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Hell's Kitchen: Finale Part 1 of 2
There wasn’t much to last night’s show. I was expecting the finale but what we got was the LEAD UP to the finale.
The first 10 minutes of the show was a recap of the season which served to remind us all that this was the worst group of contestants ever assembled in reality show history.
And yet…I’ve never seen Gordon Ramsay so openly happy with his finalists. He honestly likes both Christina and Petrozza and it shows. I wouldn’t be surprised if both find a job with the Chef in one of his many restaurants.
But last night was about setting up for the main event. Christina and Petrozza were sent upstairs to work on their menu. Christina was shown working hard on a legal pad, filling pages with her ideas. Petrozza moaned and binged on chips.
Christina stayed up for hours planning. Petrozza gave up and went to bed. At 5 a.m. he got up and again seemed to be having “chef’s block.”
When they got to the kitchen to work with their sous chefs, Petrozza was all over the place while Christina KNEW what she wanted and felt that she had a great menu. In spite of the fact that the sweet Petrozza is nearly twice her age, it was Christina who seemed to come across as the adult: confident and ready for the challenge ahead.
But there’s just something endearing about Petrozza. When he met with the designer to decide on how to redecorate his half of the restaurant he only had vague ideas of what he wanted. But the main thing was flowers. He wanted flowers.
Christina picked out rich shades of brown including striped wallpaper. She also knew exactly what she wanted her servers to wear and it was nothing that Jean Philippe offered on his models.
They were hideous, many of the outfits were in bright, neon colors. Christina insisted on dark jackets and tees. Petrozza was excited by the selection and opted for one of the neon colors for his servers.
Then, leaving the restaurant behind, Ramsay took the two of them to New York City. They flew on a small, private jet. They saw their names in lights on Times Square. They were rewarded with a stay in Dubai and a chance to visit one of his restaurants there. Both were delighted although Christina wasn’t sure where Dubai was located.
Later at Ramsay’s New York Restaurant, they met his executive chef and were then told to prepare their signature dishes. Christina was positive that she had the competition in the bag. In fact, she was downright cocky.
In front of an audience, their dishes were presented to five of Ramsay’s executive chefs. At first it looked like Petrozza was going to walk off with the competition. The first two picked his dish and it would only take 3 votes to win. But, in what looked like a set-up to me, the next two picked Christina, leaving the score tied for the last Chef.
Petrozza won but there were no real winners. His prize? He got to pick first of the losers who would be returning to “help” them in their final task.
Oh, yes. Whoopie Goldberg came out to congratulate them.
Wow! Exciting!
Back in Hell’s Kitchen, Petrozza was delighted with the progress on his “restaurant.” Christina…not so much. She didn’t know the wallpaper would be striped in spite of the fact that she had selected striped wallpaper. Then the designer wanted to push Petrozza’s wall into her area just a bit to accommodate a huge fireplace.
She let them move the wall but insisted that they paint over the wallpaper.
Then it was time to pick their teams from a list of previous contestants: Bobby, Lou Ross, Corey, Ben, MATT and JEN.
I would have refused to take a 3rd person. There is no way Matt or Jen would be in my kitchen even if it meant I was short handed.
Petrozza picked Bobby first. Christina picked her buddy, Corey. Petrozza took Ben and Christina took Lou Ross.
This left Matt and Jen (who was telling the camera that she was superior to everyone in that kitchen and she wanted to make sure Ramsay second guessed his decision to let her go.)
Christina was okay with taking Matt but didn’t want Jen. Petrozza didn’t want either of them. He called the choice the lesser of two evils.
And the show ended without showing us who ended up with whom.
Next week: The real finale!
My guess: I’m sticking with Christina.
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Jul 2, 2008 8:37 AM
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Hi Vickie Jean. Was disappointed in last night's show because I thought this was IT and it was like one big fat advertisement for Hell's Kitchen with a rehash of all of the contestants. (Actually that was good for me because I didn't start watching until Matt and his "this is mad" histronics).
