Hell’s Kitchen, the fiery cooking competition show hosted by the famously temperamental chef Gordon Ramsay, has been a staple of reality TV since its debut in 2005. Season 5, which aired in 2009, introduced viewers to a new batch of aspiring chefs, each vying for the grand prize of a head chef position at a prestigious restaurant. Over a decade later, fans of the show often wonder what happened to the contestants after the cameras stopped rolling. In this article, we’ll catch up with the chefs from Hell’s Kitchen Season 5 and find out where they are now.
Introduction to Hell’s Kitchen Season 5
Hell’s Kitchen Season 5 premiered on January 29, 2009, and concluded on May 14, 2009. The season started with 16 chefs competing for the ultimate prize: a head chef position at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Under the watchful eye of Chef Ramsay, the contestants were put through a series of grueling challenges and dinner services, with one or more chefs eliminated each week. The season was filled with the usual drama, intense competition, and Ramsay’s tough love approach to mentorship.
Where Are They Now: A Summary Table
Before we dive into the detailed updates on each contestant, here’s a quick summary table to give you an overview of where some of the notable chefs from Season 5 have ended up:
| Contestant Name | Position During Show | Current Position/Activity |
|—————–|———————-|—————————|
| Danny Veltri | Winner | Business Owner |
| Paula DaSilva | Runner-Up | Executive Chef |
| Giovanni Filippone | Contestant | Chef & Restaurant Owner |
| Ben Walanka | Contestant | Chef & Culinary Instructor|
| Andrea Heinly | Contestant | Chef & Business Owner |
| Carol Scott | Contestant | Culinary Professional |
| Lacey D’Angelo | Contestant | Unknown |
| Robert Hesse | Contestant | Chef & Business Owner |
Danny Veltri: The Winner of Season 5
Danny Veltri was the young and talented chef who won Season 5 of Hell’s Kitchen. As the winner, he was awarded the head chef position at Fornelletto at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. However, he left the position after a year to return to Florida. Since then, Danny has continued his culinary journey and is now the owner of a gastrobar called Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee, Florida. The establishment focuses on farm-to-table dining, with many ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own garden.
Paula DaSilva: The Runner-Up
Paula DaSilva, the runner-up of Season 5, impressed everyone with her skills and determination. After the show, she returned to 3030 Ocean, a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale where she had previously worked, eventually becoming the executive chef. Later, she moved on to become the executive chef at Burlock Coast in The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Paula continues to be a prominent figure in the culinary scene and has participated in numerous food and wine festivals.
Giovanni Filippone: From Contestant to Restaurateur
Giovanni Filippone, known for his memorable “chef’s table” moment with Ramsay, has made a name for himself post-Hell’s Kitchen. He returned to his previous role as the head chef at Vue on 30a in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Eventually, Giovanni ventured into entrepreneurship and opened his own restaurant, Vinny McGuire’s Pizza, where he continues to serve as the chef and owner.
Ben Walanka: Culinary Education and Beyond
Ben Walanka took his experience from Hell’s Kitchen and channeled it into a career in culinary education. He has worked as a chef instructor at Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago and as an executive chef at various establishments. Ben is passionate about teaching the next generation of chefs and continues to be involved in culinary education.
Andrea Heinly: Chef and Entrepreneur
Andrea Heinly, known for her strong personality on the show, has since become a successful entrepreneur. She opened her own establishment, Bakehouse on King, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she serves as both the owner and chef. Andrea’s business focuses on baked goods and catering services.
Carol Scott: Continuing Her Culinary Journey
Carol Scott, another contestant from Season 5, has continued to work in the culinary industry. She has held various positions at restaurants and has been involved in culinary education. Carol’s LinkedIn profile indicates that she has been working as a culinary professional, although specific details about her current role are not widely publicized.
Lacey D’Angelo: The Mystery Post-Hell’s Kitchen
Lacey D’Angelo, who struggled during her time on Hell’s Kitchen, has kept a low profile since her appearance on the show. Information about her current activities is scarce, and it appears that she may have stepped away from the culinary spotlight.
Robert Hesse: Overcoming Challenges
Robert Hesse was forced to leave Season 5 due to health issues but was invited back for Season 6. After his time on the show, Robert faced personal and health challenges but has since turned his life around. He is now a successful chef and business owner, having opened FoCheezy Twisted Meltz, a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida.
FAQs About Hell’s Kitchen Season 5 Contestants
- Did any contestants from Season 5 return for another season?
Yes, Robert Hesse returned for Season 6 after leaving Season 5 due to health concerns. - Has Danny Veltri continued working as a chef after winning Hell’s Kitchen?
Yes, Danny Veltri is currently the owner and chef at Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee, Florida. - What has Paula DaSilva been up to since Hell’s Kitchen?
Paula DaSilva has continued her career as an executive chef and is a prominent figure in the culinary scene in Florida. - Are any Season 5 contestants still working in television or media?
While some may have made appearances, none of the contestants from Season 5 have become regulars on television or media. - Have any of the Season 5 contestants opened their own restaurants?
Yes, several contestants, including Danny Veltri, Giovanni Filippone, Andrea Heinly, and Robert Hesse, have opened their own restaurants.
Conclusion
The contestants from Hell’s Kitchen Season 5 have taken diverse paths since their time on the show. While some have continued to rise in the culinary world, others have chosen to step away from the limelight. The experiences and lessons learned under the pressure of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen have undoubtedly shaped their careers and lives in various ways. From opening their own restaurants to educating future chefs, the chefs from Season 5 have left their mark on the culinary industry. Their journeys remind us that reality TV can be a stepping stone to greater achievements and that the heat of Hell’s Kitchen can forge success in many forms.
