While searching for “hazard” signs today (don’t ask me why….this is the reality of my enigmatic existence)…I came upon this hilarious sign and had to share it with you.  Too bloody hilarious…The bit about “remaining eye” has me a little concerned though…

As much as I love the fiery, alchemical, persona that is Gordon Ramsay, I also appreciate his softer side too.  He has truly shown us that he is compassionate, as well as passionate over the last few weeks (”Hell’s Kitchen III”).  Let’s take at look at these few examples shall we…?

Last Week - With four contestants left, Gordon had to choose between Rock Harper (the 30 year old Executive Chef from Spotsylvania, PA) and Julia Williams (the 28 year old Short Order Cook from Atlanta, GA).  Julia’s relative lack of experience, not drive and ambition, made her more of a target for Chef’s chopping block.  After announcing his decision to the group, he apologised to Julia for having to let her go, and offered her the opportunity to attend Culinary School (on his dime!).  What a gent.  “Can I get some Gordon love too…..!” [Just a hug, an itty-bitty hug....Ah!  That's better....Mmmm....What cologne are you wearing....?  Oops, sorry folks.....got carried away there!].  Anyways Julia, “You deserve it!”  don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t pursue your dreams.  Julia is planning to open her own restaurant some day (currently re-working a menu at Ocean 66 in College Park, GA).  Our advice to Julia - “Get your ass to class girlfriend….take this opportunity and run with it!”  Kitchen Goddesses Rule!

This Week - Gordon’s challenge last night was to have the three remaining chef’s (Jen, Bonnie and Rock) re-create an All American Dish.  What a great challenge!  Jen selected “Fried Chicken”, Bonnie got “Frank and Beans” [tee hee hee....sorry.] to work with, and Rock had to recreate “Spaghetti and Meat Balls.”  Then, Chef [Gordon, you sly devil you], surprises the contestants by introducing his most influential mentor (and in his words - “The best chef in the world…”) - his mum, Helen Ramsay, to the group.  As his mom walks into the room, he beams proudly….[sigh!].  Helen, herself is quite the lady in her own right (I hate celebrity-mum gossip, but for info you can click here.  I know.  “The Sun” anything can provide such dodgey news….but the story is well-told and heartfelt).  After preparing their dishes, the three aspiring chefs are treated to another surprise - three “new judges” [and no, not triplicates of the famed Antono Ego from the movie Ratatouille...].  Care to take a guess at who the judges are?  Of course, more mums!  [Gordon, you shouldn't have!....No really!  You shouldn't have....obviously, I'm not a contestant, but my mum has a terrible palate....she admits this herself...].  Anyways, Jen wins the challenge and gets to spend the day with her mum and chef (oh, and Helen too). 

Stay tuned for more news from the “Hell’s Kitchen III” front…(I’ve exhausted all of my culinary puns darnit….!)

-PM

ps.  And, if you haven’t met Remy yet…you need to run out and see this movie.  Honest!  You’ll love it!