Platinum-selling rockers We the Kings and celebrity chef Jamie Gregorich to be honored by Manatee County

 Travis Clark, right, of We The Kings plans to attend Manatee County Commission meeting. Photo by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com.

The next Manatee County Commission will feature some of the area's top celebrities.

Platinum-selling rockers We the Kings and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Jamie Gregorich are scheduled to attend the Oct. 11 Board of County Commission meeting to receive proclamations in their honor.

"We the Kings’ Travis Clark to play solo show in Bradenton"

Gregorich, culinary instructor at Manatee Technical Institute in Bradenton and sous chef at Longboat Key’s Golden Spoon-winning restaurant Euphemia Haye, will receive a proclamation naming Oct. 12 “Jamie Gregorich Day.” The 25-year-old Bradenton native was featured prominently on the hit Fox reality show earlier this year.

 Jamie Gregorich, center, chats with students Joe Matthews, left, and Kala King during class at Manatee Technical Institute. Photo by PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com. 

"The angel of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

In the kitchen with Bradenton’s Jamie Gregorich"

We the Kings will receive a proclamation naming Oct. 11 “We the Kings Day” in Manatee County. The band’s hit single “Check Yes Juliet” has garnered 12 million views on YouTube (see below) and brought the band platinum-record status in 2010 for selling one million copies of the song.

“Manatee County is proud to recognize Jamie and We the Kings,” said Commission Chairman Carol Whitmore in a statement. “They all have grown up in Manatee County attending King Middle School and Jamie grew up on Anna Maria Island. Their national attention has put us on the map.”

The proclamation presentations will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the first floor chambers of Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave., W., Bradenton. The meeting can be viewed live online at www.mymanatee.org/mga or Bright House channel 622, Verizon channel 30; Comcast channel 20.

Exclusive Interview: ‘Hell’ of a shocker for Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich

Jamie Gregorich/Fox.com

The biggest shock of the season on “Hell’s Kitchen” rocked Manatee County and viewers across the country Monday.

Bradenton resident and fan favorite Jamie Gregorich was eliminated.

“My mom was crying because I was crying on TV,” Jamie told the Herald from her parent’s home in West Bradenton shortly after the episode aired. “I was on the verge of tears, but more than that I had a headache because I knew it was coming.”

In a startling move, chef/host Gordon Ramsay decided that the two contestants up for elimination, Carrie and Elise, should stay and called out Jamie, a 25-year-old sous chef at Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

"It's not a good feeling. It hurts ... deep," she said in a teary confessional.
Colin Wilson, manager at Euphemia Haye, learned Jamie had been eliminated when the Herald called the resturant.

“It’s been so exciting having her be a part of the show,” he said. It has been a big boost for the restaurant and just an exciting time for everyone involved. Lots of people have been coming in asking about Jamie. Everything having to do with Jamie and the show has been positive.”

One of Jamie’s main mentors, Euphemia Haye Chef du cuisine Mark Keckstein texted: “Jamie showed a great deal of integrity and passion for our art and made us all better professionals.”

Raymond Arpke, Euphemia Haye’s owner and executive chef, called Jamie shortly before the Herald spoke with her. The winner of the show receives a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

“I know my chef Mark is proud of me and Chef Ray called from Wisconsin to say he’s super proud and that I should have gone further,” Jamie said — then laughed. “But Chef Ray also said also glad that I’m still at restaurant and loves me.”

Facebook and Twitter were teeming with sympathetic messages about Jmaie within minutes of the on-air moment.

Even Jamie’s rival Elise reached out.

“It shouldn't have been you!” she wrote on the on the wall of Jamie’s personal Facebook page.
Another fellow Red Team member and remaining contestant responded to the Herald directly.

“Saddest day in the house,” Jennifer Normant messaged. “Lost a great friend and huge competitor.”
Jamie had about a half-hour to soak up all the feedback pouring in nationwide before talking to the Herald.

“It gives me goose-bumps to know I made such an impact in the time I was on the show and to know I have a true friend in Jennifer,” Jamie said. “It’s also nice to see the other contestants as shocked as my family was. They know I’m a good chef.”

Jamie added, “I’m still in shock now even though I’ve known for three months that it happened.”

Jamie Gregorich/Fox.com.

