Hell's Kitchen (U.S. season 9)

Hell's Kitchen (U.S. season 9)
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	16
Release
Original network	Fox
Original release	July 18 – September 19, 2011
Season chronology

Season 9 of the American competitive reality television series Hell's Kitchen premiered on July 18, 2011, on Fox^[1] and concluded on September 19, 2011, with a two-hour season finale. Jr. sous-chef Paul Niedermann won the season and was awarded a "head chef" position at BLT Steak in New York City, New York.^[1]

Gordon Ramsay returned as head chef, as Scott Leibfried and Andi van Willigan remained as sous chefs, as did James Lukanik as the maître d'.

The entire season took about six weeks to film.^[2] It also saw the show return to its original one season per year schedule, having run two seasons each in 2009 and 2010 due to the after-effects of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike.

Opening sequence

The intro features Ramsay playing pinball with the chefs inside trying to dodge the pinball and the machine's bumpers.

Contestants

18 chefs competed in season 9.^[1]

Contestant	Age	Occupation	Hometown
Elizabeth Bianchi[3][4]	27	Line Cook	New York, New York
Natalie Blake[2]	23	Sous Chef	Harrodsburg, Kentucky
Hee Chino Chang	39	Executive Chef	Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Amanda Colello[5]	26	Personal Chef	Sun City, California
Jamie Gregorich[6]	24	Sous Chef	Bradenton, Florida
Brendan Heavey	31	Head Chef	Hoboken, New Jersey
Carrie Keep[7][8]	31	Pantry Chef	Dallas, Texas
Monterray Keys[9]	34	Line Cook	Darby, Pennsylvania
Will Lustberg	31	Sous Chef	Jersey City, New Jersey
Gina Melcher[10]	34	Restaurant Consultant	Cape May, New Jersey
Paul Niedermann	27	Jr. Sous Chef	Davie, Florida
Jennifer Normant[11][12][13]	34	Chef de Cuisine	Boston, Massachusetts
Steven Paluba	44	Sauté Chef	Ridge, New York
Krupa Patel	30	Private Chef	Queens, New York
Jonathon Plumley	34	Head Cook	Memphis, Tennessee
Tommy Stevens	31	Line Cook	Brewster, New York
Elise Wims	26	Line Cook	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jason Zepaltas[14]	29	Line Cook	Chicago, Illinois

Contestant progress

					Original teams		Switched teams									Individual				Finals
No.	Chef				901	902	903	904	905	906	907	908	909	910	911	912	913	914	915	916
1				Paul	LOSE	BoW	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	NOM	BoW	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	WIN	IN	BoW	IN	WINNER
2				Will	LOSE	LOSE	BoB	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	BoB	IN	BoW	IN	RUNNER-UP
3			Elise		WIN	WIN	LOSE	NOM	NOM	BoB	LOSE	BoB	NOM	LOSE	NOM	NOM[n 1]	NOM	NOM	OUT
4			Tommy		LOSE	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	NOM	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	WIN	NOM	LOSE	BoB	IN	IN	OUT
5			Jennifer		WIN	WIN	NOM[n 1]	LOSE	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	BoW	BoW	NOM[n 1]	NOM	OUT
6		Elizabeth			WIN	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	BoB	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	OUT[n 1]
7		Natalie			WIN	BoB	BoB	LOSE	LOSE	BoW	NOM	NOM	WIN	LOSE	OUT
8		Carrie			WIN	WIN	NOM[n 1]	NOM	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	WIN	NOM	OUT
9		Jamie			WIN	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	LOSE	WIN	NOM	WIN	OUT
10		Jonathon			BoW	LOSE	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	NOM[n 1]	NOM	OUT
11		Krupa			BoB	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	NOM	WIN	OUT
12		Monterray			NOM	LOSE	WIN	NOM	NOM	OUT
13		Gina			WIN	WIN	LOSE	LOSE	OUT
14		Chino			NOM[n 1]	NOM	WIN	OUT
15		Amanda			WIN	WIN	OUT[n 1]
16	Brendan				LOSE	OUT
17	Steven				OUT
18	Jason				LEFT[n 2]

Keywords WIN = Won the dinner service LOSE = Lost the dinner service BoB = Best of the Best, usually exempt from nomination BoW = Best of the Worst, sometimes exempt from nomination IN = not nominated for elimination NOM = nominated for elimination OUT = eliminated LEFT = withdrew from competition

