent person. He's not a total moron, you get to appreciate him. He's a cool guy, with a big heart. He's a maniac in the kitchen, but he's a good man.

PartySugar: At the end of the episode, Ramsay grabbed you and said something. What did he tell you?
Petrozza: He said, "it's going to be okay Petrozza" and I said, "I'm okay, I'm okay." I was happy to be done with the challenge of HK. I ran with the pack and ended up out in front, right behind the winner. It sucks a little, but I'm very happy with the people I met along the way. Everybody was super cool and super nice to me.

PartySugar: Is there anything you would have done differently?
Petrozza: They didn't show it on last night's episode, but I would have cooked my ducks less. I would have done the lobster strudel differently. I would have not had Jen on that station, although I think she would have screwed me wherever she was. Not consciously, but she can't change herself, she can't help herself. I'm not using her as an excuse to why I didn't win. But I'm happy, being on HK gave me more confidence. My style of cooking has taken a little bit of a turn. Now I'm more adventurous when pairing foods. I learned that what's good for the soul is good for the heart and good for the career.

PartySugar: A lot of people think you have a great heart. What's your response to this?
Petrozza: I'm very fortunate. I have a good family, good parents, good people around me all the time. I'm blessed to be thought of in that way. Hopefully I showed everyone that you don't have to be a backstabber, you don't have to be sneaky to get far in the game.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen the Season Finale

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:05:37 -0700

Last night on Hell's Kitchen, Christina and Petrozza faced off in a culinary showdown. Each had to run the pass, manage their team, and control the quality of the food. It was fun to see the old contestants up to their usual antics in the kitchen and it was lovely to hear the kind words Gordon Ramsay had to say about the final two.

To chat about the finale and the (spoiler alert!) winner, read more.

Were you surprised Petrozza picked Jen?
Who had the stronger team?
Whose restaurant design did you prefer: Christina's elegant bistro or Petrozza's rustic clubroom?
Were you shocked when Jen asked Chef Ramsay for a letter of recommendation?
Whose menu was more exciting?
Didn't Petrozza's lobster strudel look unappetizing?
Who was worse in the kitchen, Matt or Jen?
Was it just me or was the ending, totally climatic anti-climatic?
Did Christina deserve to win?
Did you get emotional when Ramsay hugged loser Petrozza?
Overall, what did you think of this season?

Oh Gordon, I will miss spending my Tuesday nights with you! Here are some of my favorite Ramsayisms from the season finale:

On Petrozza's appetizers: We can't run out of strudel and the frisee salad! We can't take two of the appetizers off. This is your f**king night you.
On Christina's slow kitchen: Look all this food over here! Come on now we're backed up now. Christina step up please, yes?
On Matt's monkfish: It's raw in the middle! Matt how can you do that to her? I can't stand here and let that go! You're f**king useless, come here you listen to me f**k face. Would you mind shutting the f**k up and concentrate, yes?
On Christina's control of her team: Hey look at me right now. You have one awkward fish in your kitchen. Organize it!
On ending HK: I feel like I've been on a roller coaster for the last 3 months. Out of all of the seasons this has been the most crazy ride. But now its time for me to get the f**k out of Hell's Kitchen.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.14

partysugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:00:24 -0700

It's down to the final two on Hell's Kitchen! This week there was no elimination as the contestants created their own menus, remodeled the restaurant, and jetted off to New York to compete. I greatly enjoyed the episode because it showed a much tamer Ramsay. Did you watch? To discuss in depth, read more.

Were you impressed Petrozza knew the color celedon green?
Wasn't it cute when they got on Ramsay's private jet?
How could Petrozza not know they were going to cook?!
What did you think of Ramsay's executive chefs judging the challenge? (I loved it!)
Were you surprised Petrozza won the challenge?
Did anyone else notice that Christina was wearing a striped shirt while hating on the stripes in the restaurant?
Didn't the returning chefs look like they had makeovers?
Would you pick Matt or Jen to be on your team?
Who knew: Whoopi Goldberg + Chef Ramsay = bffs?