The episode started out good with Jamie's Red Team winning the sexy dessert challenge. The team was rewarded with an overnight trip to Las Vegas, complete with a five-bedroom villa, butler service and a visit from Playboy bunny/Hugh Hefner ex Holly Madison. She announced that they all had won a three day/two night return trip with a guest. It's the best reward for a challenge yet.

Dinner service was themed "Date Night" and at the end Ramsay said he would divorce all of them if he could. The Blue Team had problems with tattoed Tommy and his inability to cook seafood, but other than that they were able to finish service.

The Red Team had several problems with dinner service. The worst of which was probably "the hair in the garnish" incident. Jamie was preparing the garnishes and Ramsay called her out because there was a "disgusting, greasy black hair" on the plate. "Is that your hair?" he asked Jamie. After a bit of argument she fessed up and said "I guess it must be mine."

She seemed upset by the incident because she then had trouble on the zuchini side dishes and Ramsay made her taste a burned one she had made. After that though she sucked it up and finished getting the dishes out.

She wasn't the only Red Team member to have a bad night. Both Carrie and Elise got kicked out of the kitchen. Carrie for trying to serve burnt, greasy fish and Elise for her general bad additude, overcooking the oysters and serving vegetarian capellini with lobster. (Does anyone else think it's strange that they serve a large plate of pasta for an appetizer?)

The Blue Team won dinner service and the Red Team was asked to nominate two team members to go up for elimination. After several arguments, the disruptive duo of Carrie and Elise were voted in.

At elimination, Chef Ramsay asked each chef to expalin why they deserved to be there. They each pleaded their case and Ramsay said "both of you" and they both started walking towards him. "Both of you ... back in line!" They were shocked. We were shocked.

"Jamie, you're out of here."

Ramsay told the rest of the contestants that Jamie was in over her head and instead of getting better each week, she got worse.

"Walking out of there without a chef's jacket was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," Jamie said.

Well don't worry Jamie, Bradenton is still proud of you.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays on Fox.

--post by Jana Morreale, features/day editor, and Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist

Carrie, Jamie and Amanda prepare for a dinner service. Fox publicity photo.

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Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

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Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

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WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich wows Wolfgang Puck on 'Hell's Kitchen'

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Jamie Gregorich holds her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye.

Jamie Gregorich did her hometown proud again tonight on "Hell's Kitchen."

Monday on the reality cooking competition the 25-year-old Bradenton resident Jamie Gregorich earned the nickname "Hercules" for carrying two big bags of ice like they were pair of tomatoes.

The sous chef at Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye also came close Monday to being kicked off thanks to the evil Elise, who nominated Jamie for elimination.


In the confessional, the Manatee County native was close to tears.

"I just can't deal with her anymore," Jamie said of Elise.

During the elimination, the show's sadistic celebrity chef/host Gordon Ramsay asked Jamie why she thought she should stay.

"Chef, I have a lot of fight in me," she answered.

Ramsay sent Krupa home.

But in a surprising twist, the unpredictable host said, "We're not done yet."

And the show ended.

Tonight's episode started with Ramsay asking each team — women are Red; boys are Blue with help from Natalie — to choose a leader.

Our class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni/instructor remained pretty quiet during the process while Carrie and Elise fought for the umpteenth time.

Level-headed Jennifer, my second fave to Jamie, prevailed as the leader.

The Blue Team nominated large-and-in-charge Will.

Chef Ramsay gathered the teams and asked each leader who was the weakest leader.

Jennifer smartly chose Carrie.

Will went with heavily  tattooed Tommy.

In typical "Hell's Kitchen" twist fashion, the weaklings were to lead their respective teams during the programs challenge of creating five American comfort food classics.

Believe it or not, Elise had a problem with Carrie’s game plan.

Jaw-dropping silence ensued, though, when in walked Wolfgang Puck to judge the dishes.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox.com.

Up first?

Jamie!

Her burger versus Tommy's.

“To me it's a little overdone but good flavor," Puck said to Jamie. "It’s not bad.”

Jamie confessional: “That's probably one of the best compliments I ever gotten.”

Tommy's burger couldn't compete with the one rooted in the rich burger tradition of Bradenton.

Jamie wins!

Paving the way for a Red Team victory.

And a cruise down Sunset Strip to catch a performance by gifted Kira Soltanovich at the Laugh Factory.

