Following Monday’s second episode of “Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns,” Matthew Francis Johnson‘s name will forever be associated with the phrase “meat thermometer scandal.” The 24-year-old food vlogger and hand model from Duluth, Minnesota apparently brought the blue tool from home in order to properly test the temperatures of his proteins, which is against Gordon Ramsay‘s rules. Matthew was already on the chopping block because of his poor showings in the previous challenges, but this scandal sealed his fate.
“I definitely hoped I could last longer, but ‘Hell’s Kitchen‘ is Hell for a reason,” Matthew said in his exit interview after Gordon took his jacket. Referencing the controversy, he added, “Yes, I used a meat thermometer, but I promise I can actually cook real food. I really wanted Chef to see who I am, but I feel like I just never had the chance.”
After dinner service, Matthew found himself in the bottom three alongside Payton Cooper (for messing up on the meat station) and Jayaun Smith (for cooking salmon prematurely). While those two men got a chance to fight for themselves, Gordon didn’t let Matthew say a word.
SEE‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Winners Ranked Worst To Best (All Seasons)
“Matthew, at signature dish, you delivered me a dish full of s***,” the host barked. “Then at the alcohol challenge, you served me a raw chicken. And then tonight, you served me raw lamb. Worst of all, your attitude sucks. Therefore, I’m not listening to your bulls***. Give me your jacket.” Matthew removed his white jacket and handed it to Gordon, who in turn gave him back his meat thermometer and ordered, “The next time you decide to cook protein, use this s*** properly.”
Gordon hung up Matthew’s jacket in the hallway and proclaimed in voice-over, “Matthew may be considered a chef on the internet, but unfortunately I have to taste his food and that’s why I have to block him from the competition.”
Earlier in the episode, Matthew was up for elimination in the alcohol challenge against Ava Harren, the 23-year-old bikini model from Anchorage, Alaska. Gordon ended up taking her jacket at that time because her pineapple looked “knackered” and her salmon was raw. Now only 16 chef-testants remain in the running to win the head chef position at the Hell’s Kitchen Steakhouse in the Paris Hotel.
FAQs
The thermometer violated the show's rules because, as Guilty Eats explains, outside kitchen tools of any kind are forbidden.
What was the scandal on Hell's Kitchen? ›
In Season 5, Episode 5, Chef Ramsay received backlash after requiring two chefs to make dishes that used penguin meat as one of the primary components. By doing so, Hell's Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay violated the Atlantic Treaty, outlawing the consumption of penguins.
Do the cooks on Hell's Kitchen get paid? ›
Are the contestants on Hell's Kitchen paid? Yes, Hell's Kitchen contestants are paid a weekly stipend for each week they remain on the show. There is a pretty standard amount for “Competition Series”, which is approximately $750 per week.
What happens to all the food cooked on Hell's Kitchen? ›
The good news is it doesn't go to waste. The prepared food is eaten by staff members, and unused food is donated to a local food bank.
Is Hells kitchen safe now? ›
Hell's Kitchen is no longer the dangerous place its name suggests. The neighborhood, stretching from about 34th Street to 59th Streets, and west from Eighth Avenue to the Hudson, has become a safe and desirable place to live, with prices still generally lower than in surrounding areas.
Can normal people eat at Hells kitchen? ›
Kitchen Nightmares isn't a dining experience, rather, it's Chef Ramsay visiting failing restaurants. If they are still open after the program (over 65% are closed), you can visit the restaurant. How much will it cost me to eat at Hell's Kitchen? It's free to eat there, though you have to apply/call/email for tickets.
What did Brett from Hells Kitchen go to jail for? ›
BOYNTON BEACH — A former Delray Beach chef — a former and current contestant on the "Hell's Kitchen" television show — has been arrested on drug charges in Palm Beach County, reports show. Bret Eugene Hauser, 36, now of Fort Lauderdale, was booked early Friday at the county jail.
Why did Garrett from Hell's Kitchen go to jail? ›
Garrett Telle placed fifth in season 2 but has been plagued with arrests. Hell's Kitchen Fandom shares that between 2012 and 2016, he has been arrested four times for driving without a valid driver's license.
Who turned down Hell's Kitchen? ›
Ariel Contreras-Fox turned down the executive chef position at Hell's Kitchen Restaurant, opting to work closer to home instead. Ariel's post-Hell's Kitchen career thrived as she became the VP of Dos Caminos and Del Friscos, showcasing her culinary talent.
Do guests pay on Hell's Kitchen? ›
Diners didn't have to pay for their meals, however — which makes sense, since a lot of times, they never see the food they ordered. In fact, as compensation for their time, each diner was paid $50. They weren't paid to act or react in any way, however.
The Country Club at Mirasol Chef de Cuisine Ryan O'Sullivan outlasted 17 other chefs to win the 22nd season of FOX TV's Hell's Kitchen, hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay. O'Sullivan wins a $250,000 cash prize and a job offer as head chef at the Hell's Kitchen restaurant in Las Vegas.
Who is the most successful chef to come out of Hell's Kitchen? ›
Christina Wilson
Christina Wilson won “Hell's Kitchen” Season 10 on September 10, 2012. She's considered by most fans to be the best winner of all time. Christina received a head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Steak at the Paris Las Vegas in Paradise, Nevada.
How much of Hells Kitchen is real? ›
The cooking in Hell's Kitchen is real, and the competition is genuine. Contestants face real challenges and are judged based on their culinary skills by Chef Gordon Ramsay. However, like many reality shows, some scenes may be edited for dramatic effect.
What happens on Hell's Kitchen when they get kicked out? ›
Each contestant eliminated from "Hell's Kitchen" is immediately taken for a psychiatric evaluation to make sure contestants don't want to kill themselves - or someone else. The diners have to sign that they are not guaranteed a meal but are guaranteed all the free beer and wine and bread they want.
Is Kitchen Nightmare fake? ›
While the restaurants and their situations are, by in large real, not everything on Kitchen Nightmares is totally accurate.
Why do chefs not like meat thermometers? ›
Some chefs who don't like using thermometers believe that relying on them can make you overly dependent on technology and take away from the creativity of cooking.
Are Hells kitchen contestants allowed to have their phones? ›
Ramsay has said he ups it for dramatic effect in order to get the contestants to do their best work under pressure. Computers, personal electronics and phones are strictly off limits to contestants.
Is it safe to walk in Hells kitchen at night? ›
Broadly, safer than many big cities, but can still be dicey in a lot of areas, e.g. as you get closer to the Port Authority. And 9pm on a Fri is a different story than 1am on a Tue.
Who had the most punishments on Hells kitchen? ›
But it wouldn't be Hell's Kitchen without a little torture. And Alex is all too familiar, enduring the most punishments handed out during the season with nine (the record is currently held by Jon Scallion from season 11 with 13). "It was definitely backbreaking.
