After impressing Gordon Ramsay and other special chefs with their five course meals, Hannah and Kyle have made it to the final dinner service of Hell’s Kitchen Head Chefs Only season. While both chefs are equally impressive, only one can be crowned Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 winner. The decision came down to who showed confident leadership at every turn.
With their kitchen brigade set, both Hannah and Kyle had to make strategic decisions to set themselves up for success. For example, Kyle chose to minimize Lulu’s impact on dinner service. While he might trust Whit implicitly, he wanted Lulu to be limited to cold appetizers.
Kyle’s decision does not mean that his team is inferior. Of course, he will taste every component and ensure the best food is going out. At the same time, he wants to show his team composure. He is just trying to win the Hell’s Kitchen Executive Chef job and critical thinking is key.
Hannah showed the determination and detail orientated mindset that got her to the Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 finale. Her menu was quite creative and relied on her team executing her vision. Everyone knew that Hannah would not allow subpar food to go to diners. The Red Team needed to step up.
As dinner service starts, the Red Team has an immediate issue. Brittani burns the gnocchi on the first ticket. While Hannah calmly gets her team back on track, the hiccup is not a strong start. Still, it is how a team recovers and finishes that matters.
The Blue team has issues as well. While Lulu admits that Kyle’s decision to distribute appetizers across the stations was smart, there were cooking errors. Brandon’s overcooked octopus was clearly a mistake.
Some errors continue to the entrée portion of the Blue Team’s service. Joe presented cold scallops to the pass twice. Even though Kyle could have flown off the handle, he kept calm and redirected his team. That leadership is key for an executive chef.
Hannah had highs and lows during the entrée course. Even though she worried about the surf and turf dish, it was the chicken that was problematic. Ann Marie presented dry chicken right at the end of the service. It was the fizzle to an otherwise strong service.
Gordon Ramsay concluded that it was the strongest Hell’s Kitchen final dinner service. It was clear that both chefs’ experience helped them be calm and focused at the pass.
Before the winning chef opened the door, Ramsay shared his thoughts on each chef. He commented that Hannah is a meticulous chef and her determination will bring her continued success.
Describing Kyle, Ramsay said that his overflowing personality makes him a strong presence in the kitchen. Additionally, his food will make him friends all over the world.
But, only one door opens to reveal the Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 winner. Congratulations to Kyle.
Overcome with emotions but never at a lost for words, Kyle is ready to become the Executive Chef at Hell’s Kitchen Foxwoods Resort Casino. Ready to book your table for the ultimate dining experience?