3030 Ocean, located at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa,is thrilled to announce that its own Chef La Tasha McCutchen has won season 13 of FOX’s hit culinary competition Hell’s Kitchen, produced by ITV Studios America.

This season’s only South Florida chef, McCutchen shined through weeks of grueling challenges and intense dinner services, to claim the show’s coveted grand prize – an opportunity of a lifetime, a head chef position at the new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City, a total prize value of $250,000.

A front-runner and fan favorite throughout the season, McCutchen regularly received Chef Ramsay’s hard-to-earn praise and steered clear of elimination by showcasing her talents and leadership abilities in the kitchen week after week. Out of eighteen distinguished chefs from across the country, McCutchen steadily rose to the top of the pack and earned herself a well-deserved spot in the show’s finale. The nerve-wracking final dinner service pitted her up against fellow finalist Bryant Gallaher, but it was McCutchen’s innovative menu – featuring Prime Filet Mignon Tartare with shallots, capers, whole grain mustard, cornichons, chives, lemon zest, sunny-side-up quail egg and waffle potato crisps; Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with beet risotto, glazed thumbelina carrots and herb gremolata; and Spiced Bread Pudding with pumpkin spice ice cream, praline crumble and spiced chocolate anglaise – as well as her determination to win that earned her the victory.

McCutchen credits 3030 Ocean Executive Chef Paula DaSilva and Chef Adrienne Grenier as her two chef inspirations and mentors, whose influences both in and out of the kitchen and words of wisdom imbued her with a fierce tenacity before the competition began. “A fearless Hell’s Kitchen competitor herself, I really took to heart all the advice Paula offered me,” says McCutchen.

On winning Hell’s Kitchen, McCutchen reveals that it is without a doubt a dream come true. “I feel like I opened the doors to my future. I trusted in myself, I believed in myself and I know now that I have what it takes to be a true leader in this industry,” said McCutchen. “Watching the competition on television has made me realize that I perform well under pressure and I hope that my passion and strong work ethic are inspiring others, especially our younger generation.”

3030 Ocean is located at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive. Dinner is served nightly beginning at 6 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Telephone: (954) 765-3030; http://www.3030ocean.com.

3030 Ocean 

3030 Holiday Drive

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

954 765 3030

( Information provided by Brustman Carrino PR )