Christmas came early for La Tasha McCutchen, kitchen supervisor at 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale.
On Wednesday, the Lake City, S.C., native won the 13th season of Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” taking home a prize valued at $250,000, including the head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Atlantic City.
McCutchen, 34, gives much of the credit to her mentor, 3030 executive chef Paula DaSilva, who in 2009 became a “Hell’s Kitchen” second-place finisher.
“I really took all of the advice Paula offered me to heart,” McCutchen said in a press release before the finale. “Finding success on the show, both in challenges and dinner services, took my confidence in my cooking and this competition to a whole new level.”
DaSilva and 3030 (3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, 954-765-3030, 3030Ocean.com hosted a two-hour viewing party of the finale, with McCutchen-inspired bar bites and cocktails inspired by the TV show.
At Blue Collar (6730 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-756-0366, BlueCollarMiami.com chef and owner Daniel Serfer’s latkes were named among the 10 best in the country by USA Today. While typically served during Hanukkah, Serfer offers them year round. An order of latkes with house-made applesauce costs $10.
Meanwhile, the December issue of Food Network magazine features a story about the best local confections in every state. After a five-month search, the magazine declared Key Lime Coconut Patties from Anastasia Confections in Orlando the best Florida confection to send out of state. Look for them at South Florida airports or anywhere tourists shop. A box of nine patties costs $5.99 at AnastasiaConfections.com.
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