"I get to be a pretty girl today," gushed Jamie before Red Team's big night out in Hollywood

Ramsay joke and cut to shot of Jamie dressed up and beaming.

Meanwhile, the Blue Team cleaned and prepped both kitchens and was told to make the dorms spotless before Ramsay barked “piss off.”

Red Team returned to nifty gift baskets of cookware

Jonathan acted like big baby over stiff neck before time for all-important dinner service for specials guests of the U.S. Coast Guard.

“We have really solid cooks on our team with the exception of Carrie,” Jamie said during a confessional.

Carrie then burned some garlic, ruined an appetizer and got ripped by Ramsay.

“Carrie was struggling so I tried to help where I could,” Jamies said in another confessional. “That’s what you have to do with weaker people.”

Ramsay then blasted the Blue Team for bad pasta while Jonathan whines.

Ramsay takes Jonathan in a closet: "Have you given up?" And then the chef reminded Jonathan and viewers about past winner who overcame busted arm.

“Everything is working in harmony, it feels like a symphony,” Jamie said into the camera.

Elise then did wonders with a wellington, burped and Jamie cracked up.

Has the Bradenton hero made up with the big mouth who turned on her last episode?

Probably not.

"Red Team close to finishing their best service." the narrator said.

Elise: “I think we won tonight.”

Jamie: “Don’t jinx us.”

Red Team wins!

Blue Team chooses Natalie and Jonathan to be eliminated.

Ramsay sends super-complainer Jonathan home.

“Elise is on mission to get Carrie kicked off,” Jamie said during a preview clip.

Elise received much praise tonight from Ramsay. Jamie received approval. Our Bradenton ambassador needs to take charge to win the prize she seems capable of attaining.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Carrie, Jamie and Amanda prepare for a dinner service. Fox publicity photo.

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Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:"Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

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WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich up for elimination in Hell's Kitchen

Jamie Gregorich/Fox publicity.

Lesson learned from watching "Hell's Kitchen" Monday? Don't drink and cook.

The reality cooking show which features 25-year-old Bradenton chef Jamie "Hercules" Gregorich, was full of wine and beer guzzling and left one hung-over contestant without a chef's jacket.

Our hometown gal, a sous chef at Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, survived the night ... we think. More on that later.

The episode started right after elimination with Krupa getting loaded on several bottles of wine while the rest of the chefs looked on. Needless to say, Krupa woke up with a very bad hangover.

To make matters worse for her, the competition featured dishes made with different types of beer. The chefs had to taste the beer, then prepare a dish. Some looked like they were enjoying the competition a little too much.

Krupa had apparently killed some brain cells because she couldn't remember the what was in her dish or names of her teammates.

Jamie was not happy. "If we're going to win any challenge, each individual person has to be 100 percent and Krupa is running at 50 percent."

Each team was told to rank the dishes from 1 to 5. Jamie's dish was the topped ranked for the Red Team. While tattooed Tommy was No. 1 for the Blue Team. With the competition tied, Jamie and Tommy both prepared raspberry lambic-marinated duck. Tommy's purple potatoes put his dish over the top, but Jamie's dish also got compliments from the judges.

The Red Team lost the competition (yet again) and was forced to unload supply trucks while the Blue Team test drove Grand Prix race cars.

At once, Elise started complaining about having to do manual labor. The unloading looked daunting with a truckload of ice (20-pound bags) and at least 20 kegs of beer. Jamie just wanted to get the job done and was seen hauling two bags of ice on her shoulders at once! This led Elise to say "I don't need to carry two bags of ice like I was Hercules trying to show off." Hence, Jamie's new nickname.

Everyone on the Red Team is over Elise's attitude and loud mouth. They had a team meeting to confront her bad attitude and as dinner service began the next night she seemed to be trying to work better with her teammates.

Red Team got off to a great start with appetizers but fell short when it came to plate entrees. Jamie and Krupa were having communication problems. I blame Krupa's hangover. Jamie's fish was "pink" and Krupa couldn't cook any meat properly. After being called out by Chef Ramsay, they finally got it together to finish service.

Elise returned to her old ways and lied about her soggy salad, then started yelling out orders at the others.

The Blue Team didn't fare much better. Natalie wasted more than 30 scallops by not knowing how to sear them properly, then she undercooked the fish. Twangy Jonathan had a beef Wellington fiasco which he blamed on others. Both got kicked out of the kitchen.