Think you're right and that the "contest" WAS a bit of a setup AND so many of them made it seem like it was going to be Christina when it was Petrozza! DO like him but want her to win - youth and 3 years vs age and so much more - just to show the doubters out there that it CAN happen. Hope though that they WILL both get a job offer, even if the "winner" gets the best one, what could be bad about the 2nd placer getting a different job with THE CHEF???
Worried about next week and what kind of subterfuge we'll see - and the promos show the "helpers" are really not going to be much of a help, especially Jen, and oh how I wish Christine isn't stuck with her because I think she'll do all she can to play herself up and everybody else down.
Hope there won't be any meltdowns on either P's or C's part OH and so glad you said something about the "plaid wallpaper" since I was sure that was exactly what she'd asked for. With Petrozza jumping all over the place it still seems he got a great looking restaurant, because looked like the designer was with him all the way and had questionable ideas about Christina's choices.
Will be an INTERESTING show, to say the least!!
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Jul 2, 2008 9:48 AM
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Hi, Vickie!
Great J-O-B as normal. And oh boy, you just know the whole daggone competition was a complete set up. Saw it coming light years away. But still, I heart Chef Ramsay so I'll forgive this season best compared to chitterlings marinated in peppermint.
And that's not cute. 
I'll be back next week to see Christina claim her crown.
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Jul 2, 2008 10:28 AM
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I knew that last night was not the finale so I was prepared! As for the show - it was just a fluff piece. But I did kind of get the impression that the show runners are giving us a Petrozza friendly set up, preparing us for his victory against Christina. That is just my opinion, but it seemed to me that Petrozza is coming out of nowhere here and he is showing signs of coming out on top!
I was kind of surprised that nothing was shown of Dubai. I'm not sure why it was even mentioned other than to advertise one of Ramsey's restaraunts.
Thanks for the great blog Vickie - see you on Monday for TNFNS.
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Jul 2, 2008 11:07 AM
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I posted late in the day yesterday in your Mole blog that this wasn't the finalé after I had read that you thought that it was.
I think the worst group of reality contestants could have been BB9 or many of the recent Real Worlds, or most of the "dating" shows on VH-1. But these were the worst HK contestants, and probbaly worst for any culinary show.
I think Christina misspoke. I think she wanted the wall color to be the color of the chocolate stripe, not striped. That's what she changed it to as well.
Whoopie just made, perhaps, the most useless, pointless, and needless cameo EVER.
I think when they have the 5 judges compare the 2 dishes, that they should do it in a sort of modified "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" style. Have each dish labeled (A & B or 1 & 2) and then have the judges write down their choice on a card, and then all five turn their cards over at the same time. This way there isn't any picking the winner based on anything other than taste.
I think Petrozza is a very good, kind soul. I can't see him working in, much less running a high end restaurant. This may be why he's a caterer, not a restaurateur. I think Christina has proven that she has what it takes, and I do believe that she'll win. Funny how this show and Next Food Network Star both have young, blonde recent culinary students who are serious contenders to win it all.
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Jul 2, 2008 12:27 PM
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Hi Dorjean, I'm volunteering at my church's office today and that's ALL we're talking about! We got ripped off last night. We all thought it was THE finale! I felt like both JP and the designer were sour with Christina just because she knew what she wanted. A little sexism there maybe? Meanwhile poor Petrozza didn't know what he wanted but he's so likeable that they both seemed happy with him. Of course, Christina did ask for striped paper and then claim she didn't but with everything going on I could see forgetting. I hate it when these shows bring back sore losers to sabotage the finalists. The apprentice does it too and I don't think it's fair. I hope Christina doesn't get Jen either. The consensus here at the office is that Christina will win. A lot of people think Chef has a bit of a crush on her.
Hi Dancergirl,Thanks! Yeah, I heart Chef Ramsay too although I'm not altogether sure why. All us girls here at the church office heart Ramsay but don't care for the potty mouth. Chitterlings marinated in peppermint! Who would even THINK of putting that together!  Yep, I think Christina's got this.
