Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars introduced an exciting new concept to the show. While Gordon Ramsay was hunting for the next star in the food and beverage space, he would have a partner in crime. Vanderpump Rules OG and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump joined the show this season. After hopeful entrepreneurs pitched their businesses, Gordon and Lisa each selected seven contestants to be on their team. Jess Druey landed a spot on Team Vanderpump.
She pitched her Whiny Baby wine line, which was aimed at the Gen Z crowd. From the jump, Jess was an impressive competitor. She was friendly, smart, and hard-working. Let’s take a look at the reasons why Jess was destined to win Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars and that cool $250,000 prize.
Jess was enthusiastic and determined
Jess demonstrated her determination during the first challenge. Each team had to lure in the hungry lunch crowd to their food trucks. Since this challenge was based solely on who generated more cash, Jess wasn’t afraid to adopt an unusual strategy.
When Team Ramsay’s line was long, Jess went over and stole customers, bringing them over to the Team Vanderpump truck. While Gordon seemed shocked, Lisa loved Jess’ enthusiasm and can-do spirit. And Lisa’s team won. Just saying!
Jess Druey challenged herself on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars
Jess has a wine line and repeatedly admitted that she had no culinary experience. During one challenge, contestants had to give a live demonstration of cooking gadgets at a food trade show. Unfortunately, Jess sliced her finger on a grater during a practice run. Thankfully, Lisa switched her to a whisk instead.
But the next challenge united the two teams into one group. And this one was daunting. The seven remaining contestants had to act as both front of house (FOH) and back of house (BOH) at the five-star The Savoy Grill. Gordon had been at The Savoy for 20 years, so he was nervous about putting his reputation on the line.
Three people needed to be FOH. But Jess was out of luck when three other people also insisted on being FOH. Nicholas Ducos had kitchen experience but wanted to demonstrate his FOH skills. So, Jess gamely signed on to the kitchen crew, showing that she was a team player.
The contestants were each trained in how to prepare the dishes. Jess selected the French toast with roasted peaches. She bravely tackled flambéing the peaches without further injury. That proved that Jess wasn’t afraid to dive out of her comfort zone and tackle culinary duties. She managed to prepare the peaches without burning herself and kept a positive attitude. Her willingness to take chances was a necessary skill for America’s Next Food Star.
Her presentations were on point
During the wine challenge, Jess stepped up as team leader. She started her wine company, Whiny Baby in 2020.
For this task, Jess and Erica Levin tackled naming the wine, branding it, and preparing a presentation in front of a group of wine enthusiasts. They came up with the name Lifetime Love Affair for the wine. Jess decided to leave a blank space on the label so that someone could kiss it, leaving a lipstick mark. Lisa even did the honors, delighting Jess. The rest of the team prepared a playful, fun commercial to match the vibe of the brand.
But the presentation, teasing that Lisa was having “a lifetime love affair,” really sold it. Team Vanderpump crushed Gordon’s team and savored the win. This challenge highlighted how Jess has a polished, energetic, and engaging way of delivering presentations.
Jess Druey was a creative thinker on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars
Jess consistently showed her creativity and ability to think outside of the box. During the semi-finals, the remaining five contestants were tasked with creating a new brand in one of several categories.
Of course, Jess enjoys the booze world and created Sip Strips. These popsicle-like sleeves contained a tasty cocktail. But what made them unique was the resealable packaging. She created packaging that didn’t exist.
While this challenge was the hardest, it was also Jess’ favorite one. “Like what we’ve done in years creating a business, we were doing overnight. You know, there were parameters, but it really was the world’s our oyster,” Jess told Reality Tea. “It’s what we live for, creating new businesses and ideas. But it was definitely the most pressure and hardest.”
When it came down to the final challenge, Jess, Roman Desmond, and Ali Schlichter prepared a presentation about their business for a group of beverage and food experts. Each was challenged to tackle part of their business that could be improved. Jess was asked to diversify her brand. So, with the help of an expert, she created a rosé wine and lychee sorbet.
While all three entrepreneurs did an amazing job with their presentation, Jess seemed to possess all the skills to push her brand, Whiny Baby, to the next level. That is why Jess was destined to win Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2. And being mentored by Lisa was the icing on the cake!
Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars is streaming on Hulu.
TELL US – WAS JESS DRUEY DESTINED TO WIN GORDON RAMSAY’S FOOD STARS? DID YOU ENJOY SEASON 2?