At the end of service, Ramsay decided that neither team had won. Each team had to nominate two members for elimination.

Krupa nominated herself. I was expecting the others to send in mouthy, lazy Elise. But Elise had other ideas and nominated JAMIE! Jamie was shocked (so was I) and started a shouting match with Elise in which each said the other needed to work on their attitude.

In the confessional, Jamie was close to tears. "I just can't deal with her anymore."

The Blue Team nominated backstabber Jonathan and scallop murderer Natalie.

During the elimination, Chef Ramsay asked Jamie why she thought she should stay. "Chef, I have a lot of fight in me," she said.

Ramsay decided to send Krupa home.

But in a shocking twist, the unpredictable host said "We're not done yet," and the show ended. What does that mean? Jamie looked scared standing up on the chopping block. Will someone else be eliminated? Will it be Jamie? My guess is 'no' because there's a shot of her in the sneak preview for tonight's episode. But really, this was too close for comfort.

A few questions to ponder:
1. Why won't Elise just shut up?
2. Why can't anyone cook scallops or beef Wellington correctly?
3. What happens to all the food that isn't cooked properly? Do you think they give it to the homeless?
4. Will the Red Team ever win a challenge?

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

—Posted by Jana Morreale, Day/features editor

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Carrie, Jamie and Amanda prepare for a dinner service. Fox publicity photo.

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich continues to play it cool on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Ill communication in Hell's Kitchen; Gregorich safe again"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich takes home trophy on tonight's 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich continues to play it cool on "Hell's Kitchen"

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Jamie Gregorich holds her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye, the Longboat Key restaurant where she works as a sous chef.

Jamie Gregorich is becoming a star by playing it cool on "Hell's Kitchen."

While sadistic celebrity chef host Gordon Ramsay's reality-television cooking competition brings out the unhinged worst in most, the Manatee County native remains wonderfully calm.

The 25-year-old Bradenton resident had three close-up quotes in the first five minutes of tonight's episode of "Hell's Kitchen."

During the opening montage with clips from Monday's show, where bossy Elise again barely survived, Jamie said:

"It's not about being friends, it's about professionalism. Your mouth keeps getting us in trouble."

The sous chef at acclaimed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye then called Elise's celebrating "a little offensive."

As soon as Ramsay announced tonight's all-female Red Team vs. Blue boys (plus Natalie) competition would be preparing dinner for a 20-year high school reunion, millions of TV viewers received another nice look at the class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni/instructor.

"I loved high school," Jamie said. "I wish I could go back to high school."

And then Red Teamer Elizabeth was chosen to spearhead the meal. The chief diners told her they wanted Hawaiian. And one woman didn't eat red meat. Elizabeth apparently listens about as well as a toddler, vaguely reporting back to her teammates to prepare Asian cuisine and not mentioning the whole no-dead mammals thing.

Jamie smelled something fishy from the start.

"I was confused to whether she had the right details or not," Jamie said of Elizabeth.

Time to cook.

A rare, perhaps, telling moment: Elise, who never admits a mistake to anyone, says to our hometown hero: "I dropped  a scallop, Jamie," sounding genuinely apologetic.

Much to my frustration, the editors/producers didn't show Jamie's reaction.

When the Red Team learns of Elizabeth's blunder it's Jamie again speaking for the team.

"Are you kidding me," she says into the camera. "They wanted Hawaiian? We're gonna look like jackasses."

Blue destroys Red with a six for six shut-out on the meat/fish challenge.

Good news? Jamie again with the confessional.

"I'm so sick of losing. I hate losing."

And then more of the Bradenton woman doing The Friendly City proud.

"Elizabeth used the wrong ingredients," she said. "Everything was wrong."

Blue Teams is rewarded with an afternoon of booze and hot tub relaxation on a four-level yacht.

Red Team has to decorate the dining room and make about a millions leis.

Elise complains about lifting a heavy palm tree. Jamie picks it up sans griping, no problem. Yeah, she has a gym membership that gets plenty of use.

Blue Team returns from the boat knocked out loaded. Their tongues thick with too much champagne, they attempt to tease the Reds.

"I can't understand anything they're saying," Jamie says.