Color key      Chef was eliminated after nomination      Chef was eliminated without nomination      Chef was eliminated during service      Chef withdrew from the competition      Chef was retained after nomination      The winner of Hell's Kitchen      The runner-up of Hell's Kitchen

Notes

1. Chef was nominated by Ramsay
2. Chef was hospitalized and withdrew for health reasons

Episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
109	1	"18 Chefs Compete"	July 18, 2011	5.84[15]
Eighteen new chefs were brought to the Orpheum Theatre, where they walked onto a stage behind a curtain with their covered platters bearing their names and the sounds of an audience cheering and chanting could be heard. But after an announcer introduced the chefs, the curtain opened to reveal an empty theatre. Chef Ramsay appeared and reminded them they were not stars yet and announced the prize was a "head chef" position at BLT Steak in New York City. He then told the chefs to return to Hell's Kitchen and cook their signature dishes. Team challenge: The women (red team) competed against the men (blue team), and had 45 minutes to prepare their signature dish, judged by Ramsay. Will's sheep's milk gnudi scored over Carrie's chicken fried ribeye (as she put sugar in the mashed potato she used), Amanda's eggplant rollatini and Brendan's salmon both scored a point, Jennifer's pork scored over Jonathon's "punch-drunk" chicken (he was even threatened with elimination on the spot after he revealed to Ramsay that he used canned pineapple slices for his dish and claimed he had "limited time"), Paul's eggplant involtini scored over Krupa's stuffed naan, neither Jamie's lamb lollipops nor Steven's seared diver scallops earned a point (Ramsay even compared Steven's scallops to dinosaur toenails), Elise's scallops scored over Chino's dish as he used to much miso, Monterray's sea bass and Natalie's lamb both scored a point, both Elizabeth and Tommy earned a point for their dishes, and finally Gina's pan-roasted pistachio scallops lost to Jason's pork tacos as the scallops were burnt on the top. The men won 6-5. Reward/punishment: The men were treated to lunch at the L.A. Market restaurant with last season's winner, Nona Sivley, while the women were forced to clean the kitchens for dinner service. Jason's exit: Shortly before dinner service, Jason became short of breath and was rushed to the hospital; he would not return to Hell's Kitchen.[note 1] No elimination sequence was given for Jason, but his jacket and burned photo was seen next to Gina's. He later returned in season 12 and finished as the runner-up. Service: In the blue kitchen, Chino burnt cod, while Steven served appetizers in the wrong order, and he and Tommy both overcooked scallops, causing Ramsay to send them all to chef's table. While Jonathon put in a strong performance on meat, Monterray served garnish too early and Brendan burnt potatoes. In the red kitchen, Elise served poor risotto, prompting Krupa to take over, and attempted to take over fish from Carrie after Carrie overcooked scallops, causing Ramsay to send her to chef's table, though Krupa put in a strong performance on meat. After customers began leaving, Ramsay shut the kitchens down. Ramsay declared the women winners for at least serving entrees, and the men were ordered to nominate two chefs for elimination.[note 2] Elimination: Steven and Monterray were nominated; Ramsay also nominated Chino. Ramsay eliminated Steven for being the worst performer of the night. Ramsay's comment: "I realized early on that Steven has much chance of being the head chef of BLT Steak as I do of winning a gold medal in figure skating."
110	2	"16 Chefs Compete"	July 19, 2011	5.77[16]
The chefs were awakened to the sound of a kid playing an electric guitar, and were brought outside. Team challenge: The chefs worked in pairs to grill four pieces of meat to Ramsay's standards in 20 minutes: a medium rare New York strip, a medium ribeye, a medium well filet mignon, and a well-done burger. Jennifer, Gina and Elizabeth formed a trio, while Will worked alone. The men won 11-10 after Will achieved a perfect score of four. Reward/punishment: The men were rewarded with a trip to Palm Springs, California via private jet, where they had lunch with Ramsay in the mountains. The women cleaned the grills, drank blended meat and prepped a side of beef. Service: Carrie and Will served table-side caesar salad, after which Krupa and Monterray served table-side prime ribs. In the red kitchen, Jennifer served squab in a brisket and Carrie was slow serving Caesar salads, causing Ramsay to send Krupa to help her, before Krupa later dropped a prime rib on the floor. In the blue kitchen, Chino burnt risotto twice, Brendan fired a sea bass too early and then later served the same bass, lying to Ramsay it was a new one, Tommy overcooked duck, and the men were kicked out after Brendan served raw seabass. The women completed service and were deemed clear winners. Elimination: Brendan and Chino were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Brendan for his arrogance and poor performance on fish. Ramsay then announced that one woman would be moved to the men's team the next morning. Ramsay's comment: "The only thing bigger than Brendan's ego are the lies that he tells, and I can't have that in Hell's Kitchen."
