By now, the whole world has probably heard that Gordon Ramsay chose Chef Dave Levey as the winner of his hit FOX TV show, Hell’s Kitchen. The prize: a one-year contract as head chef at the popular Whistler restaurant Araxi.
To celebrate the Season 6 finale, Araxi held a party and invited the final four contestants: Dave, Kevin, Ariel, and Tenille. I was lucky enough to be invited because of my involvement with the show as part of my role with Whistler Blackcomb’s PR department.
The exclusive cocktail party included an oyster bar, hors d’oeuvres, fresh sushi, and an open bar featuring a Hell’s Kitchen cocktail. There were large TV screens set up throughout the restaurant so guests could view the pivotal Hell’s Kitchen episode. Meanwhile, the who’s who of the media were also in attendance, including entertainment reporter Fred Lee and Vancouver lifestyle blogger Miss604.
Photo: Greg Vallentin
Photo: Greg Vallentin
But what was it like during those few fleeting hours before the true winner was revealed to an excited crowd?
I arrived at the party firmly set on Dave as the winner, based on his courageous performance with a broken wrist and ability to out-cook his able-bodied competitors. As we mingled with the contestants, I tried to determine who seemed the most confident and happy. It was clear from the start that the crowd favourites were Kevin and Dave. Tenille had been let go the previous episode and the remaining female chef, Ariel, was just one step behind her fellow competitors, though still incredibly talented.
After careful observation, my instincts told me that Kevin was the winner as he seemed upbeat and very content throughout the evening. Minutes before the big reveal, I was even talking to him about snowboarding.
Apparently, my instincts are wrong. In a surprising turn of events, Ramsay announced Dave as the winner on the show and he was brought back into the spotlight – quite literally – as countless flashing cameras captured his victory.
Photo: Greg Vallentin
I truly feel that the best man won, though my heart does go out to Kevin and Ariel, who got emotional at the end. Hopefully, this show will bring them some amazing opportunities to further their careers.
And for the record, all the contestants seemed super friendly. And no, Tenille doesn’t talk that loud in person. She actually seemed incredibly humble and polite and even told me she loves the term “toque.”
Welcome to Whistler, Dave! And thanks to Shelley McArthur and the rest of the Table Top group for putting on an amazing party!
