2.2K
CHFinal round action begins tonight at 8pm @foodnetwork
2025 was one of the hardest and traumatic year in my life and God knows that I have had allot. My mom was diagnosed with Dementia Alzheimer’s in January. My brother Kirk and I dealt with the harsh reality that things were changing and we jumped in swiftly and got her settled and moved into a wonderful facility in LA.
My dear friend and brother has been battling a rare cancer. He is on my mind all the time. I’m constantly keeping he and my mom in prayer to beat the odds.
The love of my life and I divorced late 2024 and then she tragically passed away shortly after my mother’s diagnosis in January 2025. I could not believe it. I was in the middle of opening another restaurant in Raleigh and I received the call. I was in pure shock. Every emotion surfacing and feeling helpless. I was wishing at times to receive some kind of message from her saying it wasn’t real. That didn’t happen. 😞 💔
So I did what I have always done during hard times. I prayed, worked out, trained and developed my team and stayed connected in fellowship with dear friends to keep my head clear and focused.
Then I received an email, followed by a call from @guyfieri @brianlando3 team. We would like you to join #TOC7 if you are up for it. I interviewed and I said yes without hesitation. To have the opportunity to leave the 🐒 that was on my back, on the tree back in Miami while I came to Santa Rosa to compete was exactly what I needed more than I realized.
Connecting with former competitors and familiar faces was exactly what I needed. I kept telling myself just one cook to get into the main bracket. That was my only focus.
I did it and now I’m here. #8 seed going against a #1 seed Icon in D-Divison aka #dblock.
I have been working my ass off my entire career and I have gone through so many trials and tribulations like many others. Cooking has been my sanctuary of peace every time.
Tune in tonight, watch the dblock Gladiators battle, leaving it all in the arena! Know that everyone has a story. Everyone has a test to overcome. Thank you to the Tournament of Champions family for getting me through the grieving process. ❤️
@chefkennygilbert