111	3	"15 Chefs Compete"	July 25, 2011	5.95[17]
Team change: Carrie volunteered to move to the blue team, but Ramsay chose Natalie. Team challenge: Ramsay welcomed 50 children and their mothers for a special "Mommy and Me" service. Each team served quesadilla and macaroni for the children and panini for the mothers. In the red kitchen, Jamie burnt quesadilla and Elise and Carrie argued. Both teams got to the last ticket, but the blue team narrowly won their third straight challenge. Reward/punishment: The blue team earned a meal with a medieval jousting tournament meal at Medieval Times in Buena Park, California. The red team cleaned the dining room and prep for family night. Service: Ramsay assigned Chino and Gina to be assistant maitre d's. Each table served Margherita pizzas, assigned to Elise and Jonathon. Both teams did well on appetizers, but in the red kitchen, Jennifer and Carrie cooked the wrong entrees for a ticket, Amanda forgot to cook a cod, and after Carrie served raw lamb, Ramsay forced the red team to apologize to the diners before kicking them out. In the blue kitchen, Chino struggled as a waiter, and Natalie's beef wellington came out raw, but she recovered quickly, and the blue team then finished the red team's service, being deemed clear winners. Elimination: Ramsay made his own nominations; Jennifer, Carrie and Amanda. Ramsay eliminated Amanda for her lack of fightback. Ramsay's comment: "Amanda lost the will to cook on the line tonight. I lost the will to keep her here."
112	4	"14 Chefs Compete"	July 26, 2011	6.04[18]
Team challenge: Each team had five minutes to capture chickens in a pen, with each one earning an ingredient that could be used for the challenge; each team then had 30 minutes to use a single chicken to cook four chicken dishes, using only ingredients earned in the chicken roundup. Ramsay joined the editors of People and Entertainment Weekly magazines. The red team won 3-2 for their first challenge win. Reward/punishment: The red team spent the day go-kart racing at K1 Racing. The blue team spent the day preparing the chickens for the next service. Service: Each kitchen served two former Olympic athletes with Misty May-Treanor and Jen Kessy for the red team, and Janet Evans and Mark Spitz for the blue team. While both teams did well on appetizers, both struggled on entrees. In the blue kitchen, Chino served raw beef wellingtons and lamb, Tommy overdressed salad, and Monterray argued with Sous Chef Scott after his sea bass crumbled. In the red kitchen, Elise undercooked bass and Gina served raw lamb. Ramsay kicked both teams out and declared both teams losers. However, after kicking the teams out, Ramsay, Scott and Andi cooked the entrees for the VIP tables. Elimination: Chino, Monterray, Carrie and Elise were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Chino for his fourth poor service performance in a row. Ramsay's comment: "Chino took his time in Hell's Kitchen very seriously. The problem is he seriously couldn't cook."
113	5	"13 Chefs Compete"	August 1, 2011	5.60[19]
Team challenge: Chefs from the Moto restaurant in Chicago demonstrated how to make an orange sorbet using oranges, a sound wave generator liquid nitrogen. The chefs then had 45 minutes to make six protein dishes using only fire and water, with Ramsay and the Moto chefs judging. Since the red team had an extra member, they made two prawn dishes before choosing Elizabeth's over Carrie's. The challenge ended in a 2–2 tie, but Ramsay declared the blue team winners, as he preferred Carrie's dish over Elizabeth's and Krupa mistook filet mignon for veal. Reward/punishment: The blue team spent the day at a spa at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills The red team cleaned the dorms and prep the kitchens for service. Service: Jennifer and Natalie served tableside halibut sashimi. In the red kitchen, Krupa served soupy risotto and undercooked lobster spaghetti, while Gina undercooked seabass and had a communication breakdown with Elise; Ramsay ejected the trio. In the blue kitchen, Monterray and Tommy made numerous mistakes on the beef wellingtons, resulting in their ejections and Paul took over garnish after Jonathon struggled. Both teams finished service, but Ramsay declared no winner. Elimination: Krupa, Elise, Monterray and Tommy were nominated. After Elise blamed Gina, Ramsay agreed with her and eliminated Gina for her disintegrating performances and lack of communication and fightback. Ramsay's comment: "They say good things come in small packages. But unfortunately in Gina's case, her talent matched her size: Tiny."
