Massachusetts chef Mary Poehnelt joins the 20-contestant field for Season 11 of “Hell’s Kitchen,” celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s reality television cooking competition. The roster, revealed February 27, includes 10 female and 10 male chefs from across the United States.
The popular program returns March 12 with its eleventh season debut, opening with a signature dish competition filmed before a live Las Vegas audience.
“Guess who's in the kitchen with Gordon Ramsay?” Poehnelt said in her February 27 Facebook announcement about her upcoming appearance on “Hell’s Kitchen.
Who is “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Mary Poehnelt?
A California native, 26-year-old Poehnelt lives in Belchertown, Massachusetts. She works as a butcher and cook at Whole Foods Market. Previous employers include Eataly and Café 59. Poehnalt holds a certificate in culinary arts and chef training from the French Culinary Institute.
The “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 11 contestant’s signature dish is Seared Duck Breast with a Red Wine Reduction, Pommes Anna, and Arugula Salad. She describes her cooking style as French with a Korean flair.
Beginning March 12 at 8 p.m. ET. on Fox TV, the eleventh season of “Hell’s Kitchen” is themed “Get Out,” clearly quoting Ramsay’s oft-shouted phrase from every season of the show. Poehnelt will face 19 other contestant cooks to compete for a prime head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace under Executive Chef Jeremy Berlin.
Poehnelt posted this self-dare February 27 on her Facebook page:
I want to be challenged beyond what I can imagine, so that I can be the best chef I can possibly be!
Fans can only imagine the fortunate chef was pointing to “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 11 with her remark.
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