Hell's Kitchen

SEASON PREMIERE
MON 8/7c JUN 4
 

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Gina Melcher ELIMINATED: 8/1/11

Gina Melcher

  • What was your first job in a kitchen?

    My very first job was in the kitchen of a sweaty Philly pizza shop when I was 14. It must have been 110 degrees in there! Making sandwiches and salads, answering phones, who knew I would fall in love?

  • What is the first dish you ever mastered?

    That would have to be soft boiled eggs. It sounds silly, but when I was twelve I figured out how to time them so they would turn out perfect every time. I think I ate them every day before school for three years straight after that.

  • What is your signature dish?

    I don't think I really have a signature dish. I love to go to the store, see what's beautiful and fresh and take it home. That's when the magic begins.

  • Any stories of triumph from the kitchen or workplace? Disaster?

    My first big triumph in the kitchen was in cake decorating class while in culinary school. There were about six different designs we needed to incorporate onto one cake. They turned out interesting, but mine was the only one chosen to be sold in our school’s pastry shop.

  • Who was your first cooking inspiration?

    My mom. She was a stay at home mom and she was amazing. When I was young we would pick fresh blackberries from the field close to my home and eat them on our cereal for breakfast. We would have parties and design these beautiful platters with all different kinds of food. We baked cookies and made our own chocolates for every holiday and occasion you could possibly think of. She was always there encouraging me pushing me to do more and get creative.