114	6	"12 Chefs Compete"	August 2, 2011	6.32[20]
Team challenge: The Culver City High School class of 1991 celebrated its 20 year reunion at Hell's Kitchen. Both teams prepared three meals for a Hawaiian-themed high school reunion; Elizabeth and Paul were tasked with meeting the reunion committee and relaying the information to their teammates, but Elizabeth struggled and told her team the wrong information, resulting in the red team cooking the wrong dishes and giving the blue team an easy 3–0 win. Reward/punishment: The blue team spent the day on a luxury yacht, and their three dishes were added to the menu for dinner service. The red team decorated Hell's Kitchen for the reunion. However, Ramsay was not impressed with the cake they made and he decided that he will not serve it. Service: The red team had a near flawless service under Elise's leadership and Elizabeth's strong performance on fish, their only problem being Ramsay catching Carrie trying to add old rice to new rice and reheating it. The blue team served appetizers quickly thanks to Natalie's leadership, but Paul undercooked and then overcooked snapper, and the team was thrown out after Jonathan and Monterray served raw fish. Elimination: Monterray and Paul were nominated; Ramsay also nominated Jonathon. Paul, despite a dismal performance, was sent back in line first because of a very convincing plea. Ramsay eliminated Monterray for his inconsistent performances, but praised him for his efforts. Ramsay's comment: "It was high school reunion night in Hell's Kitchen. Unfortunately, for Monterray, he flunked the test."
115	7	"11 Chefs Compete"	August 8, 2011	6.51[21]
Team challenge: Each team had 45 minutes to cook five dishes containing a type of beer, judged by two beer sommeliers. The blue team won 3–2, their third consecutive victory. Reward/punishment: The blue team attended the 2011 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as VIP guests, and met Arie Luyendyk, Jr. and Simona De Silvestro. The red team had to take in deliveries of food, including ice and kegs of beer. Service: Andre Carter and Matt Leinart were guests for beer night. In the red kitchen, Elise forgot to drain her salad despite notice from Carrie and caused confusion by yelling out tickets, Jamie served raw sea bass and Krupa served raw venison and overcooked wellingtons. In the blue kitchen, Natalie struggled on scallops as she failed to turn her pan on hot enough, causing Will to help her, and Jonathon struggled on wellingtons, attempting to blame Tommy, causing Ramsay to kick them out. Both teams finished service, but Ramsay declared both teams losers. Elimination: Natalie, Jonathon, Krupa and Jamie were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Krupa for disintegrating after her strong start, but praised her for her heart. Ramsay gave no comment on Krupa's elimination and the burning of her picture and hanging of her jacket were not shown. The episode ended in cliffhanger after Ramsay told the chefs that he's not done.
116	8	"10 Chefs Compete"	August 9, 2011	6.41[22]
Elimination - continued: Ramsay asked each chef to choose who they thought would be the strongest leader in their team. Jennifer and Will received the most votes. Ramsay then asked Jennifer and Will who they thought would be the weakest leader. Jennifer chose Carrie and Will chose Tommy. Team challenge: Each team had 45 minutes to cook five comfort food dishes with a modern twist under the leadership of Carrie and Tommy, judged by Wolfgang Puck. The red team won 2-1. Reward/punishment: The red team spent the day at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. The blue team prepped both kitchens for service and cleaned the dorms. Service: Servicemen of the United States Coast Guard were guests for service. The red team had some problems on appetizers, but had a near perfect performance on entrees. The blue team struggled on appetizers due to Natalie and Jonathon's poor communication, Jonathon's poor performance because of his neck pain, causing Ramsay to send him to the storeroom, and Tommy failing to communicate from the meat station. Both teams finished service; the red team were named clear winners, with Ramsay in particular praising Elise. Elimination: Jonathon and Natalie were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Jonathon for struggling in three consecutive services and his refusal to take responsibility for his mistakes. Ramsay's comment: "The only thing worse than the pain in Jonathon's neck was listening to him blame everyone else for all his mistakes. I was glad to put him out of his misery."
