Alex Belew, Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner, is ready for his next culinary chapter, interview

After opening the door to the victorious cheers, Alex Belew, Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner, joins the many successful chefs who have proceeded him. While the Gordon Ramsay and FOX culinary competition can be a resume builder, Alex understands that this title is just one aspect to building a robust career. During a recent conversation with FoodSided, the Southern chef shared some insight on his culinary influences, a glimpse into the challenges of Hell’s Kitchen, and what the future could hold.

While many Hell’s Kitchen contestants have certain accolades associated with their tenure, Alex might be the chef who served the most punishments in the FOX show’s history. Whether it was slicing garlic or picking out peppercorns, there were moments where it could feel “demoralizing.” Although he did earn the punishment pass early in the season, that one exemption did not balance out all the other tedious work. Still, the opportunity to work under Gordon Ramsay is one that he would not have passed over.

Alex shared that the whole process could be grueling. While he felt that there was a “fight or flight mode” going from challenge to challenge, the adrenaline when the phone rang would help him push through the fatigue. Still, looking back, he said that he could see the “pure exhaustion” that he felt.

Still, he felt that the group of chefs generally got along and supported each other. Even though it was a competition, there was a sense of community. Add to that aspect, his experience in the restaurant industry, he appreciated that the grind is often part of the job.

Since the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 premise was “Battle of the Ages,” Alex shared his thoughts on why the dichotomy of experienced versus less experienced chefs is a concept that is not just limited to the FOX show. Alex believes that maturity and appreciation does not come in a single “light bulb moment but comes through a series of trials and tribulations, successes and failures. As a chef, you become more resilient, every test gets you ready for the next test.”

Alex believes that one of the reasons why he was chosen as the Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner is that he had the experience beyond cooking on the line or even manning the pass. The combination of leadership, running an actual restaurant, and understanding who you are as a chef comes into play for earning that respect.

Throughout the culinary competition, Alex Belew stayed true to the recipes and flavors that he knows well. From his winning chicken wing dish that brought together his foundational knowledge to mastering that always tricky Beef Welington, Alex could do it all. He explained how a winning dish needed all the elements, the salty, sweet, crispy, pureed, etc. For example, the crunchy peanuts to the pickled carrot in his chicken wings, it was the familiar flavors with a little bit of a twist. Overall, it was that perfectly balanced bite.

Alex believed that his signature dish was a prime example of who he is as a chef. Specifically, he said that his dish was “not being ridiculous with ingredients.” He likes to showcase regular, everyday ingredients and highlight them in a way that makes them shine. Whether it is using a Carolina Gold Rice or ensuring that the flavor is memorable, there is thought and care brought to every element.

While Alex admitted that “fried chicken is his love language,” he wants to cook good food and not be too pretentious about it. Throughout the season, that sentiment was clear in the food that he presented.

Now that his time on Hell’s Kitchen has come to a close, there are many opportunities ahead for Alex Belew. Whether it is a position in the Gordon Ramsay empire, another restaurant opportunity, or something within the food television world, the door is open and he is ready to run through it.