Was It Pre-Ordained?

Hell's Kitchen Fourth Season Finale

ARTicle by chairo

The best overlooked chef in Hell’s Kitchen was chosen by Petrozza. Why he would have chosen Jen is beyond me, but then why would he want to be stuck with Matt? The only good thing is that they didn’t get picked for the same team … what a disaster that would have been.

Since the producers didn’t deem it necessary to go over all the dishes that were to be served, I am not going to do so either. Suffice to say Ramsay felt Christina played it safe in her choices and that Petrozza may have chosen a menu that was beyond him … or at least beyond those who would be preparing it for him.

Ramsay made suggestions to both chefs as to how to improve their dishes and both took his suggestions to heart.

Christina was well prepared. She assigned Corey to meat, Louross on appetizers and Matt on whatever Matt was on …. fish and risotto. Her kitchen was prepped and her team was behind her.

Petrozza flew by the seat of his pants. He did not have his menu posted, nor had he done any prep. Bobby and Ben were behind him 100 percent, but Jen was constantly lamenting the fact Ramsay didn’t give her a chance at final two when she was the best he had to chose from. I almost fell out of my chair when Jen asked Ramsay for a recommendation … then qualified it by asking him not to mention her attitude … though I honestly don’t believe Jen thinks for one minute she ever had a bad attitude.

She also said that the reason she was picked last was because she was the best leader and the others were afraid of her … oh poor poor delusional Jen … the men in the white coats (and I don’t mean chef’s coats) will be there to pick you up after the show and take you back to the home you escaped from.

The service tonight had many highs and lows. Not surprisingly they all revolved around either Jen or Matt. Matt did his crazy man routine again … to the point of cursing at Ramsay and telling him to shut up … of course this was all done under his breath.

Christina’s team got their appetizers out first with Petrozza following quickly. Disaster almost struck when Petrozza, due to lack of prep, ran out of ingredients for two of his three appetizers. Quick thinking however kept him in the game.

Christina’s team also began serving entrees first but Petrozza’s team soon caught up and went ahead of her …. in a large part this was thanks to Matt who kept bringing her raw fish. Corey did bring her one serving of lukewarm steak which the customer returned.

Ramsay was on Petrozza about his lack of control over Jen and was on Christina for her lack of control over Matt … however, Christina did handle Matt a lot better and with more success than Petrozza was able to handle the pouting Jen.

A little recap before we announce the winner (why shouldn’t I drag it out when the show itself does all the time). Christina’s restaurant was to die for. It was elegant and contemporary. Petrozza’s was also nice but didn’t appeal to me personally. It was more rustic. He liked it and Ramsay liked it, so guess that is all that matters. Ramsay also liked Christina’s choice. Each restaurant held 13 tables and 50 customers.

Service is over. Christina and Petrozza both said farewell to their teams and received high commendations from Ramsay who assures them he was right keeping them as the final two. Finally both stand facing the doors, their hands on the door knobs and Ramsay counting down. Both turn the knob and the door opens to reveal that Christina has won the position as executive chef (I know people don’t think this is the position she actually received but Ramsay repeated it so often tonight, I choose to go along with what he says) at his new London West Hollywood restaurant with a salary of $250,000.

I know it is easy to say in hindsight, but if I were to have had to pick who I thought the winner would be this year I would have picked Christina … based almost solely on the way Ramsay treated her and reacted to her. Also the fact he saved her from elimination when at that time she probably should have gone home.

Well the season is over. Is Christina executive chef at London West Hollywood or slinking away somewhere slinging hamburgers? Back in school? I don’t know but since at the time the show was taped the restaurant wasn’t open yet, who’s to say she didn’t serve her year and move on … or that she isn’t still there. I do know that one of the chef’s who judged her and Petrozza in NYC was introduced as the CHEF the winner would be working under … so is he the SUPER executive chef???? So many questions and so few answers.

Next up for the foul mouthed super duper chef Ramsay? Kitchen Nightmares from around the world … now that might be interesting.

Until next year, congratulations Christina, wherever you are.

UPDATE: For those who are interested the London West Hollywood, though not completed as of June this year, was open for business. So it would seem sensible to surmise that Christina had not yet begnn her career there at the writing of her last blog. Following is an excerpt from Christina’s MySpace blog dated June 27 … after reading it you can come to your own conclusions

"Hell’s Kitchen Myths Revealed Current mood: adventurous So everyday I check my msgs, and respond, or at least try to. None-the-less, I find myself answering the same questions over and over. So here are all of your top questions answered and top secret hk myths revealed: About me: I have a boyfriend whom I love dearly. Sorry. However watch the status, if we breakup I'll let you know. Yes, I was a culinary student. I have, in truth been a culinary student for 5 years. I was origionally attending commiunity college to make sure this was the right path. Yes, I have worked in a restaurant before. So many, in fact, that I could not name them all. I have been in this industry for over a decade. Granted most of my positions were front-of-the-house. (Up until 2003) I live in St. Louis. This is my home plate, my spring board, and the place I hide after graduating culinary school, or appearing on a reality television show. I am employed. I work in a restaurant run by my mentor. Some people have asked if this means I lost. No. Win or lose you will find me behind a stove somewhere. This is my job. oh yeah, Please don't ask me if I won. I cannot answer that. I can tell you I made it into the finals, and I am a control freak with borderline O.C.D. my restaurant will kick-ass... or I won't sleep. About HK: HK is filmed. This still doesn't mean I can tell you anything, and besides you only have 2 weeks to wait. I never watched enough to know much about Mary-Ann (sous chef), but I felt fortunate to work under Gloria. I don't know how to get a seat in the restaurant. I hear something about Craigslist? But am not sure I have no pull with casting directors, and cannot get you on to the show. Season 5 has wrapped. Sorry. We all look like idiots on the show for a couple of reasons. No sleep, I forewent eating in pursuit of coffee, stress, and of course Gordon. These things get to you no matter how tough you are. ( I thought I was a tough girl, but on film I look like Bambi... who knew) I love GR. o.k. so maybe it's not that creepy, but it was an honor to work with him... I would do it again if given the chance. I wish all chefs were like him, in that there was a sense of standards that were upheld, and you always knew where you stood. The cast: We share a special bond. We were all put through a trial by fire. I respect all of them for their individual talent and skill, regardless of how they looked on film About the Finale: Love Lou, aka Petrozza. You will never find a more genuine person anywhere. It was great to compete against him... although I will try to kick his ass : )"

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