117	9	"9 Chefs Compete"	August 15, 2011	6.99[23]
Team challenge: Each contestant had 60 minutes to make a dessert for a romantic dinner. Jordan Kahn, owner of Red Medicine, and Waylynn Lucas judged each dessert on a scale of one to three stars; the team with the most stars would win. Since the red team had an extra member, they chose Elise's dessert to sit out. The red team won 14-13, with Ramsay agreeing with the decision to drop Elise's dessert. Reward/punishment: The red team spent the night at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and won passes for a future three day, two night stay with Holly Madison, as well as signed copies of her book. The blue team had to prep for date night. Service: Tommy undercooked the scallops, causing Ramsay to send him out for a timeout, before cooking sea bass before appetizers were served, though he recovered after talking with customers. Paul was thrown for serving raw chicken, but Natalie and Will put in strong performances. Carrie and Elise struggled with communication; Carrie was kicked out after overcooking sea bass, Elise cooked lobster capellini for a vegetarian diner and was kicked out for overcooking oysters, and Jamie left a strand of hair in garnish before burning it. Both teams completed service; the red team were named clear losers. Elimination: Carrie and Elise were nominated. However, Ramsay spared them and eliminated Jamie for her lack of fightback. Ramsay's comment: "Jamie's lack of fight-back told me she's not ready to be a head chef. The remaining chefs need to know it's not about what they've done in the past. It's what they do here that counts."
118	10	"8 Chefs Compete"	August 22, 2011	6.07[24]
Team challenge: The chefs took part in the blind taste test challenge. Carrie and Tommy both scored one, Will scored one while Elizabeth failed to get any and Jennifer and Paul both scored one. Lastly, Elise scored three while Natalie scored one, giving the red team a 5-4 win. Reward/punishment: The red team received a horseback ride, champagne and a view of the Los Angeles skyline in Hollywood Hills. The blue team prepped both kitchens for steakhouse night in addition to making grape jam by hand. Service: Service included two 90-minute time periods; the teams swapped between cooking and serving diners. Both teams did well as servers, but encountered problems in the kitchen. For the blue team, Tommy failed to communicate on appetizers and Natalie overcooked steaks. For the red team, though Jennifer did well on appetizers, Elise served raw bass and Carrie struggled on garnish. Neither team managed to serve all of their tables, resulting in both teams being named losers. Elimination: Carrie and Tommy were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Carrie, feeling she needed more experience, but praised her for her ambition and heart. Carrie's exit was paid in a retrospective montage. Ramsay gave no comment on her elimination. He then tells Elise to take off her jacket as the episode ends on a cliffhanger.
119	11	"7 Chefs Compete"	August 22, 2011	6.42[24]
Elimination - continued: Instead of one chef, Ramsay had all the chefs remove their jackets and told them that they would be leaving Hell's Kitchen, only to be flown to New York City for a culinary tour of BLT Steak to inspire them. Team challenge: When they returned to Hell's Kitchen, they were presented with a slot machine, which assigned them ingredients and style of cuisine to cook. Each chef was judged on their dishes, and whoever had the best dish would win the challenge for their team. All of the chefs got good reviews, except Natalie, but Jennifer's dish was considered best. This marked the first time in Hell's kitchen that a team lost four challenges in a row, which occurred again to Season 11's blue team. Reward/punishment: The red team were rewarded with a trip to Venice Beach, where they rode in a plastic bubble with James. The blue team prepped both kitchens ahead of service. Service: Tommy served greasy onion rings. Natalie served uneven scallops and had sea basses returned for being dry. Elizabeth struggled on fish, causing Ramsay to send her to the storeroom. Elise's beef wellingtons fell apart due to being cut too deep and she unsuccessfully attempted to blame Tommy. Ramsay kicked Elise and Elizabeth out, leaving Jennifer to finish service by herself. Both teams finished service, but Ramsay declared both teams losers and had them nominate one chef for elimination. Elimination: Natalie and Elise were nominated. Ramsay eliminated Natalie for her disintegrating performances, but praised her for her energy and heart. Natalie's exit was paid in a retrospective montage. Ramsay's comment: "Natalie was lucky enough to get to see BLT Steak in New York. She may get to see it again... as a customer."
