As the Head Chefs Only season, the competition has been fierce from the beginning. From signature dishes to heated dinner services, every chef wanted to stand out in the best possible way. To determine who would be the two chefs battling for the Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 winner title in the last dinner service, this five course meal of a lifetime was not for the faint of heart.
With the coveted title of Gordon Ramsay’s executive chef at Hell’s Kitchen Foxwoods Resort Casino within their reach, the final three, Egypt, Hannah, and Kyle, were evenly matched. Even though the trio had highs, and some lows, during the season, they peaked at the right time. They all deserved their spot in this particular challenge.
Before stepping back into the kitchen, the final three were able to reconnect with their families. That morale boost clearly made a difference. Sometimes a box of donuts and a smile can make even the toughest test seem more bearable.
As the chefs discussed their menus with their sous chefs, the progression of each dinner was clear. Egypt was sticking to his strength, a blend of Southern soul food with Spanish flavor influences. Hannah had a more continental theme with splashes of bold flavor. Kyle continued his quest to use a cacophony of flavors and somehow finding that harmony.
While cooking a five-course meal was difficult, appeasing five different judges’ palates is even more nerve racking. The star studded culinary greats had strong opinions. They were difficult to impress.
For the cold appetizer course, Kyle came out strong. The tuna crudo might have seemed simplistic but it was bursting with flavor. It earned him a 10. Both Egypt and Hannah earned nines. Based on the dishes descriptions, Hannah’s symphony of carrots and Egypt’s elote interpreted Caesars salad could have easily earned 10s, too.
In the hot appetizer round, Kyle’s dish had an unique combination of pork belly with golden raisin jam. Since there was enough acid to cut through the fat, it was a real winner. It earned him another 10.
Hannah’s Asian inspired miso glazed octopus was well executed. It sounded like a lot of conflicting spice, but it worked and earned her a 10. Egypt’s chicken drumettes had good seasoning, but the polenta was slightly dry. He received a 9.
In the fish course, Egypt earned his first 10. The al pastor swordfish was not only visually stunning but it was smart. This dish captured what he does best.
Kyle’s dish suffered from one of his biggest obstacles, too many ingredients and flavors. While it felt like an eating adventure, it needed to be a little more refined. He earned a 9.
Hannah faltered in this round. Her butter poached black bass needed more seasoning. She squeaked by with an 8.
The chicken course had very similar approaches across the dishes. It can be hard to make a chicken dish stand out. Still, Kyle continued to earn the highest praise. His crispy chicken with sunchoke puree got another 10.
Since Hannah earned a 9 for her dish and Egypt got an 8, the paired were tied going into the final course, beef. Based on the trend, it seemed obvious that Kyle was going to be the first finalist.
As Jason Guyot judged the beef course, it was clear Kyle’s grilled ribeye with succotash with sweet and sour bacon jam was going to be a winner. Plus, it was nice to see Kyle bring back that bacon jam. He was the first finalist.
In the battle of the beef, the dishes were close. Hannah offered a coffee and ancho New York strip while Egypt presented a flat iron with broccolini. Earning a perfect 10, Hannah secured her place in the finale. Her decision to be bolder with flavor and ingredient combinations demanded attention and earned her the win.
After Hannah and Kyle picked their kitchen brigade, the battle is set for the final dinner service of Hell’s Kitchen Season 23. Who will earn the title? It will be a hard fought final cook and the best chef will prevail.
Ready to learn who will be the Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 winner? Be sure to watch the Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 Head Chefs Only finale on FOX, Thursday, February 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on Hulu.