The show is over but things are just heating up in Farmington Connecticut!!
Hell’s Kitchen was an interesting adventure, which I am glad I did, but opened my eyes a little bit to fact and fiction. The one solid fact is that Van Hurd can cook.
Me and Van were roommates on the show and had a very quick bond. We both have a young family and we both we there to win. We sat out on a lot of the extra activities that when on during the show and tried to keep focus as best we could.
Van is very aggressive and self motivated, which to me, are great qualities. He showed speed in prep and a willingness to help out at any time. He also has a very nice base for fine dining.
Vans tenure at the luxurious Adolphus Hotel in Dallas played a very important part of defining his fine dining make up. He was taught by some of the best and brightest chefs in the country.
Now that I was able to pry him from his beloved south (maybe just for a little while) I am looking forward to our creations. We are a private club, The Country Club of Farmington, but we have a very captive and influential clientele. Our goals are to be the best club dining facility in Connecticut as well as New England. We have a great alliance with the department of Agriculture “farm to chef” program and work closely with Linda Piotrowicz, the fearless leader of the program, to make certain we practice what everyone else just preaches. That would be to actually use local products and support all causes of the farm-chef program.
With support of our members and the farmers there is no limit to what we can accomplish!! Van is now settling into Connecticut however, he has never seen a real snow storm or icy New England roads.
I will keep everyone posted on my blog, as to our appearances and progress on our mission to transform ALL CLUB dinning in New England!! Be well and as always,
Happy Cooking, Chef Kevin
Hi Kevin , I read your blog on you and Van, I am sure you and Van will go a long way together. Two Excellent Chefs in 1 reaturant , wow are people who eat there ever in for a meal of a life time. I wish you and Van all the best . Van is sure going to learn a lot working with you. Love you as always , Cathy
Just watched the ending of season 6 and had to find out what happened to the real #1 of the group. I watched the entire season after it had finished and knew who won before hand, but the moment where Dave opened the door was still shocking. I had to see if you were at least doing well or picked up by some wise restaurant. I’m glad Van is doing better as well! It’s nice to see some things working out.
Best of luck guys!
very nice to see two fine chefs combining their skills and talent. Also very glad to see that you are committed to the farmer to chef concept. way to go! wishing you and Van much success.
The Dynamic Duo back together! Watch out world haha.
Glad to see you two kicking ass together again, and see you soon : )
Hi Kevin
Just watched the final tonight, Were in the UK so it was just aired.
The wife and I were totally shocked you didn’t win. I was convinced from the start that you were the best by a country mile.
But then again, I was also very disappointment when we visited Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurant Claridges in London at Christmas.
I wish you and Van all the best for the future.
Jonathan
I have just watched the finale to Hell’s Kitchen (is on a bit delayed here in OZ) and I was so disappointed that you did not win I nearly cried. I loved you from day 1, I think you are great and I wish you luck in your future endeavours. Van was also a favourite, you are both fab and I hope you have a great longlasting friendship. Cheers!!
Thanks, I hired Van shortly after the show. We are doing great and life has been enjoyable since the show! Keep on checking on the web site for updates.
Happy cooking, Chef Kevin
Thanks, I had fun and well what happens and what you see can be different. I enjoyed my time on the show and I hired a great chef in Van. We have been having a blast at the country club. Oh and how can Gordon keep up such high standards when he is never at his places?? Guess thats why he has to have his own kitchen nightmares.