120	12	"6 Chefs Compete"	August 29, 2011	6.21[25]
Team challenge: The teams were told to cook three entrees; one that would take 30 minutes to cook, one in 20 minutes, and one in 10 minutes. Jennifer scored over Tommy on the 30 minute dish, but Paul scored over Elizabeth in the 20 minute dish. Will then beat out Elise in the 10 minute dish, giving the men a 2-1 win. Reward/punishment: The men headed to a Ted Baker outlet to buy designer clothing. The women prepped the dining room for service. Service: Before service, Ramsay revealed that every chef surviving elimination after service would be rewarded with a black jacket.. Hell's Kitchen was "closed" for a black-tie charity dinner event, with both teams serving a twelve-top each. The red team cooked for American Cancer Society while the blue team cooked for American Humane Association. Each chef took charge of a course. Paul attempted to serve plates without Ramsay's permission, but was strong in leadership, Tommy served watery salad and inconsistently seasoned risotto, but led well after prompting by Ramsay, and Will was strong in leadership on desserts; the blue team finished service well before the red team. Elizabeth struggled in leadership, and the team struggled plating lobster cappelini, before Elizabeth cooked chicken too early. Elise demoted Elizabeth and Jennifer to garnishes on her beef wellington course and was berated, and though Jennifer led well on desserts, the apple dessert was served raw. Ramsay deemed the men clear winners and announced the women would be nominated for elimination. Elimination: Ramsay gave Will, Paul and Tommy black jackets before giving Jennifer a black jacket. He then eliminated Elizabeth, feeling she was not ready to lead a brigade, before giving Elise the final black jacket. Ramsay's comment: "Tonight was all about charity in Hell's Kitchen, and after watching Elizabeth's performance, I'm now ready to donate her jacket to a worthy cause."
121	13	"5 Chefs Compete Part 1"	September 5, 2011	5.89[26]
Challenge: The first individual challenge was to take five comfort foods and create fine dining versions judged by Michelin-starred chefs out of 100 (50 for presentation and 50 for taste). The final ranking was: Will (87), Elise (86), Tommy (74), Paul (60) and Jennifer (52). Reward/punishment: Will went on a culinary tour of several Los Angeles restaurants via Rolls Royce, and he chose Elise to go with him. The others had to do Hell's Kitchen laundry, including Ramsay's jacket. Service: For the first time in Hell's Kitchen history, Ramsay announced the team would compete against a team of "returning chefs", consisting of Ben Walanka from season 5, Tennille Middleton and Van Hurd from season 6, and Jillian Flathers and Trev McGrath from season 8, chefs who all received black jackets. The teams made their own menus in a one hour time limit. During that time, Will have a huge argument with Elise's behavior, and almost walked out of Hell's Kitchen, though chose to stay. David Krumholtz was a guest for this service. The black team had a strong performance, their only problems being Paul overcooking lobster, Jennifer undercooking garnish and Elise trying to push the other chefs too quickly. Trev became a leader as instructed by Ramsay but made a salad for the wrong ticket, while Van undercooked meat and Tennille struggled on fish. The black team won with a 96% approval rate, compared to 80% for the returning chefs, though Ramsay had them nominate two chefs for elimination. Elimination: Jennifer and Elise were nominated. Ramsay called Jennifer forward, but gave her a new jacket, retaining all chefs after they won dinner service. Ramsay's comment: "Tonight's service was the best yet in Hell's Kitchen. Just like the returning chefs received a second chance, I decided to give Elise and Jennifer a second chance as well. Hopefully, they'll make the most of it."
122	14	"5 Chefs Compete Part 2"	September 12, 2011	5.78[27]