Since there was no dinner service, Ramsay was in good spirits. He was full of compliments and treated the chefs with respect. However, he did manage to give them a couple of zingers:

On the final two: I'm nervous. I've got some serious concerns about your restaurant. I just need to know if I've made the right decision. Do I have the right finalists.
On leaving for New York: Hurry up! We're leaving!

Photos courtesy of Fox.

"Nice" Girl Corey Couldn't Cut it in the Kitchen

partysugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:01:05 -0700

While she may not be celebrating a Hell's Kitchen win anytime soon, this week's booted contestant, Corey, is celebrating something: her recent wedding! Corey was in good spirits yesterday when we spoke over the phone. She's enjoying her time out of the kitchen free-lancing and hopes to someday have a cooking travel show. To see what she has to say about HK, Gordon Ramsay, and her fellow contestants, read more.

PartySugar: How did it feel to be eliminated?
Corey: It didn't feel fabulous, but I felt like he made the right choice. Christina had her heart in the right place, she's ready for that next step, and she played the game while staying true to herself. Petrozza is the same, you know, he had his heart in the right place too.

PartySugar: What was it like working in the Kitchen? Did you ever really feel like you were in Hell?
Corey: Yeah, it was beyond Hell. It was like a living nightmare for four weeks. It's such an intense experience. There's an intense pressure when you are all living in a house together, you know sharing a bathroom with Bobby. You have to do interviews every five minutes and you walk into the kitchen and Chef is there waiting to tell you the next challenge.

PartySugar: Who are you rooting for?
Corey: I'm rooting for both of them, but I think Christina will end up winning. She's young, she's just out of culinary school. You know it's not that Petrozza is a bad cook but he's a 50 year old man who's sloppy in the kitchen. I don't really think that's the image Ramsay wants send to the world with his executive chef. Christina is moldable, fresh and Ramsay can create something out of her.
PartySugar: Do you think being sneaky and strategic helped you make it to the final three?
Corey: Not at all. See? That's how they edited it to look, but I didn't go in thinking strategy. It doesn't matter if you do think like that, Chef Ramsay puts his own spin on everything and he's not going to ignore it if you can't cook. Without my talent I couldn't have almost made it to the top two.

PartySugar: You talked a lot about being able to seduce men, how do you think your husband felt when he was watching you use your body/image to get ahead?
Corey: When I see that [laughs] that was editing. My husband doesn't like it because he is Columbian. It was a TV show, they have to edit it to make it entertaining. What Louross and I had was a friendship. I was just being funny, being myself when I was in the hot tub. They portrayed it in a different way than it was.

PartySugar: At the end of last night's episode, Ramsay said, "nice girls don't make great chefs," do you agree?
Corey: I don't know. I thought that statement was funny because I don't really think I was that much of a nice girl on the show. I wasn't all that nice. You can't be a nice person and be afraid to be mean if you are chef. I think what Ramsay was referring to was being emotional. Sometimes I would get upset and let my emotions be involved in what I was doing, but as a chef you can't let that happen.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.13

partysugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:45:50 -0700

Last night the competition on Hell's Kitchen was intense: the final three contestants - challenge winning Christina, determined Corey, and tender hearted Petrozza - took turns running the kitchen. They had to recreate one of Gordon Ramsay's signature dishes based on taste and spent some time with their family members. To tell me your thoughts about the episode and check out mine, read more.

Was the mood noticeably more relaxed without Jen?
Wasn't it cute how emotional the contestants got when they saw their family members? (Petrozza's dad was adorable!)
Were you surprised Christina won the taste test challenge?
Did they actually use the hand crushed ice?
What did you think of Ramsay and the contestants' role playing?
What happened to Christina at the dinner service?
Who was the best at running the kitchen?
Is it just me or does the phrase, "Yes, chef!" sound glamorous?
Who should win?

