Top 10 Most Intense Gordon Ramsay Moments Ever
Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Most Intense Gordon Ramsay Moments.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the most heated and dramatic moments between Gordon Ramsay and various participants on his shows.
Could you keep your cool around Chef Ramsay? Let us know in the comments!
#10: Poor Sanitary Conditions
“Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
Many of the eateries Ramsay braved on “Kitchen Nightmares” didn’t just serve terrible food; they were also completely disgusting. Among the biggest offenders was Park’s Edge, an Atlanta-area eatery. While inspecting the kitchen, Ramsay is horrified by the improper food storage and other health violations. Instead of taking responsibility for his lack of standards, chef and co-owner Jorge gets combative. Ramsay isn’t fazed, calling Jorge out for his dishonesty and deflection. And there’s nothing Jorge can say to refute this. Though this moment is tense, Ramsay gave these owners a reality check they desperately needed.
#9: Calling Colleen a “Thief”
“Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
“Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Colleen worked as a culinary instructor, charging $300 per class. But based on the quality of her performance on the show, she was greatly over-charging. During one particularly dismal dinner service performance, Ramsay accuses Colleen of ripping off her clients. To her credit, Colleen stands up for herself and her qualifications. But she still ends up booted off the fish station. After she was eliminated, Ramsay praised Colleen for her determination. While she might not have been a particularly good cook, this moment showed Colleen was tougher than most “Hell’s Kitchen” contestants.
#8: “GoPro”
“Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
Talking back to Chef Ramsay isn’t a good idea, especially not when he can serve up responses like this. After Ramsay confronts him for putting up raw scallops, arrogant contestant Matt argues that another contestant made him do it and urges Ramsay to check the footage for proof. Ramsay isn’t hearing any excuses, telling Matt to lose the attitude and take responsibility for his actions. He also follows this up with a remark that’s as clever as it is devastating. If he wasn’t a chef, Ramsay could’ve had a flourishing career as an insult comic.
#7: “They Don’t Have to Work Here”
“Hotel Hell” (2012-16)
The Juniper Hill Inn suffered from numerous problems, from plumbing issues to terrible food. Even worse, the workers reportedly weren't even paid on time. During a staff meeting, Ramsay hears how long the employees have to wait for their paychecks. He's in disbelief about the delays and confronts owner Robert about the mess he's created for his team. Robert shows himself to be a rather uncaring boss with his response. Ramsay gives him the dressing down of a lifetime. We have to commend Ramsay for standing up for these employees against such an indifferent employer.
#6: Gordon vs. Sebastian
“Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
If Chef Ramsay tells you there’s something wrong with your restaurant, you should listen. But pizza restaurant owner Sebastian didn’t appear to get that memo. With its convoluted menu and lack of fresh ingredients, it’s no surprise Sebastian’s is having trouble attracting customers. After Ramsay simplifies and improves the menu, everyone is a lot happier. Well, almost everyone. During dinner service, Sebastian decides to bring back the old menu, to the delight of no one. Ramsay speaks to Sebastian, bluntly expressing how little confidence he has in him. Sebastian’s immature response speaks for itself. While he gets his act together by the end of the episode, Sebastian later reportedly revived the old menu for good after Ramsay left. Unsurprisingly, the restaurant eventually closed.
#5: Giving Up on Amy’s Baking Company
“Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
Chef Ramsay has dealt with many difficult restaurant owners on “Kitchen Nightmares.” But in terms of stubbornness, Samy and Amy, the proprietors of Amy’s Baking Company take the cake. The husband-and-wife display all sorts of toxic behavior during their time on the show, from pocketing servers’ tips to refusing to accept any criticism. As the episode draws to a close, they’re as resistant as ever. Ramsay calmly but firmly addresses the myriad of issues with their management, but they refuse to listen. It’s evident that they’re beyond help, and Ramsay does something he had never done before: he leaves without attempting any changes. Without ever raising his voice, Ramsay shows just how in control he is.
#4: Dealing with Raj
“Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
Raj was eliminated from “Hell’s Kitchen” fairly quickly. But his antics made him one of the most memorable contestants ever. Raj frustrates just about everyone: his fellow contestants, sous chef Scott, and Chef Ramsay. In his final dinner service, Raj wastes the team's supply of Dover sole, eats rejected food when he's supposed to be cooking, and tries to argue with the legendary chef. Ramsay is so clearly fed up with Raj by this point, it’s no wonder he’s eliminated in the very same episode. We don’t want to imagine how furious Ramsay would get if Ramsay stayed on for even one more service.
#3: Insulting Giovanni
“Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
Sometimes, Chef Ramsay gets so furious, it makes his other outbursts look like practice. During season five’s first black jacket dinner service, the typically strong Giovanni had a rather rocky performance. After Giovanni repeatedly botches the evening’s chicken special, Chef Ramsay refers to him in a rather unflattering way. This understandably upsets Giovanni, who fights back against the accusation. But Chef Ramsay is in no mood to apologize, screaming in Giovanni’s face with absolute rage. This was just the start of Giovanni's difficult evening. He also accidentally causes fellow contestant Robert to suffer a serious burn and is eliminated later that night. We’re not sure if talking back to the chef caused Giovanni’s elimination. But it certainly didn’t help.
#2: Confronting Abby
“Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
It’s no secret that running a restaurant is stressful. But the stress is bound to get even worse if it’s not properly dealt with. Down City owner Abby is visibly upset throughout the first half of this episode, and she eventually reaches a calamitous boiling point. After Chef Ramsay expresses his disgust about the condition of the refrigerator, Abby gets defensive and denies responsibility. She also hurls baseless insults at Ramsay. Abby eventually cools down and greatly improves her attitude by the episode’s end. But we wouldn’t have blamed Ramsay for giving up immediately after this blow-up.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“More Pumpkin,” “Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
An Unforgettable Customer Interaction
Jen’s Exit, “Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
An Accusation of Sabotage Led to This Returning Contestant's Second Elimination
Martin Quits, “Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
This General Manager Resigned in Front of Ramsay
Disgusting Fridge, “Kitchen Nightmares” (2007-12)
We Don’t Crave Refried Beans After Watching This
Josh Gets Kicked Out, “Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
Josh Has the Distinct Honor of Being the First Contestant Eliminated During Service
#1: The Joseph Incident
“Hell’s Kitchen” (2005- )
“Hell’s Kitchen” elimination ceremonies are often tense. But nothing could prepare us for what went down between Chef Ramsay and former Marine Joseph. When Ramsay asks for the names of the contestants nominated for elimination, Joseph refuses to follow these simple instructions. Instead, he becomes more arrogant, acting like Ramsay is threatening his manhood with this request. Joseph eventually decides he’s through talking, ripping off his jacket and challenging Ramsay to a fight in the parking lot. Ramsay doesn’t flinch or lose his cool for even a moment. Joseph ends his time in “Hell’s Kitchen” in a humiliating fashion, and Ramsay once again shows how tough he is.