Challenge: The chefs were each given a portion of Alaskan salmon and assigned to create restaurant quality dishes with them. Whoever's dish was considered most valuable by Ramsay and a panel of three judges would win the challenge. Paul won the challenge, with Will second, Jennifer third, Tommy fourth and Elise last. Reward/punishment: Paul received a helicopter trip with Ramsay followed by lunch at the Water Grill, and he chose Tommy to go with him. Also, his dish was put on the menu for service, with the others having to prep it. Service: Tito Jackson was in attendance for this service. Jennifer struggled on appetizers, and though Tommy came over to help her, Jennifer failed to give him correct times, resulting in the appetizers he served being undercooked. Elise failed to have scallops ready on time and blamed Jennifer, though Jennifer had given her prior notice. Ramsay decided to make the team to work entrées to speed things up, but Elise overcooked salmon after ignoring Paul and Ramsay's instructions on how to cook it, and chased Tommy away when he attempted to help her. After she served unacceptable salmon for the sixth time, Ramsay kicked the team out, though he then brought Will and Paul back in to finish service by themselves. Elimination: Jennifer and Elise were nominated.[note 3] Prior to the elimination, Elise pulled Will and Paul to one side and made them promise to back her up if Ramsay asked them who was the weakest chef. After Paul and Will honored their agreement, Ramsay agreed and eliminated Jennifer for her worsening performances, though he praised her for her heart and palate. Ramsay's comment: "Jennifer finally found her voice in Hell's Kitchen. Unfortunately, it was when she was being eliminated."
123	15	"4 Chefs Compete"	September 19, 2011	6.04[28]
Before the challenge, Ramsay surprised the remaining chefs with a visit from their loved ones (Elise's husband, son and aunt, Tommy's girlfriend and mother, Paul's older brother and Will's mother and wife). Challenge: After eating a dish made by Ramsay, the chefs had to recreate it in 35 minutes. Paul won by correctly identifying every ingredient, Elise and Will both finished second, correctly identifying everything bar the fish, while Tommy finished last after misidentifying the fish and ham. Reward/punishment:Paul and his older brother attended a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game, where they met Tommy Lasorda, Jamey Carroll, Steve Lyons and Don Mattingly. The others had to move furniture that have not been used out of the dorms. Service: Rex Hudler attended as a guest. Each chef took a turn running the pass, while also having to spot acts of sabotage Ramsay and sous chef Scott set up. Paul initially failed to spot shrimp in a cappelini instead of lobster, but was strong in leadership, rejecting Tommy's raw cod. Tommy read tickets slowly by not removing them from the pass and initially failed to notice James giving him a ticket with a fillet on it, despite none being on the menu, but improved. Elise put potato puree instead of cauliflower puree on a dish despite tasting it, but recovered. Will lead well and spotted lamb wellingtons instead of beef wellington, but got into a massive argument with Elise over garnish. Elimination: Ramsay firstly eliminated Tommy, but praised him for his energy and passion. Ramsay then named Will and Paul to advance to the final, eliminating a teary-eyed Elise.[note 4] Ramsay praised Elise for her resilience, allowing her to keep her jacket. Ramsay did not give a comment on Tommy and Elise's eliminations, and both did not receive the coat hook and burning picture sequence.
124	16	"2 Chefs Compete"	September 19, 2011	5.94[28]
Paul and Will prepared a menu featuring four appetizers, four entrées and three desserts, and were given new white jackets. Ramsay then sent them to BLT Steak Los Angeles for with their relatives before they walked into a room filled with a cheering crowd. Challenge: Paul and Will cooked five dishes to be judged by executives of BLT Steak. Will won 3-2. Reward: Will was granted first pick in drafting a team using the eight chefs eliminated from the competition prior to the final.[note 5] Will picked Tommy, Natalie, Jennifer and Krupa, while Paul picked Elise, Elizabeth and Jonathon, and was left with Carrie. Service: Among the guests for service were the final two's relatives and BLT Group President Keith Treyball. Krupa consistently undercooked fish, but their service turned around after Will replaced her with Natalie. Elizabeth overcooked scallops and Jonathon's steaks came out raw, but after Paul assigned Elise to help the other three, their service turned around. Winner: Ramsay then chose the winner based on the customer comment cards and his own observations. Ramsay gave Will and Paul final praise before having them step in front of a closed door. Paul's door opened, making him the ninth winner of Hell's Kitchen. Paul dedicated the win to his mother, who had died a few months before he came to compete, while Will took his defeat graciously. Ramsay's comment: "Paul won tonight because he's probably the most passionate, determined chef ever to enter Hell's Kitchen. He'll make a great head chef because his enthusiasm is contagious. I'm so proud to hand him over to BLT Steak in New York City."'

