April 29--Forget the weeks of Gordon Ramsay's fiery temper, insults from fellow contestants and a near-physical altercation with a teammate.
In Friday's Season 15 finale of "Hell's Kitchen," Lakeview line cook Kristin Barone's fate comes down to a five-course cook-off and a dinner service.
Barone, 29, faces New Jersey chef Ariel Malone for the job of head chef at BLT Steak at Bally's hotel and casino in Las Vegas, which comes with a $250,000 salary.
"It's been a really great journey," Barone said. "I hope I represented Chicago well."
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Barone began the competition with an unusual introduction to Ramsay, the host of the Fox series. When she presented her first dish, grilled pork tenderloin and fried brussels sprouts, Ramsay asked how she got into cooking.
Barone, who hails from Grand Rapids, Mich., credited her probation officer. Barone told the Tribune she was arrested for driving under the influence. A Michigan court clerk said Barone also got in trouble for shoplifting and driving with a suspended license.
Barone said she studied cookbooks and watched food shows while she was on house arrest.
She worked as a line cook at Longman and Eagle in Logan Square, but her big break came when she decided to audition for "Hell's Kitchen" after years of watching the show with her family.
Week after week, Barone put her head down and powered through dinner service amid drama. On the last episode, Ramsay praised her ability to cook a ribeye and her attention to detail.
"I had a really strong growth curve," Barone said.
Barone said she was confident and excited to face Malone in the final challenge.
"Ariel was not the nicest person ... I really wanted to fight that person for everybody else she put down the entire season," Barone said. "It was mostly about, you hurt my friends, I'm coming for you."
The "Hell's Kitchen" finale is scheduled to air at 8 p.m.
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