Fans are sure to be anxious for updates on Season 16 of Hell’s Kitchen, which is set to air Sept. 23 on Fox TV. The always sharp-tongued Gordon Ramsay will return, as well as maître d’ Marino Monferrato and blue team sous chef Aaron Mitrano.
Season 16 includes 18 contestants, who will continuously be showered with challenges. This cooking show is ranked in the top 5 prime time shows on television.
Ramsay is popular among viewers as a riotous, passionate and supremely talented judge, full of harsh remarks for contestants.
Renowned Le Bernardin Chef Eric Ripert recently criticized Ramsay’s attitude and style, telling ABC News’ Dan Harris that chefs should not be humiliated and screamed at on TV. The popular Top Chef guest judge believes that as a chef, one should be patient and keep calm even in the most strenuous and exhausting environments.
Ripert admitted, “It’s challenging because a kitchen is not an environment that is easy. It’s very humid, it’s very hot, it’s very tight, there are a lot of sharp objects. It’s a lot of action; it’s a lot of stress. Sometimes the kitchen is designed to challenge you to stay calm.”
The new season of Hell’s Kitchen includes numerous chefs from New York and Pennsylvania.
The names, occupations and signature dishes of all the 18 contestants are below:
Devin Simpson
He hails from Mount Pleasant, SC, and is an assistant restaurant manager.
His signature dish is Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Parmesan Risotto.
Shaina Hayden
She is a banquet chef and comes from Long Island, NY.
Her signature dish is Salmon Wellington.
Rajeeyah Gia Young
She is a catering chef from Queens, NY.
His signature dish is Shrimp and Grits, NYC Style.
Aaron Smock
He is a cook from Traverse City, MI.
His signature dish is Pork Schnitzel with Blaukraut.
Pat Tortorello
He hails from Belleville, NJ and is a culinary instructor.
His signature dish is Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Risotto, Pistachio Fennel Frond Gremolata and Balsamic Glazed Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes.
Kimberly-Ann Ryan
This chef is from Traverse City, MI, and is an event chef.
Her signature dish is Seared Scallops with Mango Jalapeño Salsa and Spicy Toasted Rice Crispies.
Paulie Giganti
He is another event chef who hails from Brooklyn, NY.
His signature dish is Biscotti-Encrusted Scallops over a Crispy Polenta with a Basil Curry Cream Sauce.
Heidi Parent
She is an executive chef from Auburn, ME.
Her signature dish is Ricotta Gnocchi.
Jessica Boynton
She is the university chef and hails from Raleigh, NC.
Her signature dish is Risotto and Bacon-Wrapped Chicken.
Kimberly Roth
She comes from Rochester, NY, and is a Sushi Chef.
Her signature dish is Pappardelle with Clams.
Heather Williams
She is from Easton, PA, and is a Sous Chef.
Her signature dish is Dry-Aged Ribeye with Hasselback Potato and Roasted Brussel Sprouts.
Genaro Delillo
He is a sous chef and comes from Lebanon, PA.
His signature dish is Seared Duck Breast.
Andrew Pearce
He is a sous chef from Prospect Park, PA.
His signature dish is Pan-Roasted Halibut with Butter-Poached Leaks, Maitake Mushrooms and Shell Fish Broth
Matt Hearn
He comes from Los Angeles, CA, and is a sauté chef.
His signature dish is Dove Breast Bolognese.
Wendy Mendez
She comes from Bronx, NY, and is a pastry chef
Signature Dish: Heirloom Tomato Soup
Koop Wynkoop
This chef hails from Carey, OH, and is a kitchen manager.
His signature dish is Surf and Turf.
Aziza Young
She is a kitchen manager from Harrisburg, PA.
His signature dish is Grilled Salmon with Roasted Potatoes and Arugula.
Johnny McDevitt
He is the head chef from Philadelphia.
His signature dish is Ribeye and Farro with Green Beans.
Sources:
“Hell’s Kitchen,” Fox web site;
http://www.fox.com/hells-kitchen/meet-the-chefs, last accessed September 09, 2016.
