Hannah vs. Kyle: Who deserves to win ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Season 23?
Gordon Ramsay is about to name his 23rd Hell’s Kitchen winner, but will it be Hannah Flora or Kyle Timpson who receives the champagne shower? And, more importantly, who deserves to win when the grand finale, titled “Hell’s Finish Line,” airs Thursday on Fox? Vote in our poll below and then be sure to defend your choice in our reality TV forums.
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The champion of Season 23 will receive a head chef position at the Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Conn. And they’ll be added to the iconic list of Hell’s Kitchen winners that goes all the way back to Michael Wray‘s initial victory in 2005.
Fox
Hannah Flora
The early bird special: This 31-year-old country club executive chef from DeKalb, Ill, started out the competition on the Red Team as a bit of an underdog — especially as those with louder voices took control of the narrative. But as the old saying goes, still waters run deep. When it came to the challenges, Hannah scored points on many of her dishes (including oysters, duck breast, and short rib) which helped her team go on various rewards like kayaking, bowling, and an overnight trip in New York City.
The culinary climax: In an emotional moment from Episode 7 that stayed with viewers, Hannah had a pep talk with sous-chef Michelle Tribble in the pantry over her trauma regarding her husband’s suicide from three years earlier. Hannah wanted to exit the competition, but Michelle convinced her to stay, telling her that she could go all the way. The moment came full-circle in Episode 15 when Hannah and Michelle teamed up for the penultimate cooking challenge, and Hannah thanked her for never letting her give up. That’s exactly the sort of gung-ho spirit that Chef Ramsay is looking for in his next head chef.
The last bite: As the only person on the Red Team to never be put up for a nomination, it’s clear Chef Ramsay has a soft spot for Hannah. She was also the first person to receive a coveted black jacket and a spot in the final five, thanks to her balsamic and fig-glazed veal chop. It would be a huge surprise if Hannah does not win Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 on Thursday night.
Fox
Kyle Timpson
The early bird special: This 29-year-old executive chef from Dennis Township, N.J., began the show as the roast-master general for his Blue Team, always ribbing his fellow competitors when they needed it. But he wasn’t just there for laughs. Kyle’s challenge high points on duck breast, pappardelle, and tomahawk led to rewards at a luxury mansion, go-kart racing, and a pool/spa day. However, unlike Hannah, Kyle was nominated for elimination once (in the episode where Lourdes “Lulu” Dangerfield went home).
The culinary climax: The entirety of Episode 14 was Kyle’s most memorable moment on the series. Not only did he win the table-side challenge by schmoozing it up with the Foxwoods execs, but he also shared a Titanic moment with Whitney “Whit” Thomas during their yacht excursion, and he caught all three sabotages at the pass. He rode that momentum into Episode 15 and was the first person to make it into the final two, with Hannah later joining him — sorry, Egypt Davis. There’s no question that Kyle is peaking at the right time.
The last bite: If Chef Ramsay was naming the funniest Hell’s Kitchen contestant of all time, Kyle would easily be the winner. He’s the quintessential reality TV contestant: sassy, confrontational, and memorable. (Just imagine Kyle on The Traitors!) But when it comes to this specific competition, and with the head chef position at Foxwoods at stake, Chef Ramsay may want someone more serious to take the reigns.
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