Okay, so I’ve always been a HUGE fan of Hell’s Kitchen. Like, seriously, who doesn’t love watching Gordon Ramsay yell at people while they try to cook a perfect Beef Wellington? I’ve always dreamed of being there, not as a contestant (I can barely make toast without burning it), but as a guest, tasting all that amazing food.
So, I started my mission. I figured, “Hey, it can’t be THAT hard, right?” Wrong. It was trickier than I thought,but here is how I began.
Research, Research, Research
First thing I did was hit the internet. No, seriously, that was my first step.
- Find the offical website and dig around.
- Find the recording loaction address.
- Think about who might be my inside man.
I realized quickly that being a diner on Hell’s Kitchen isn’t like making a normal restaurant reservation.
The Application (or Lack Thereof)
There’s no official “apply to be a diner” form, so I start searching on it and tried to find out where the show is filmed. Most seasons were shot in Century City, Los Angeles.
After dig some imformation about the show’s filming details, I found the tickets aren’t sold. The only method is on-camera audiances, which means I have to be an extra.
Becoming an Extra and waiting
The key is to keep an eye out for casting calls,or be an extra in other shows filmed at the same studio.
- I checked out websites that specialize in background acting gigs.
- I signed up for a few casting agency newsletters.
I sent in my info, crossed my fingers, and… waited. And waited. And waited some more. It’s definitely a “hurry up and wait” kind of situation.
After a while I get a reply to be an extra! Finally!
The Filming Day (Fingers Crossed)
If you do manage to snag a spot, be prepared for a long day. Filming can take hours, and you might not even make it on TV. But hey, you’re in the same room as Gordon Ramsay! And the food, even if it’s just a small taste, is supposed to be incredible.
- I have to be ready on call.
- I have to prepare formal dress up.
- Be enthusiastic and energetic during recording.
Eventually I get the chance to be a guest! I do the recording on time, and sit there and waiting for the food.
I have to say, everything on that day was amazing! I can see Gordon Ramsay in real life, and tried a lot of fancy food. It’s really an unforgettable experience.
So, that’s my journey so far. It’s not easy, but I’m still holding out hope that one day I’ll be sitting at one of those tables, judging a plate of scallops. Wish me luck!
