FRIDAYS HEAT UP WHEN 18 NEW CHEFS ENTER “HELL’S KITCHEN” ON THE SEASON 16 PREMIERE, SEPTEMBER 23, ON FOX
Winner to Receive Head Chef Position at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian Las Vegas
Meet the new batch of 18 ambitious chefs willing to face host, executive producer and award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay on the Season 16 premiere of HELL’S KITCHEN airing Friday, Sept. 23 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. These aspiring chefs will leave their pleasantries at the door as they endure Ramsay’s hellishly intense culinary academy, including a series of grueling challenges and dinner services, for a chance to win the coveted HELL’S KITCHEN title.
Throughout the season, tensions will rise and emotions will flare as Ramsay puts on the pressure, demanding absolute perfection. Each week, the hopeful chefs will be put through rigorous culinary challenges, keeping only those who possess the right combination of ingredients to run their own restaurant. The last contestant to withstand the pressure of HELL’S KITCHEN will claim the grand prize – a Head Chef position at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian Las Vegas.
Watch/Share a first look at the new season of HELL’S KITCHEN: youtu.be/DnCN91lWAZg
In the premiere episode, Ramsay shocks the 18 chefs with a detour to a U.S. Army training boot camp, before allowing them to enter HELL’S KITCHEN. After proving their commitment and desire to face the tests that lay ahead, they are then split into two teams – men (blue) vs. women (red) – and tasked with their first challenge: to present their signature dishes. Later, during the dinner service, one team will deliver one of the strongest opening night services in HELL’S KITCHEN history, while the other team struggles with finding momentum.
Below are the 18 chefs competing on this season of HELL’S KITCHEN:
The Red Team (Women) includes:
 | JESSICA BOYNTON Hometown: Raleigh, NC Occupation: University Chef
Signature Dish: Risotto and Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
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 | SHAINA HAYDEN
Hometown: Long Island, NY Occupation: Banquet Chef
Signature Dish: Salmon Wellington |
 | WENDY MENDEZ Hometown: Bronx, NY Occupation: Pastry Chef
Signature Dish: Heirloom Tomato Soup
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 | HEIDI PARENT Hometown: Auburn, ME Occupation: Executive Chef
Signature Dish: Ricotta Gnocchi
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 | KIMBERLY ROTH Hometown: Rochester, NY Occupation: Sushi Chef
Signature Dish: Pappardelle with Clams
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 | KIMBERLY ANN RYAN Hometown: Traverse City, MI Occupation: Event Chef
Signature Dish: Seared Scallops with Mango Jalapeño Salsa and Spicy Toasted Rice Crispies |
 | HEATHER WILLIAMS Hometown: Easton, PA Occupation: Sous Chef
Signature Dish: Dry-Aged Ribeye with Hasselback Potato and Roasted Brussel Sprouts |
 | AZIZA YOUNG Hometown: Harrisburg, PA Occupation: Kitchen Manager
Signature Dish: Grilled Salmon with Roasted Potatoes and Arugula
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 | RAJEEYAH “GIA” YOUNG
Hometown: Queens, NY Occupation: Catering Chef
Signature Dish: Shrimp and Grits, NYC Style |
The Blue Team (Men) includes:
 | GENARO DELILLO Hometown: Lebanon, PA Occupation: Sous Chef
Signature Dish: Seared Duck Breast
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 | PAULIE GIGANTI Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Occupation: Executive Chef
Signature Dish: Biscotti-Encrusted Scallops over a Crispy Polenta with a Basil Curry Cream Sauce |
 | MATT HEARN Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Occupation: Sauté Chef
Signature Dish: Dove Breast Bolognese
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 | JOHNNY McDEVITT Hometown: Philadelphia Occupation: Head Chef
Signature Dish: Ribeye and Farro with Green Beans
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 | ANDREW PEARCE Hometown: Prospect Park, PA Occupation: Sous Chef
Signature Dish: Pan-Roasted Halibut with Butter-Poached Leaks, Maitake Mushrooms and Shell Fish Broth |
 | DEVIN SIMPSON Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC Occupation: Asst. Restaurant Manager
Signature Dish: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Parmesan Risotto
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 | AARON SMOCK Hometown: Traverse City, MI Occupation: Cook
Signature Dish: Pork Schnitzel with Blaukraut |
 | PAT TORTORELLO Hometown: Belleville, NJ Occupation: Culinary Instructor
Signature Dish: Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Risotto, Pistachio Fennel Frond Gremolata and Balsamic Glazed Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes |
 | KOOP WYNKOOP Hometown: Carey, OH Occupation: Kitchen Manager
Signature Dish: Surf and Turf |