Next day finds the Red Team, preparing Blue Team's dishes, for the high school reunion dinner. As always, they're working in separate kitchens. Blue suffers from sparkling wine hangovers. Red again must overcome diva clashing.

Cut to Jamie confessional.

"It's ironic we're preparing for a high school reunion and Carrie and Elise are fighting like high schoolers."

Back to the hellishly hectic kitchen.

And then it happened.

The local luminary dropped her first on-air F-bomb.

"Hey, what the (expletive) is this?" Jamie shouts.

The mark of a true reality star.

At least she said it in the right context — under pressure — and not while gossiping about someone, like the other contestants do.

Carrie, Jamie and Amanda prepare for a dinner service. Fox publicity photo.

So, the F-bomb didn't disappoint me. Not at all. Sorry.

What did, though, was when Ramsay asked, "Who's gonna lead the Red Team?"

Shot of Jamie with her head down.

"I will, chef," Elise said.

Come on, Jamie!

The Red Team redeemed itself, though, hugely. Blue Team cracked, kicked out of kitchen and Monterray got sent back home to Darby, Pa.

The juiciest segment?

Preview for next week's episodes showing Jamie standing up to Elise.

"You need to work on your attitude," the Manatee cooking maven tells the big mouth.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.


"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Buzz Worthy: "Ill communication in Hell's Kitchen; Gregorich safe again"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich takes home trophy on tonight's 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Ill communication in Hell's Kitchen; Gregorich safe again

Carrie, Jamie and Amanda prepare for tonight's dinner service.

Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich has survived the heat of "Hell's Kitchen" for another night.
Not surprising since the 25-year-old sous chef at Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye seems to be concentrating on cooking instead of yelling and swearing like the other "cheftestants."
In fact, she started off the show lecturing big mouth Elise who returned from elimination ready to cause trouble in the house. "It's not about being friends, it's about professionalism," Gregorich said. "Your mouth keeps getting us in trouble."
This week's competition featured a demonstration of molecular cooking which turned oranges to juice with soundwaves and then into sorbet with liquid nitrogen. Then celebrity chef host Gordon Ramsay pulled the rug out from under them. There would be no more fun with liquid nitrogen today. It was "Back to Basics," using only fire and water to cook proteins. Gross. Boiled meat.

In a head-to-head/protein-to-protein competition the Red Team and the Blue Team were neck and neck. Unfortunately, Gregorich overcooked her salmon and lost her round. But the worst mistake came from poor Krupa, who mistook filet Mignon for veal. And you call yourself a chef! Only Chef Ramsay realized it, and of course was "f-bomb" mad.

So the Red Team lost again. They had the pleasure of scrubbing the hot tub and a stinky fountain and also prepping both kitchens for dinner service. The Blue Team was sent to a swanky spa in Beverly Hills for some bathing, massaging and much-needed eyebrow waxing.

The dinner service portion of the show always seems so complicated. Everything dish and side dish and garnish has to be timed perfectly or you have to start over again. The key to a good service is to communicate effectively with your teammates. Neither team has accomplished this yet. For instance, tonight featured badly cooked beef Wellington (Monterrey), soupy pasta AND risotto (Krupa), and a dazed and confused Gina walking around the kitchen with scallops and not listening to anyone.

In one gross note, I think points should've been taken from the Red Team for Jennifer's sweaty serving of the halibut sashimi. Ewww.

Monterrey, Tommy, Krupa, Gina and Elise were kicked out of the kitchen for their lack of communication skills but both teams managed to finish service to their diners. Gregorich appeared to have things in hand and was calm, cool and collected at the end.

Ramsay said neither team was a winner this week and told them to choose two chefs from each team who's elimination would better the team. He then told them to "F" off. Nice guy.

The Blue Team nominated Monterrey and Tommy. The Red Team chose Krupa for her meat mishap and Elise for her loud, grating, irritating, big mouth.

Chef Ramsay scored points for tricking Elise into thinking she was going home, but in the end he did his own thing and kicked off Gina for her lack of fight.
The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

-- Jana Morreale, Day/features editor

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Jamie Gregorich prepares her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich takes home trophy on tonight's 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Bradenton's Jamie Gregorich takes home trophy on tonight's 'Hell's Kitchen'

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Monday on "Hell's Kitchen," Jamie Gregorich burned a quesadilla and got scolded by soul-crushing celebrity chef host Gordon Ramsay.

