Smallscreen Features

Recap: 'Hell's Kitchen, hissy fits and busted fried egg dreams

By April MacIntyre Aug 7, 2007, 7:07 GMT

Gordon Ramsay - - London, England © Photorazzi

The end is near, and the third season part one of the finale of Hell’s Kitchen begins with a brief recap of the last two seasons, and winning chefs Michael (season one) and Heather (season two).

The producers spliced a nice segment of the week by week eliminations, from Tiffany to Jen, and everyone in between.  So many memories, delicate flower Aaron, brutal dismissal for Josh and Melissa, and the sad farewell to Julia who really gave it a go.

Now we are left with Rock, a proud father of two with a beautiful wife, not unlike the film “Cinderella Man’s” John Braddock who got the fact that he was fighting for milk.  Rock knows this is a chance to radically alter not only his life, but his family’s legacy and future too.  Heavy stuff.

Bonnie is sweet, and her parent’s daughter still.  On her own, she limboed under the bar to surprise all who wrote her off as another cute blonde – end of story.  She has game.

Now Chef reveals the new deal, the restaurant and kitchen are divided into two, red for Bonne, blue for Rock. 

In the dorms, Bonnie and Rock get squiffy on wine and let their hair down, so to speak, Bonnie says she slides beneath the radar.  Rock muses she is more than meets the eye.

The two design their signature restaurant with the help of the show’s architect, John, who sits with Bonnie and Rock individually and helps them realize their own version of an eatery: Bonnie wants an eclectic romantic and mismatched china thing, sans booths, replete with wait staff in black.   Rock wants booths, classic and simple china and accessories, and …jeans for the waiters. 

Maitre’D Jean Phillipe just about had a stroke when he suggest this and not so gently guides him into another path.  You can see Rock bristle, and under any other circumstances probably would have clocked him or read him a volley of ghetto redress. 

Bonnie gets the emotionless sous Chef Mary Anne to help her fashion a menu, and Scott gets Rock.  Bonnie energetically feeds off the all business Mary Anne and puts her ideas into motion; Rock gets a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of the task.

Chef pops in and announces the first surprise of the day, they are going to Vegas.   They head to the Green Valley Ranch Resort on a private plane with more champagne to celebrate.

Ramsey queries them on their individual behaviors during the competition, asking why Rock had his “hissy” fit.  Ramsey waxes about his biggest surprise of Bonnie's derring do, she who could not fry an egg without breaking the yolk first service out.

Ramsey praised Rock for his chess-like acumen in navigating the game and his rivals. 

As they approach Green Valley Resort, the marquee announces that the show’s finalists are there.  A fabulous suite awaits them as they are hyped on the big screens which thrill the both of them.

Surprise number two as Ramsey leads them to a quiet bar and VIP lounge where a crowd is waiting.   Ramsey introduces the finalist to the crowd, of the best chefs in Vegas, and the two have 30 minutes to prepare their signature dish to impress seven of the elite epicureans.

Rock prepares a tower of fried chicken crowned crab cakes.  Bonnie does her shrimp and lobster pasta. 

First up is Sean Griffin from Caesar’s Palace.  He picks Bonnie’s pasta.
The second judge is Gerald Chin from MGM Grand.  He chooses Rock’s crab cakes.
Anthony Carron is the next, he selects Bonnie’s pasta. Robin Leach is next, of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous fame.  He chooses Bonnie. Michael Wray, season one’s winner, is the next up.  He chooses Rock’s dish.  Heather West, winner from season two follows, she picks Rock.

The final judges are GM’s Chris Fearnow and Bob Finch from the Green Valley Ranch and Resort who are given one vote.  After whispers and many commercials, the discussion ends and they choose Bonnie.  She wins the competition. 

Ramsey tells her she will be told the reward later.  They go back to the resort and Ramsey tells them both “well done.” 

On a balcony on a mild desert night with warm winds, the surreal lights of Vegas bathe Ramsey and the two in a pretty glow.  Champagne flutes lifted, he reminds them that the next time they come to Vegas, one of them will be home. 

Ramsey then invites both of them to both come to London as guests at his personal table.  Ramsey says:   “May the best chef wins.”  They share their final meal together in the dorm. 

Next day, the last six chefs return and greet the finalists.  Rock and Bonnie are happy to see them.  Brad wants Rock to win.  Jen tells Bonnie “I’ve missed you so much.”  Julia has a mini-breakdown, and is overcome with grief. 

No surprises, the girls all stick together, as do the guys.  Bonnie starts out with Jen.  Rock picks Brad.  Bonnie picks Melissa. She didn’t pick Julia because of her emotions.  Rock gets Vinnie.  Final choice for Bonnie is Julia. 

Julia in a side segment says she is rooting for Rock.  Josh is last pick and goes to Rock.  Off to the dorms for a dinner service that will either make or break Bonnie and Rock’s lives.

Next week will be the service finale, see you then, donkeys.