Friday night’s season finale of “Hell’s Kitchen” pits two New Yorkers against each other in a battle to claim the top prize.
This season has featured “Rookies vs. Veterans,” and after four-plus months it’s all boiled down to veteran Ariel Fox — a contestant on Season 6 (she finished in third place) — versus rookie Mia Castro.
Here’s a look at the two finalists as they battle under Gordon Ramsay’s watchful eye for the grand prize: a position at the world’s first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and $250,000.
Ariel Fox
Currently lives in: New Jersey, “right outside the city.”
Where she works in New York City: Concept executive chef for Dos Caminos. “I oversee all five locations and we are looking at opening a sixth.”
Hometown: Brooklyn
Favorite food to eat: “My favorite foods to eat at breakfast are waffles and eggs benedict. If I had to choose a favorite cuisine is would be a toss-up between Mexican and Italian.”
Favorite food to cook: “I consider myself a master when it comes to cooking steak or fish. The key is always in the sear and the baste.”
Most difficult food to cook: “I don’t really find anything particularly difficult to cook … I guess my answer would be pastry.”
Most difficult moment this season: “Tilly’s birthday party! I was charged with preparing the food for Gordon Ramsay’s daughter’s VIP table and I royally screwed up. Oddly enough it was fish!”
Personal highlight this season: “I was so much more comfortable in my own skin and I welcomed every challenge with enthusiasm and confidence.”
Fun fact about yourself: “I am also really good at cocktails. I make one hell of a margarita.”
Mia Castro
Currently lives in: The East Village
Where she works in New York City: “As a full-time private chef for a family in the West Village.”
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Favorite food to eat: “Pasta and rice … anything carby, really. And, of course, ice cream.”
Favorite food to cook: “Making fresh pasta.”
Most difficult food to cook: “Artichokes (hate cleaning them), octopus (it’s really easy to overcook it, which makes it tough and chewy).”
Most difficult moment this season: “Any time I had to nominate someone from my own team for elimination.”
Personal highlight this season: “My perfect score on the first episode signature dish that won the challenge for … my team and proved … I was not to be underestimated.”
Fun fact about yourself: “I’m irrationally afraid of the dark, so my bedroom door, all closet doors and dresser drawers must be closed when I go to sleep (to avoid monsters coming in/out, OBVIOUSLY).