The 25-year-old Bradenton resident made a huge comeback tonight.

Perhaps I'm being a bit too optimistic here, but it appeared as if the sous chef at acclaimed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye may be emerging as the show's rising star.

For starters, Jamie didn't make a single mistake in the always ultra-hectic kitchen.

She even managed to catch a live chicken "Rocky 2"-style in the first part of the opening challenge.

The Manatee County native then helped her all-female Red Team to victory with a grilled chicken salad she made solo for special guests Jen Garcia from People and Dave Karger from Entertainment Weekly

Garcia found the dish a bit daring but said, "Overall, I enjoyed it."

Karger concurred.

Jamie's "movie star" moment came after her Red Team celebrated its challenge win with a go-karting trip.

"I love go-kart racing," she said during her confessional. "It's a rush."

The Class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni/instructor flew around the track like Danica Patrick.

In the finals she beat big-mouths Elise and Carrie.

Jamie beamed as she held her trophy high.

Back in the kitchen, the Red Team cooked for a pair of Olympian volleyball stars and, well, dropped the ball. Luckily, so did the Blue Team.

Jamie then took charge of devising a plan of choosing two team Reds to be sent home.

Elise and Carrie were picked as the problem children.

At Ramsay's urging, the Red Team voted for which should be dismissed. Most, including Jamie, wanted Elise out. The celebrity chef called an emotional Elise to him and then snapped, "Stop crying and get back in line."

As throughout the episode, the producers/editors chose Jamie for the reaction shot: Hands over her face in disgust.

The Blue Team's woefully unskilled Chino went home.

The rest remain for more hell.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Jamie Gregorich prepares her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

What will the wrathful Ramsay do to Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich tonight on 'Hell's Kitchen'?

Photos by TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and 'Hell's Kitchen' contestant Jamie Gregorich prepares her signature dish, lamb chop lollipops, below, at Euphemia Haye, the Longboat Key restaurant where she works as a sous chef.

 

Can Bradenton resident Jamie Gregorich survive another round of heat from chef/host Gordon Ramsay on "Hell's Kitchen"?

Tune in today at 8 p.m. on Fox to find out.

Last night, Gregorich, who works as a sous chef at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, burned a quesadilla and got scolded by the hot-headed Ramsay.

"Stop sulking like a (expletive) baby!" he yelled.

Carrie wandered around aimlessly and big-mouth Elise started screaming at her during the competition. Gregorich had finally had enough and yelled at both of them. "Your mouth is one of the issues," she said to Elise.

Gregorich took a seat in the confessional to wonder whether Carrie can get it together. "She's fracturing the team," she said.

Continue reading Herald day/features editor Jana Morreale's post from last night.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday, July 24: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy:  "Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH previous episodes of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich survives another night in 'Hell's Kitchen'

TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE /ttompkins@bradenton.com Bradenton resident and 'Hell's Kitchen' contestant Jamie Gregorich holds her signature dish, lollipop lamb chops, at Euphemia Haye, the Longboat Key restaurant where she works as a sous chef.

Jamie Gregorich, the 25-year-old Bradenton sous chef, has survived to cook another day on the reality cooking show "Hell's Kitchen."

Gregorich, who has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, overcame a burned quesadilla mishap and team infighting to remain on the show.

After last week's episode where the men's Blue Team lost for the second time, host/chef Gordon Ramsay ordered one woman from the Red Team to volunteer to go to the Blue Team. Gregorich was the first to volunteer, but everyone else wanted to send the ditzy Carrie, especially Elise, who "wants to throw up when she looks at her."

Carrie volunteered to go, but Ramsay threw the team a curve ball and told Natalie she was now on the Blue Team.

The Teamwork Challenge featured scary clowns and a room full of hungry children all waiting for the teams to serve them food the fastest. Gregorich burned a quesadilla and got yelled at by the hot-headed Ramsay. "Stop sulking like a (expletive) baby!" he yelled.

Carrie wandered around aimlessly and big-mouth Elise started screaming at her during the competition. Gregorich had finally had enough and yelled at both of them. "Your mouth is one of the issues," she said to Elise.

With all the f-bombs going on in the kitchen, that the children in the dining room may have picked up some new vocabulary.

The Blue Team won in a close race and was awarded a road trip to Medieval Times to eat meat with their hands and watch knights battle with swords.

