by Chandra Clewley

 

 

On tonight’s season finale of Hell’s Kitchen there is first a flashback of all the competition and controversy we have seen throughout this show. Ben and Jay were always the favorites but out of the crowd arose Holli who ended up being the dark horse in the competition.  Now, we are left with just Jay and Holli to finish the competition. Who will become the head chef at Savoy Grill in London?

 

The chefs are finalizing their menus. Jay is confident in his, while Holli goes with what pops into her head, as is her M.O., and is inspired by both French and California cuisine.  Chef Ramsay has a surprise for them, and when they end up at his LA restaurant they know something is up. They head to the roof with Chef Ramsay and he opens the doors to a huge crowd that will be witnessing their very last challenge. Chef Ramsey has flown in five of his head chefs from London to judge them, and they will make an Amuse Bouche, Cold Appetizer, Hot Appetizer, Fish Entrée and Steak Entrée in an hour for the judges which they will later serve at the restaurant in their last service.

 

For the Amuse Bouche course, they are judged by James Durrant, Head Chef for Maze. Holli makes a Virgin Bloody Mary shooter while Jay makes a Shot of Ice cold Tomato Water. Jay takes the round.

 

For the Cold Appetizer course, they are judged by Diego Cardoso, Head Chef of Murano. Holli serves 4 types of Caviar with a Beet Glaze. Jay serves Lamb Loin and Greek Salad. Holli takes this round.

 

For the Hot Appetizer course, they are judged by Clare Smyth, Head Chef for Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road, Chef Ramsay’s flagship. Holli serves Foie Gras while Jay serves Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Holli takes this round.

 

For the Fish Entrée, they are judged by Steve Allen, Head Chef for Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Holli serves a 5 Spice Tuna, Jay serves an Arctic Char. Jay takes the round.

 

The two finalists are tied when they go to the Meat Entrée, where they are judged by Stuart Gillies, Patron Chef for Savoy Grille, and also the soon-to-be boss of one of the two. Holli serves a Seared Wagyu Filet while Jay serves a Kobe New York Strip. 

 

Jay takes the round and the win on this last challenge. 

 

Back in the kitchen, Chef Ramsay introduces some of the previously eliminated chefs who are here to be the two finalist’s team. Jay is disappointed because he wanted to try to hook up with Holli that night and this is throwing a curve ball into the game.  Because Jay won the last challenge, he gets to pick first, and picks Benjamin. Holli takes Autumn. Jay takes Jason next, while Holli takes Nilka. Jay takes Fran and lastly, Holli reluctantly takes Siobahn. They two teams split up, and Holli’s team is brainstorming (and chain smoking…gross!) Autumn seems to be volunteering to help a lot and knows that Siobahn will be the weakest link. Jay’s team is confident and ready to rock it out. 

 

The service starts and with the first check in, Siobahn is struggling to plate the Amuse Bouche properly. Holli’s team is worried that she will choke.  Over on the other side, Jay is super confident but stumbles when Fran gets a bit overwhelmed and burns her first round of scallops. All in all, it seems like Holli’s team is struggling more, when both Siobahn and Nilka sort of choke all over the place, Autumn becomes overwhelmed with tasks and Holli is being very particular about what is leaving the kitchen. Jay’s team is moving and Benjamin is stepping up to expedite and help. Jason is getting a bit overwhelmed but Jay learns how to manage him properly through positive reinforcement, which Jason responds well to.

 

Once service is over, Holli and Jay go somewhere to chain smoke while Chef Ramsay deliberates and reads the patrons comment cards.

 

And in the end, the winner is Holli, who inched ahead by being precise, and by being the most improved over the season. Enjoy London, Holli!

 

And the last thing that crosses my mind is, why oh why, does everyone in the service industry SMOKE so freaking much?? It kills your palette, makes you die sooner, and makes you stink for your guests.  Gross. Maybe next season they should show them scrubbing their hands afterwards...

 

 

Check out our exclusive interviews with Holli and Jay, here on RealityWanted.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

 

Follow Chandra at twitter.com/chandraclewley

 

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