Gordon obviously favors the final three because he had a lot of nice things to say! Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

On Christina's challenge win: I don't think we've had anyone win so many challenges back to back!
On the female's role in the kitchen: Nice girls don't make great chefs.
On taking control of the kitchen: When we get to dinner service tonight, you have to run it or else it will run you.
On tricking the chefs: Potential sabotages? Lumpy potatoes, we'll put basil in instead of mint, and we can leave the peas out of the risotto.
On selecting the final two: This is the moment I dread, honestly this is the bit I don't enjoy because somebody has to go home.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Jen and Her Attitude Have Left the Kitchen

partysugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:59 -0700

There's no denying that Jen was portrayed as the villain on this season's Hell's Kitchen. The energetic young chef wasn't afraid to lie and cheat to get to the top, and was vehemently disliked by her competitors. I was relieved to see her go, but I wasn't excited to interview her. However, it was interesting to hear what she had to say. An optimistic Jen knows she's hated and she's perfectly okay with it. To find out what happened when we spoke yesterday, read more.

PartySugar: How did it feel to be eliminated?
Jen: Ah, I'm sorry about it. But when one door closes another one opens. I have a lot on my plate right now. There are a lot of things in the works. I'm absolutely definitely doing stuff that's food related. I'm in talks to appear on upcoming television shows, I'll be at Taste of Chicago. I'm in talks to open an upscale martini bar and grill. I'm taking full advantage of all the culinary opportunities that arise.
PS: Who are you rooting for?
Jen: Now that I'm off the show, I'm not rooting for anyone. I think chef Ramsay himself should just be in charge of his restaurant. I think he should get rid of the whole lot of them. I don't even want to watch anymore. Now that I'm gone there is no one to laugh at.

PS: Did you write Christina's name twice?
Jen: Yeah, I wrote her name twice. I didn't care, I knew they were going to gang up on me. That meant I was a good, strong chef. If I was a crappy chef than they would've wanted me around so they could beat me. They knew I was an awesome cook, so they had to say I had an attitude problem. They had to get me off some how so they said, "it's her attitude."

PS: Have you worked on your attitude problem?
Jen: No, I don't have an attitude problem. Some stuff I said was meant to be funny. But I know I'm a sore loser. I would like to apologize for being mean to Louross though. I would forget the cameras were around. I was just doing the same thing Gordon Ramsay was doing, being tough on my teammates. When he does it, everyone is ok with it. But when I do it, everyone says I'm mean. They call me evil, a bully, but you know it's just the same thing.

PS: Do you have a heart?
Jen: Everyone who knows Jennifer, not Jen from Hell's Kitchen, knows I'm very fun loving. I have a heart and a big personality. I have a lot of fans that contact me. They understand that it was a competition and I did what I had to do when I wanted to win. My fans see through the reality and realize I'm a funny character. But, you know, I know. Last night in America hundreds of Champagne bottles were popped by all the people who hate me and who were glad to see me go. Everyone needs someone they love to hate, and I'm fine with being that person. My haters are motivators, they motivate me to be a better person.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.12

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:26 -0700

With the competition down to the final four, the stakes are high on Hell's Kitchen. Last night's episode was full of weighted silences, evil glares, and surprising compliments. The entertaining challenge tested the chefs' innovation and their ability to mass produce a specific dish. It was the smoothest, most successful dinner service to date. To discuss the elimination and more, read more.

Who did you think the special lunch guests were?
During the challenge, why did Corey choke?
Whose dish sounded the best?
Did you notice when Jen took a bite of a leftover sandwich?
Am I the only one who thinks a shopping spree with Gordon Ramsay would be fabulous fun?
Weren't Petrozza's words about working together as a team heartwarming?
Were you fooled when Ramsay said Corey's name first at elimination?