Gregorich took a seat in the confessional to wonder whether Carrie can get it together. "She's fracturing the team," she said.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

The next night at Family Night dinner service the Red Team started off good with excellent appetizer work from Gregorich and Krupa. However, things started to break down during the entree service and the team didn't manage to get one entree out. They were forced by Ramsay to apologize to all the families who were waiting for food and then the chef kicked them out of the kitchen. The ultimate humiliation.

So, the Blue Team won the second challenge. At the elimination everyone on the Red Team was all for Carrie getting kicked off, but Jennifer and Amanda were called out for bad food preparation. Gregorich wisely suggested that "attitudes need to be adjusted."

In the end, Chef Ramsay asked for Amanda's chef's jacket because he said she had given up and you should never give up.

Tune in for tomorrow's episode, which will feature, what else, more cooking and more fighting.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

"Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesday on Fox.

Bradenton Herald front page story that ran Sunday July 24 by Wade Tatangelo: "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye,"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere"

Buzz Worthy: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"

Buzz Worthy: "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut"

Bradenton Herald: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’"

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 2 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

—Posted by day/features editor Jana Morreale.

Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'

Red Team contestant Jamie Gregorich, of Bradenton, on the July 18 debut episode of season nine of 'Hell's Kitchen'/Fox

Jamie Gregorich didn't have much screen time today on night two of the season premiere of "Hell’s Kitchen," which aired on Fox from 8 to 9 p.m.

But when it came to her close-ups, she looked and sounded confident.

The 25-year-old who lives in Bradenton and has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye also managed to go the entire episode without once being reprimanded by hellishly cruel celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay

"I think it will be a turning point," she told millions of viewers after being forced to drink a meat shake — gross to most; looked pretty good to me — after her female Red Team lost to the male's Blue Team during the steak/grill challenge.

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Gregorich was right.

The Red Team then smoked the Blue Team in the kitchen — completely crushing the boys who were carpet-bombed by Ramsay's expletive-laced rants.

The celebrity chef mostly praised the women.

"It's the most amazing feeling," Gregorich said near the episode's end.

The Blue Team's second straight loss meant Ramsay gave the boot to bass fish liar Brendan Heavey and next week a woman will join the men's team to help the struggling fellows out.

Will it be our Manatee County native?

The next episodes of "Hell's Kitchen" airs 8 p.m. Mon. July 25 and Tue. July 26 on Fox.

The winner of the reality cooking show will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

But in order to do so she (or he) has to survive Ramsay's wicked wrath.

“(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading my interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Buzz Worthy: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere

Buzz Worthy: Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Buzz Worthy: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 1 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

TONIGHT: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' part 2 of the season premiere

Contestant Jamie cooks for the Red Team during dinner service on an all-new episode of HELL'S KITCHEN airing Tuesday, July 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Greg Gayne/FOX.

Jamie Gregorich made her debut Monday on the hot reality series "Hell's Kitchen."

It featured much yelling, cussing and an ambulance ride for one contestant.

The 25-year-old Gregorich, who lives in Bradenton, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, started being served at the local restaurant Monday.

Alas, devilish celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay thought her lamb was overcooked when he sampled it during Monday's broadcast. He said to Gregorich, "If you are going to call yourself a sous chef learn how to cook lamb properly first."

Fortunately, Gregorich is on the Red Team and they are made up of all female contestants and worked together fairly well as a during the dinner service round, performing better than the men's Blue Team.

We didn't see much of Gregorich during the dinner service portion of the show, which means she was doing her job correctly — wand not getting yelled at by the expletive-loving host.

The Blue Team lost the competition and had to nominate three contestants for elimination: Steven, Monterrey and Chino. Chef Ramsay kicked off Steven.

The stakes are high in this reality cooking show. The winner of "Hell's Kitchen" will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.

www.Fox.com.

The second part of the season premiere of "Hell's Kitchen" airs at 8 p.m. today on Fox.

Let's hope the Manatee County native can survives Ramsay's wrath for another week.

“(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading the Herald's interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Buzz Worthy: Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Buzz Worthy: UPDATED 7/19: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

WATCH season 9 premiere episode part 1 of "Hell's Kitchen."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Jamie Gregorich made her debut tonight on the sizzling reality series "Hell's Kitchen," which featured a lot of yelling, profanity-laced rants and an ambulance ride for one contestant. And it's only the first show.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Bradenton, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, will be served at the local restaurant starting this evening. Unfortunately hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay thought her lamb was overcooked when he sampled it during tonight's show.

