A contestant on FOX's "Next Level Chef" competition, Ryan Scanlon, was eliminated from the program but received commendation from Judge Gordon Ramsay, including an offer to help the young chef find work in Boston. Mr. Scanlon reached the final six on the hit cooking show, vying for a $250,000 prize and a year-long mentorship.
Mr. Scanlon, who first developed his cooking passion as a teenager at Alchemy in Edgartown, was eliminated after challenges involving a filet mignon and a sea bream. He acknowledged comfort with steak led to the filet being overcooked, and difficulties arose during a timed cookoff when the tail of the sea bream broke during searing.
Despite the elimination, Mr. Ramsay praised the 22-year-old chef. Mr. Ramsay had selected Mr. Scanlon for his team earlier in the competition.
"I'd love to get you in for a start so we can actually continue this journey and literally work together and see what's on the horizon," Mr. Ramsay said on the show. "Our young chef with a young family, I'm going to help you after this competition to get where you want to go."
Mr. Scanlon recently returned to Edgartown for a homecoming dinner at Alchemy. The chef prepared a five-course menu for 30 guests, incorporating ingredients from local sources including Morning Glory farm and foraging trips to places like State Beach.
He collaborated with Alchemy Executive Chef Christopher Stam, who had previously mentored Mr. Scanlon. The menu featured dishes such as scallop crudo, smoked mussels over fire-roasted broth, lobster mezzaluna, and pan-seared black bass.
Guests at the dinner watched an episode of the show where Mr. Scanlon advanced to the final six Vineyarder Shines. Mr. Scanlon addressed questions about his time on the program and discussed upcoming plans, including launching a spice blend.
Mr. Scanlon reflected on his time in the competition and the support received. "It means the world, it really does," he said of Mr. Ramsay's offer. "I'm not going to let you down."
Next Level Chef Cooks Home CrowdIsland Chef Departs Next Level Chef Praise Gordon RamsayNext Level Chef Star Ryan Scanlon Returns Alchemy((Source))