As usual, tough chef Ramsay had plenty of things to say. Here are a few of the highlights:

On Corey's empty plates during the challenge: Corey, can you get some f***ing food on the plate? Please! Before you and I have a f***ing fall out.
On Christina's new look: Now do me a favor. Shake out the hair and take the glasses off. There you go, you look like Elizabeth Hurley!
On Jen's inconsistent risotto: Jen the rice is mush. Have you switched off now? Your spoon is crushing the rice! Where's your risotto? Where is your spark?
On Christina's hot pot handle: Don't stop and look stupid like some thick cow! Christina the handle was over the flame, if it's over the stove at least say something, yeah? If a pan handle is over the f***ing flame, say something please!
On the final three contestants: Well at least give each other a kiss or a hug or something! I know Petrozza is fat, but he's not that ugly.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Like a Gentleman, the 4-Star General Leaves Hell

partysugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:15:13 -0700

I was a little bummed to see Bobby, the self proclaimed "4-Star General," booted from this week's Hell's Kitchen. I'm sick of Jen and would have enjoyed another episode with Bobby. When I spoke to him yesterday his cheerful, gentlemanly manner surprised me. Although he's currently working as the head chef of a grocery store in Buffalo, NY, Bobby is interested in making more television appearances. He had a lot to say about the experience - to hear his eloquent words about Gordon Ramsay - read more.

PartySugar: How did it feel to be eliminated?
Bobby: Of course I didn't want to be eliminated. But I feel great. Am I bummed? No. In the moment I was a little shocked, I was certain he was going to say Jen and that I would step back into the line with the others. When I heard him say Gen - as in General - it took me a minute. It didn't register until he said, "Big boy, give me your coat."

PS: Is Gordon Ramsay really as big of a jerk as he seems?
Bobby: No, no, no, no. When you meet Gordon he is like the pope. He gives off a great energy. He's really friendly and genuine. He's not an I-earned-30-million -last-year type of guy. The way he is in the kitchen, it has nothing to do with you personally. It's like he is the governor of food and he believes food has rights. One of the things he bills for is food served the right, best way.
PS: What was it like working in the kitchen? Did you ever really feel like you were in Hell?
Bobby: They don't call it Hell's Kitchen for nothing. It was definitely hell. Working there took me to a place in my life that I've never been.

PS: Is there anything that you would have done differently?
Bobby: No I would not have done anything differently. I walked in as a 4-Star General and I left as a 4-Star General. I didn't have to backstab anyone or plot against anyone to get as far as I did.

PS: Who are you rooting for?
Bobby: I've sat back and watched all of the episodes and I didn't backstab anyone. I'm rooting for Petrozza. He has a heart and is the one person who gave me a sanctuary everyday. I really connected with Ben and Petrozza. Those are the kind of guys I would hire to work in my kitchen. Christina is an honest girl. I could even work with Mattie, there's a place for him in my kitchen always. I can't work with Corey, Jen, or Craig.

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.11

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:00:42 -0700

The battle to be Ramsay's executive chef is on! Last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen was an odd mix of bimbos, bloopers, and bad tempers. It was the first time in HK history that contestants taught non-chefs how to cook. It was also the first time the losers had to witness the challenge winner enjoy the prize.

I'll admit I was a little surprised by the outcome of the elimination; were you? To discuss this and more, read more.

Will Jen be her own undoing?
Didn't you want to taste Ramsay's scrumptious-looking lobster pasta?
Where did they find those ~~trashy housewives~~ Hawaiian Tropics models?!
When the models walked in, whose drooling was more disgusting: Bobby's or Petrozza's?
Will Jen ever be a team player?
Who would you have nominated for elimination?
Can you believe Petrozza has made it to the final four?
Wouldn't it be fun if the final two were Christina and Corey?

And now, a few words of wisdom from good old Gordon Ramsay:

On being a great chef [Do you agree?]: That's the essence of becoming a great chef: becoming a great teacher.
On Bobby's burnt Wellingtons: Hey Bobby! What the f*** is that? Bobby yeah, look burnt on the bottom! And you haven't even trimmed the f***ing backs. F***ing wake up please.
On Jen's John Dory: Hello Jen? It's f***ing raw, it's raw yeah? It's raw! It's rubber! It's overcooked! First you undercook it, now you overcook it?!
On the dinner service: We completed the service, but here's the thing, it was too painful. And being the final five I seriously expect more.
On the final five contestants: One of you is going to be my executive chef at the London West Hollywood! [Are they really?]

Photos courtesy of Fox.