Hi Ranger, You KNEW!? Then why didn't you warn the rest of us!!!! Now see, I thought they were pushing Christina in the show last night with her hard work and prep and showing Petrozza as being a bit scattered. I have trouble seeing Ramsay pick Petrozza but I like the guy so I'd be okay with it. Thanks! See ya for the Lisa/Kelsey/Shane show!
Hi Darclyte, Thanks for trying! I have trouble getting online later in the afternoons. I was clueless as were most of the people here at the church office. I volunteer here once a week and we're all fans of this show. Man I tell ya, I'm glad I didn't see a reality show with contestants worse than these. What a mess! You know, I bet you're right about Christina. I do remember her going on about that one color. As for Whoopie, if she'd come out dressed as Star Trek's Guinan, I'd have enjoyed it. I just didn't get it at all! I agree with you that the judges shouldn't know who cooked what to make things fair. I love Petrozza but I don't see him winning. Christina has this I think.
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Jul 2, 2008 12:41 PM
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Hi Vickie...
I will admit I haven't watched this show for the past couple of weeks.... I am not sure what it is but I got bored.  In the past I have watched this show religiously. but this season no can do!
That being said... I think it is silly for them to try and get one more week out of it, althought they might have done so if they couldn't get a two hour time slot?
I hope that Christina does win since Petrozza's kitchen habits are disgusting!
Thanks for doing a great job and blogging on all these terrific shows!!
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Jul 2, 2008 1:02 PM
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I didn't think an hour would be long enough for a trip somewhere for the final challenge and the elimination challenge so I wasn't surprised.
I have a feeling Christina's session with the designer was highly edited in a way to put her in a bad light later in the show. She mentioned she wanted striped fabric on the booths and was then shown looking at what I thought were giant paint chips that turned out to be the wallpaper that showed up later. I got the impression she was picking a paint color to go with a fabric that we didn't see.
They did the same thing with the final challenge last year where one contestant started out with 3 votes, the other contestant got the next 3 votes and the winner was the contestant that got the original 3 votes. I agree the votes should be made by secret ballot and then revealed at the same time.
I like Christina so I hope she doesn't get stuck with Jen and wins it all. I do think they could both get job offers though or why send both of them to a restaurant in Dubai to spend a day in the kitchen observing.
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Jul 2, 2008 1:12 PM
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I was disapointed in last nights show too. I thought it would be two hours since it was the final, not two nights. oh well.
The final challenge was totally rigged, just like it is every season. It always comes down to the final judge, who usually just happens to be their future boss. It was particularly obvious when the 3rd chef was kind of leaning toward Petrozza in his comments, but then after Chef R said that if he were to pick Petrozza, it would be "all over" and gave him a meaningful glare, then the chef picked Christina. What ever! I like everyone's idea of a secret ballot.
And I got the impression when I was watching it that Christina wanted striped booths, and the walls the color of one of the stripes.... Maybe Christina was so amped up and excited, maybe she really did say to do the walls striped and doesn't realize it! but who knows with editing!
I am not looking forward to Jen and Matt's attitudes next week. I hate when they bring back the sore losers. Would much rather they just got to work with the HK staff. It isn't fair to have the handicap of someone trying to sabotage your work.
Have a good day everyone! See you next week and around the blogs! :~)
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Jul 2, 2008 1:27 PM
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Heya Guys! Nice job again Vickie! I thought it was the finale too, and told the honey, who began to question me 1/2 hour in. Oh well, that just means another week of one the few shows I watch this summer (I think there's only 4).
I thought Christina's biggest problem with the stripes was how they looked with the "windows". Those white windows with individual panes combined with the stripes were too busy, and I thought that's what she meant when she said it wasn't like she imagined. Maybe I'm wrong, but that was my take. We distictly heard her ask for the stripes though. (and she was wearing a striped top too - lol) (and that metalic top she wore over pants last week for sightseeing? My friend said it was a dress! Ugly no matter what, but hysterical that she wore it with pants!)
I also agree that the competition was rigged. The Chef that made the final decision was going to be their boss so his opinion was important. You know they wanted the drama of having him pick the winner. I wondered about that when they said he was going to be their boss. Is there someone above Executive Chef, or do they know that's not what they are going to be getting?
