Chef Billy Trudsoe looks to stay true to his flavors on Hell’s Kitchen, interview

For fans of Hell’s Kitchen Season 21, Billy Trudsoe has made a big impression. From his catch phrase of “be true” to the description of “mad flavor,” (or as he says, mad flava) Billy never seems to be at a loss for words. As part of the Blue Team, the seasoned chef has wanted to be part of the Hell’s Kitchen experience for a long time. Whether or not he earns the ultimate Gordon Ramsay stamp of approval remains to be seen, but Billy is one of this season’s chefs that will be remembered.

Recently, FoodSided spoke with Billy Trudsoe about his Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 experience and what is next for the experienced chef. Although no spoilers were shared during this chat, Billy had nothing but praise for his FOX television experience.

For Billy, he knew that the Hell’s Kitchen experience was going to be unlike other seasons. He said, “it was kind of a complete shock as we arrived in Hell’s Kitchen.” After the glass of champagne, the chefs started to group together as guys and women, like in previous seasons. Then, “Chef Ramsay comes flying through in a Monster Truck,” and it is game on with a whole different approach of experienced versus newer chefs. For Billy, “it was kind of a shock.”

Given his long experience in the restaurant world, Billy understood that the younger chefs are hungry for this opportunity. They are ready and willing to step through the door and earn that executive chef position. At the same time, he hopes that his experience would help him through the pressures of Hell’s Kitchen.

But, Billy appreciates that the culinary world is evolving. While he might have had the stern chef voicing strong opinions on every dish, the atmosphere in the professional kitchen is evolving. Although it might not be warm and fuzzy at every corner, the abrupt nature might not be quite as apparent.

With this Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 experience, Billy mentioned that it does feel a little like the ultimate culinary boot camp. He said that the chefs always have to be on their toes. While Billy shared that he was an athlete in high school, the truth is that reality food television is not easy. People see and hear all. When thrown into a situation with a group of strangers, it is more than just a perfectly plated Beef Wellington that is on everyone’s mind.

For Billy, he said that chefs need to have that “hardcore” mindset. In addition, he looks back at previous seasons and holds a great appreciation for all the chefs who have cooked in Hell’s Kitchen.

Specifically, he mentioned that he had previously tried out for another Hell’s Kitchen season around six or seven years ago. It has been his dream to be on the show and be given the opportunity to work with Gordon Ramsay. Regardless of the final outcome, in some ways, Billy is fulfilling his dream.

As Hell’s Kitchen fans have heard over the first couple of episodes, Billy has a few catch phrases or concepts that seem to guide his cooking. Whether it is “mad flavor (mad flava)” or “be true” those mantras are flavoring his next steps of his culinary career.

While he has worked in a variety of restaurant settings, he is hoping to leverage his Hell’s Kitchen experience into his own brand and possibly a restaurant. His social media accounts show some of the private events that he offers and a little taste of the food he creates outside of the Hell’s Kitchen experience.

Will Billy Trudsoe walk away with the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 title and a job with Gordon Ramsay? Be sure to watch new episodes of Hell’s Kitchen on FOX, Thursday nights at 8 p.m. EST or stream on other platforms.