He said to Gregorich, "If you are going to call yourself a sous chef learn how to cook lamb properly first."

The good news is that Gregorich is on the Red Team, which is made up of all the female contestants. They worked together semi-well as a team during the dinner service round and performed better than the men's Blue Team.

We didn't see much of Gregorich during the dinner service portion of the show, which means she was doing what she was supposed to do and was not getting yelled at by the expletive-loving host.

The Blue Team lost the competition and had to nominate three contestants for elimination: Steven, Monterrey and Chino. Chef Ramsay kicked off Steven.

The stakes are high in this reality cooking show. The winner of "Hell's Kitchen" will get a $250,000 salary as head chef of the prestigious BLT Steak in New York City.
The next episode of "Hell's Kitchen" airs at 8 p.m. July 25 on Fox.

Tune in to see if the Manatee County native can survives Ramsay's wrath for another week.

 “(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading the Herald's interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

—Posted by day/features editor Jana Morreale.

UPDATED 7/24: Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich on 'Hell's Kitchen' season debut

UPDATED 7/24:  "‘Hell’s Kitchen’ contestant talks about surviving debut show, returning to Euphemia Haye"

UPDATED 7/19 p.m.:  "Bradenton chef Jamie Gregorich still standing the heat in 'Hell's Kitchen'"

UPDATED 7/19: Coverage of debut show: "Jamie Gregorich survives first night on 'Hell's Kitchen'"


WATCH season premiere episode.


Original post:

Jamie Gregorich/Fox

Jamie Gregorich will be at her parents' home in Bradenton tonight watching herself on "Hell's Kitchen."

The 25-year-old, who also has her own house in the Friendly City, has worked for the past four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye.

Her signature dish on "Hell' Kitchen," lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture, will be served at the local restaurant starting this evening.

The debut "Hell's Kitchen" episode of season nine starring hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay airs at 8 p.m. today on Fox.

Gregorich is a contestant on the red team.

Tune in to see if the Manatee County native survives Ramsay's wrath.

 “(Ramsay) is a very passionate chef who is always trying to build on your weaknesses,” said Gregorich, who is sworn to secrecy about the outcome of the show. “Each chef is passionate in different ways and he’s just a little tougher.”

Continue reading my interview with Gregorich: "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen’."

Jamie Gregorich page on Fox.com.

UPDATED 7/8: Bradenton chef to appear on 'Hell's Kitchen'

UPDATED 7/8: Interview with Jamie Gregoric (and others close to her) titled "Bradenton chef heats up ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’" 




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Jamie Gregorich/Facebook

Jamie Gregorich, a 25-year-old from Bradenton who has worked for four years at famed Longboat Key eatery Euphemia Haye, will appear on the the ninth season of "Hell's Kitchen."

The series premiere of the reality show starring foul-mouthed, hot-headed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay airs 8 p.m. July 18 on Fox.

Class of 2004 Manatee High School graduate and Manatee Technical Institute alumni Gregorich is currently the sous chef at Euphemia Haye, where she trained under owner/executive chef Raymond Arpke. She was hired in 2007 as a "Garde Manager,” prepping  cold appetizers and salads.

“It was my first professional kitchen job but I knew they must have seen something in me,” Gregorich said in a statement . “I wanted to do my best and show them that my passion was real.”

Arpke supports and his employee appearing on "Hell's Kitchen" and is confident she will perform well under the pressure dished out in huge portions by Ramsay.

“I think Jamie appreciates working in our environment. She is open to continued learning and importantly focused on pleasing the guest. She has a good sense of humor and is cool-headed,” Arpke said in a statement.  “There may not be much less bleeping going on here than there is in Hell’s Kitchen, but I think there is something to be said for courtesy and patience.”

Gregorich landed the television appearance after attending a casting call in Miami. Her signature dish is lollipop lamb chop with red onion confiture. In addition to working at Euphemia Haye, she's a culinary instructor at Manatee Technical Institute.

Official website for "Hell's Kitchen."

And this is what Gregorich has to deal with on national television (mature language):