Chef Robert Hesse has become an overnight sensation since appearing on Hell's Kitchen for two seasons. Hesse, originally hailing from Pinellas Park, has his own fascinating journey involving poverty to riches including a health scare.
After each team nominates someone for expulsion from Ramsay's kitchen, he makes the final call as to who will leave; sometimes overriding their choices due to various circumstances.
Hell's Kitchen, airing on Fox, is a reality cooking competition where contestants must prepare upscale meals under Gordon Ramsay's watchful eye to win a $100,000 cash prize and host an intimate dinner service for former competitors.
Hell's Kitchen offers an abundance of restaurants and bars for dining out in New York City, from tasty Indian fare to spicy Thai curries - there is something to satisfy any palette in Hell's Kitchen! Furthermore, this neighborhood features many delicious bakeries and dessert shops for an indulgent end to any meal experience.
Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in midtown Manhattan offers an authentic NYC experience. Renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, visit Clinton Community Garden, Irish Arts Center or Fountain House Gallery to gain a taste of local culture.
Robert Hesse is an award-winning contestant on the reality cooking competition Hell's Kitchen and well known for his remarkable transformation, having overcome drug addiction and imprisonment to become an accomplished chef. Hesse credits food as saving his life, providing an outlet, direction and leadership skills.
He competed in seasons five and six. Additionally, he owns and operates Fo' Cheezy Twisted Meltz restaurant in St. Pete Beach as well as making personal appearances and conducting cooking demonstrations.
At a special event challenge, he was on the blue team, forced to transport ingredients for red team on a conference bike and transporting it along a certain path. Soon enough he felt dizzy and short of breath.
At dinner service, J was working the dessert station when he became upset when J overcooked the rice, leading him to compare switching stations as equivalent to being hit by a semi truck. Although his team lost their challenge competition, he resolved that they would succeed next time around and headed home in Pinellas Park where he ran his successful restaurant and charitable foundation.
Chef Robert Hesse hails from the heartland of America. After losing his auto mechanic job and losing interest in auto repair, he decided to follow his dream of becoming a chef and attended culinary school; with financial aid as an incentive. Once graduating he hit the road and traveled extensively before working at various hotels and resorts to hone his craft.
Errol made it all the way to Hell's Kitchen final before losing to Dave. However, even after losing, he remains popular among fans and still participates in cooking demonstrations, autograph shows, and personal appearances.
Robert was delighted to return, promising his fellow chefs that he would lead them all the way up. Jean-Philippe welcomed them as they entered the studio before Ramsay began calling out names of chefs he chose for competition; Robert was one of 16 chefs Ramsay selected - all excited at being back and providing assurances he would lead them all the way up.
Early one morning, alarms began sounding and Sous Chef Scott called everyone outside as Sous Chef Scott informed them there was a fire and they needed to evacuate their restaurant immediately. Once at the doorway however, Ramsay and firefighters appeared and explained it was just an exercise!
After, the team challenge involved creating gourmet versions of Max Reuben's favorite foods - chicken soup, brisket and burgers. LA beat Giovanni on soup while Carol came in last for both categories of cuisines.
Melinda has continued her culinary career post-Hell's Kitchen as both a private chef and television chef, appearing on cooking segments to promote Lovely Eats. Robert made significant weight losses due to his experience on the show; since then he is working full-time as chef/owner at Tremont 647 restaurants and food truck Fo' Cheezy food truck while competing in barbecue competitions and campaigning against childhood hunger.