Alum Wins 9th Season of “Hell’s Kitchen”

PROVIDENCE, RI - September 21, 2011 - On the heated 9th season finale of “Hell’s Kitchen,” JWU alum Paul Niedermann '07 walked away with the grand prize of a $250,000 dream job as head chef at New York City’s BLT Steak.

Niedermann follows in the footsteps of Season 3 winner Rahman “Rock” Harper '96.

Praise from Chef Ramsay
Notoriously critical “Kitchen” star Gordon Ramsay praised Niedermann’s outgoing personality and obvious drive. “He won tonight because he's probably the most passionate, determined chef to ever enter ‘Hell's Kitchen.’ I'm so proud to hand him over to BLT Steak,” Gordon explained during the finale.

Lifelong Dream Comes True
Niedermann, a 26-year-old sous chef from Davie, Fla., beat out stiff competition from Will Lustberg to take the win, which he dedicated to his late mom.

“This is all for her! She knows what I've been through. She knows how hard I've worked,” he said, adding, “This is the greatest achievement I've ever reached in my entire life.”

Cooking In Alum's Blood
Cooking was a natural path for Paul to take. His father, Albert, was a professional chef, and his parents regularly hosted elaborate Italian feasts. “Food was the central focal point in my house,” he says.

Now he’s making the move to Manhattan, off to pursue the job of a lifetime. “This is a big deal! I’m ecstatic.”

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