I would think that the challenge of creating your menu and restaurant would be easy because you have dreamed of it for a long time, but I guess Christina proved that execution isn't always what you dreamed. I loved Pet binging on chips (and being messy about it-lol) and not being able to decide. He said he was exhausted, and I believe it. Maybe that was their age difference showing. She is all jazzed and he is tired. (I think I can relate to that, HA!)
Petroza really relied on The Sous Chef and the designer to help him along. I loved when the Sous Chef seemed surprised that he wanted to do a whole duck, but then told him if he was so passionate about it he should. When they shook on the menu I knew it had to be good 'cuz this guy wouldn't let Pet go wrong.
I also died laughing when JP had to deal with Christina on the uniforms. It was pretty humorous that the two were pretty much exaxt opposites (Christina didn't like the idea of her server in a chef jacket at all, and then that's what Pet picked - lol)
Finally, I liked Jen saying that she wanted to prove to CR that he picked the wrong contestants, but someone needs to tell her that you don't do that by being lazy or sabatoging. Why would he pick you, or give you a reference when you behave like that? These contestants aren't thinking 'cuz he has lots of restaurants, and lots of Chef friends, and that sounds like valuable networking to me. Instead, almost all of them have shown they aren't worth the hassle. Who would hire Jen or Matt based on what they saw, and I can't imagine CR saying good things about them.
I don't know who will win, I am horrible at picking, and I really think both will end up winners 'cuz CR does really like them. (and when they show his good side that's when I melt - you can see he's not that bad - and then the bad girl in me knows that I like his yelling too - hehe)
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Jul 2, 2008 1:57 PM
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Oh, I almost forgot! I was rolling with laughter when Chef brought them up to his office and was messing with them about wondering if he had the right final two, and Christina told him "Petrozza's old, his heart can't take that!" hahahahahaha
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Jul 2, 2008 2:02 PM
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Hi indy, Thanks! I got a little tired back some weeks ago but then it caught my interest again. Maybe they need to change things up a bit and do some soul searching like American Idol supposedly is doing. Getting some people who are actually talented might help!
Hi Reality, It was just so irritating! I really do think Christina has this. Honestly, from a purely professional point of view, it would be easier to mold a young person than someone pushing 50. He'd get more years out of Christina. I agree that they tried to make her look bad but it didn't work with me. I wouldn't be surprised if Ramsay hired them both though. He really likes them.
Hi Shel, There seems to be a lot of us who feel a bit mistreated over the one hour PRE-finale. I'm with you about bringing back sore losers. They do that on the Apprentice too. It's just not right. And Darclyte caught the same thing you did about Christina and the wallpaper. I DID enjoy Chef Ramsay messing with their heads in his office too! I think Christina has this won.
Hi Countryqueen! Thanks! Yeah, when Ramsay turns into a softie I melt right there with you. You bring up a great point. If I were a castoff, especially one toward the end of the competition, I'd come in and work my rear end off trying to get Ramsay's attention. As you said, he has lots of restaurants and the pay is probably pretty good. Of course, to give Jen the benefit of the doubt, she may not do anything bad next week. You KNOW how they are when they show clips for the next week. Sometimes the stuff they show isn't even in the program! I think Christina has this. But I'd be fine with Petrozza too!
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Jul 2, 2008 3:34 PM
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Hi Vickie,
I was so happy when Jen left then she came back again. Ugh. The Jen free episode was pretty good last week. It got to a point where I had to turn the sound off whenever she started her little rants to the camera. I'm sure she's a very good chef and she did win some challenges but she's not all that like she thinks she is.
Of course, to give Jen the benefit of the doubt, she may not do anything bad next week. You KNOW how they are when they show clips for the next week. Sometimes the stuff they show isn't even in the program! I think Christina has this. But I'd be fine with Petrozza too!
I agree, those editors can really play with our minds sometimes. I'll be happy with either one of them winning. They are both deserving of the job.
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Jul 2, 2008 9:10 PM
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