Interview with Chef Denine Giordano: Surviving The Heat of Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen.

Interview

Chef Denine Giordano 

Surviving The Heat of Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen

At only 23 years old, Philly line cook and bartender Denine Giordano set out to become a contestant on the most intense cooking show on television, Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen Season 13.

She recently sat down with Golden Bay Magazine to take us through her journey, and gibe us a glimpse of what it's really like to be a part of the highest rated cooking show in the country. Who doesn't really want to know what it's like to be yelled at by Chef Ramsay, right?  

GBM -  Hi Denine! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some of our questions. Let's begin with taking us through the process of what it takes to become a contestant on Hell's Kitchen?

DG - I actually received word of an open call from my chef at school, I sent a few emails out, for some info & went to the open call! Not sure if I'm allowed to go into further detail, but they post a lot about it when they're casting!

GBM -  In the first episode, you and your fellow contestants were driven to a movie theater. After watching a short HK video, the curtain dropped to reveal a sea of audience members and Chef Ramsay himself. Right away, the signature dish challenge began in which you presented an inside out chicken Parmesan which the chef liked. What was your overall impression of that first day?

DG - I was certainly relieved to learn that he enjoyed my choice of dish. It was so intense and scary, first impressions stick sometimes! But luckily enough, he enjoyed it! And we went on to take that challenge.

GBM -  Good thing too, because having your dish torn to shreds (as some have experienced) on day one, can be pretty deflating I imagine. Can you tell me something funny or memorable that you experienced which did not make it on tv?

DG -  I think one of my favorite moments was the car ride to the yacht with all the girls as we sang the fresh prince opening credits song!

GBM -  Fresh Prince, love it! Chef Ramsay met you girls once you made it to the yacht and spent some leisure time offering some great advice. The one thing I'm sure that most people want to know is, what is Chef Ramsay like when the camera's aren't rolling? Were there any chances for one on one interaction either there, or elsewhere, that were not filmed? If so, what was that like? What did you talk about?

DG - You're filmed nearly 24/7 while on the show, there isn't a lot of off camera opportunity but Chef Ramsay is absolutely amazing. He's a genuine soul who is passionate about his food!

source - https://www.facebook.com/HellsKitchen/photos/
pb.13427984738.-2207520000.1431975856./10152787075169739/?type=3&theater

GBM -  Ok, so let's get to what everyone wants to know. Though they might not admit it, every HK fan loves watching the chef yell during dinner service. From someone who's actually experienced being in the front lines of that war, how stressful and intimidating is it really?

DG - It was honestly one of the most hectic experiences. It's very much such a struggle to impress a chef like Chef Ramsay, but to do it with a kitchen full of competing chefs that you've never worked with is, in itself, another challenge all on its own. It's rewarding though when you receive a compliment. You also never want to come down from that high so you strive for it.

GBM -  So it's a two edged sword. You can be struck down and yelled at, or be complimented and sent to cloud 9. All the while competing to be the best. I'm amazed most chef's don't crack under that kind of pressure.What did you learn from your time in HK that you take with you in your culinary life?

DG -  There is no kitchen without chemistry. Build a solid team and stick together at all times.

GBM -  You were dismissed from the show in the early episodes. You had problems in the fish station which caused you to be nominated for elimination. Though you dodged the bullet for that day, you felt the women threw you under the bus and more or less declared war against them. The following day, the women lost the daily challenge, and for punishment were made to grind coffee beans all day. You refused to grind which caused more friction between yourself and the rest of the women. Dinner service didn't go so well, and you ended up being eliminated. In retrospect, is there anything you would have done differently to continue cooking another day?

DG - Honestly, no. I wouldn't change a thing I did or said. It was the choice I wanted to make at the time, and I stand by it today.

GBM -  Great, I like it when people stick to their guns. If given the chance, would you go through it a second time around?

DG -  I would never pass up a chance to work under Chef Ramsay. So yes, in a heart beat.

GBM -  What was the most difficult thing about being on HK?

DG -  Being away from home. Not having your family, friends, significant other there to support you and help you through one of the biggest opportunities of your life.

GBM -  It's no secret that these shows sometimes take their footage and edit it to tell a certain story that may actually not have been how things really played out. Do you think you were portrayed fairly?

DG -  TV is TV. I got what I expected in all honesty. I don't know if I like how I was portrayed, but that's just a chance you take!

GBM -  La Tasha ended up winning, beating out Bryant in the finale. Did you have a favorite contestant that you rooted for after you left? Why him/her? 

DG -  La Tasha deserved that win. She is a phenomenal chef. I can't say I had a favorite, I learned to love all of my cast mates differently. I held no grudges or regrets when I came home?

GBM -  What advice would you give someone trying to become a contestant on HK?

DG - Go in, be yourself, and NEVER settle. If you get knocked down, get right back up & take absolutely no shit from the other competitors.

GBM -  HK season 14 is now on the air. Are you watching it? Any favorites so far?

DG -  I have to catch up on this current season, work is kicking my butt! But I'm sure they're all rocking out HK style & making their HK family proud!

GBM - What has life been like after HK? What lessons, if any did you take back home with you and apply to your life? Finally, what are your goals, what do you hope to achieve in the future?

courtesy - Denine Giordano

DG - Life has been just that, life! Working to become better, more independent & a better chef. Still learning and trying to find my niche in the industry. I learned there, that regardless of any obstacle thrown your way, you just need to push forward, never let the set backs ruin you. That's what life is, trial and error. With all of that being said, I just hope to be happy with anything that I do. That's my one true goal.

GBM - Well, we wish you the very best in all you do Denine. Thank you so much in taking the time to do this interview!
DG -  Absolutely, thank you!

If you find yourself in the Philadelphia area and want to say hello to Denine, she is currently the sous chef at Molly Malloy's at the Reading Terminal Market. - http://mollymalloysphilly.com/

Also, The entire Season 13 of Hell's Kitchen is available to stream via HULU. -  http://www.hulu.com/grid/hells-kitchen?video_type=episode