Notes

1. Jason returned in season 12.
2. This was the first season where the Best of the Worst did not get to choose the nominees for elimination, though they were still guaranteed to be safe from elimination.
3. Elise's nomination count ties with Autumn Lewis of season 7, Sabrina Brimhall of season 8, Clemenza Caserta in Season 10 and Scott Commings of Season 12.
4. This is the third season to feature an all-male final, after seasons 1 and 6.
5. Jamie did not return, so Krupa took her place as the last person eliminated prior to the top ten.

Epilogue

Paul appeared in season 11 as a part of the champion's team against the final 5 in black jackets. He made another return in Season 12 to pick one of the contestant's dishes to appear in the Hell's Kitchen Calendar alongside Season 3 winner Rock Harper, and Season 10 second runner-up Dana Cohen.

Jason returned as a contestant in season 12, where he was the runner-up.

Tommy was as a contestant on the March 30, 2014 episode of Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen, and won $19,000.

Elise re-appeared in season 13 as a customer during the 200th dinner service, and has also made an appearance as one of the five celebrity chefs on the August 12, 2014 episode of NBC's Food Fighters

Paul now works at BLT Steak Miami and appeared in the season 15 finale as an adviser for the two finalists.

References

1. "Chef Gordon Ramsay Grills Choicest Cut of New Culinary Competitors on 'Hell's Kitchen'". Fox Broadcasting Company press release via TheFutonCritic.com. July 27, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
2. "Merlene Davis: Harrodsburg chef takes on 'Hell's Kitchen'". Herald-Leader. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
3. "Elizabeth Bianchi Personal Web Site". Retrieved July 23, 2011.
4. "Elizabeth Bianci Facebook Page". Retrieved July 23, 2011.
5. "Facebook: Amanda Coello". Retrieved July 24, 2011.
6. "'Hell's Kitchen' contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye". Bradenton Herald. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
7. Martindale, David (July 14, 2011). "Dallas chef Carrie Keep confident she'll get viewers' attention on 'Hell's Kitchen'". DFW.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
8. Hiller, Mike (June 29, 2011). "Dallas Chef Carrie Keep to Appear on Next Season of Hell's Kitchen". EscapeHatchDallas.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
9. Sullivan, Vince (July 28, 2011). "Darby man put to the culinary test on 'Hell's Kitchen'". Delaware County News Network. Archived from the original on August 7, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
10. "Gina Melcher Facebook page". Facebook. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
11. "Jennifer Normant Facebook page". Facebook. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
12. "Local chef debuts as contestant in 'Hell's Kitchen'". The Salem News. Retrieved July 7, 2011.
13. "Boston chef feels flames on 'Hell's Kitchen'". Boston Herald. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
14. "Local cook steps into flame of 'Hell's Kitchen'". Extra News – Chicago's Leading Bilingual Newspaper. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
15. "Monday Final Ratings: 'The Bachelorette' and 'MasterChef' Adjusted Up". TvByTheNumbers.com. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
16. "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'America's Got Talent,' 'It's Worth What?' Adjusted Up". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
17. "Monday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up; ABC Tops Night in Unscrambled Finals". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
18. "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'America's Got Talent,' 'MasterChef' Adjusted Up". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
19. "Monday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
20. "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'America's Got Talent,' 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'MasterChef' Adjusted Up". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
21. "TV Ratings Monday : 'Bachelor Pad' Premieres Even; 'Hell's Kitchen' Up, Leads Night, 'MasterChef' Steady". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
22. "Tuesday Final Ratings: 'America's Got Talent,' 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'Wipeout' Adjusted Up; 'Combat Hospital' Adjusted Down". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
23. "Monday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up; CBS Repeats Adjusted Down". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
24. "Monday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen' Adjusted Up; CBS Repeats Adjusted Down". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
25. Gorman, Bill (August 30, 2011). "Monday Final Ratings: No Adults 18–49 Adjustments to 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'Bachelor Pad,' or 'Dateline'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
26. Gorman, Bill (September 7, 2011). "Monday Final Ratings: 'Hell's Kitchen,' 'Bachelor Pad' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
27. Gorman, Bill (September 13, 2011). "Monday Final Ratings: 'Bachelor Pad' Finale Adjusted Down Significantly For NFL Pre-Emptions". TV By the Numbers. Retrieved September 16, 2011.
28. Seidman, Robert (September 20, 2011). "Monday Broadcast Final Ratings: 'Two and a Half Men,' '2 Broke Girls,' DWTS Adjusted Up; 'Castle' Adjusted Down". TV By the Numbers. Retrieved September 24, 2011.

External links

• Official site
• BLT Steak restaurant home page