Hell’s Kitchen (Season 6, Episodes 14 & 15) – “3 Chefs Compete” + “2 Chefs Compete” Finale

This was a live blog during the show finale.

It’s down to the final three… Kevin, Dave and Ariel. Time for the fun to begin. After a good night’s sleep (with the exception of Dave), the 3 remaining chefs head into the kitchen. Gordon tells them they will make and match a cuisine from one of three dishes from around the world. Ariel gets China, Dave gets India, and Kevin gets Mexico. The chefs must use the items in the kitchen and they get 45 minutes to make their one international dish. The judges for this challenge will be Gordon, Vikas Khanna (World renowned chef of Indian cuisine), Thomas Ortega (executive chef of Ortega 120), and Eddie Wong (executive chef of Mr. Chow). Ariel’s up first, she does ok, but gets a watery comment from Eddie Wong. Kevin’s next, but he has to tell the judges he forgot the sauce. Chef Ortego tells him that’s the one thing his dish is missing. Dave’s last with his Indian dish. Dave explains his protein is pork, since he believes the cow is worshipped, but to Dave’s surprise Chef Khanna explains pork is also not a protein that is eaten by Muslims, and he should have gone with chicken or seafood. Overall though the judges seem to like Dave’s dish. Chef Wong picks Dave, Chef Ortego picks Dave and Chef Khanna picks Dave. Clear win for Dave. The prize is each of the three chefs will cook a dish for Dave to enjoy at lunch. Losers have to clean and prep for service.

Before service begins Gordon tells them he’ll be handing over the reins. Each chef will have their turn up at the hot plate. Hell’ Kitchen opens and orders start coming in. Service starts off good and Gordon calls up Kevin to run the pass.
Kevin calls out the first order and things are looking good. But here comes the quality control check. The old switcheroo with the fish, but Kevin makes a good catch with the wrong fish that was brought up. Kevin sends back a lamb to Ariel and she starts to slow things down. The kitchens come to a halt because of Ariel’s lamb and Gordon tells Kevin he better get a grip. Ariel finally brings up some good lamb and Kevin’s turn is over.

Dave turn at the pass and he starts getting very aggressive. A little yelling, kicking the bin… taking charge. Quality control time and Chef Scott sends up spinach puree for asparagus puree. Too bad, he doesn’t catch it. Gordon pulls him out and tells him he has to take control. Another sabotage dish comes up with the wrong Tuna coming to the pass. Dave misses it again. After the first two misses, Dave rallies and finishes strong.

Ariel’s up and she calls out her first order. Her first quality test is parsnip puree instead of mashed potatoes. Ariel misses it. Next sabotage is a salmon for sea bass switch. This one Ariel catches. Then she starts yelling out multiple orders, really confusing the chefs. Kevin starts complaining a little, but Gordon tells Ariel to run it and not let the other chefs run her. Ariel does her best to take control… without the help of Kevin though and finishes her turn.

Service ends with all three doing fairly well. Gordon tells each chef they must each nominate one person and tell Gordon why they nominated that person. Kevin picks Ariel, Ariel picks Kevin, and Dave picks Ariel. Gordon says the picks haven’t helped him and asks each chef why they feel they belong in the kitchen. After hearing each of the chefs comments Gordon sends Ariel packing.

2 Chefs Compete “Finale”:
Time for the Hell’s Kitchen finale. It’s down to Dave and Kevin. The winner gets to head to the Araxi in Whistler. The next service each chef will design their own menu. First up is a limo ride to somewhere. They arrive at a hotel and head up to the roof top. After looking down at a big crowd, Gordon tells them they must prepare a dish and the judges are down in the crowd. The cooking is complete and they bring up their dishes for judging. 5 judges will be tasting. Alain Gayot (Gayot Publications) is first and he picks Dave. Jamie Maw (International Food Critic) is 2nd up and he picks Dave. Tanya Steel (Epicurious) is 3rd and she picks Kevin. Warren Geraghty (Executive chef, West) is 4th and he picks Kevin. Colman Andrews (Gourmet Magazine) gets to be the tie breaker and he picks Dave. Dave wins.

After a good night’s sleep they both have to design their menus. Kevin will be working with Heather in the red kitchen, while Dave will be in the blue kitchen with Scott. Gordon take them out for a special delivery and when the open the door, it’s all the previous chefs that have been eliminated. Dave gets to pick first since he won the challenge. He picks Ariel. Kevin’s first pick is Van. After the remaining picks the final teams are:
Dave with Ariel, Robert, Suzanne
Kevin with Van, Amanda, Sabrina

After a quick change, the chefs start getting everyone prepared for service. Dave’s kept his simple, while Kevin’s gone a little further and more complicated. Kevin’s menu features caramelized scallops; coffee cured beef tenderloin; and a crème brulee trio. Dave’s menu features a wild mushroom risotto; roasted loin of venison; and a dark chocolate mousse. Gordon explains how Kevin’s dishes are artistic, but may be hard to execute, while Dave’s dishes are simple so he mush really keep on top of them and not get sloppy.

Hell’s Kitchen opens with some of the previous judges including the Chef from the Araxi restaurant. Both sides get going and call out orders.

Kevin has some trouble with Amanda and her getting scallops going for appetizers. Meanwhile, Robert starts cranking out risotto on Dave side. Kevin could be in trouble with a start like this. Van starts to come to the rescue and takes charge on Kevin’s side. Ariel sends up overcooked venison and Dave sends it back. Ariel sends up another one that passes. Guests from both sides seem to be enjoying the meal and make some nice comments.

The Araxi table tickets come in and Amanda starts sending up problems. Kevin keeping it under control, but he’s having trouble. Right when he’s about to blow up, Kevin calms down and gets busy helping out and leads his kitchen to serve up the table. Kevin decides to fire up to tables at once. Dave’s side gets fish sent back, undercooked. It’s down to the last 4 tables, then the last table. Really close. Both sides finish about the same time.

Gordon calls both Kevin and Dave to his office. As they stand next to the two doors, Gordon tells them they both did really well and it’s the closest competition so far. He said he’s reached his decision and tells them to step up to the doors. Whoever’s door opens is the winner. Dave’s door opens and he wins Hell’s Kitchen season 6. Big congratulations to Dave and also to Kevin for putting up a first rate fight.