Competition Heats Up

As the thrilling season of Fox’s cooking competition, Next Level Chef, approaches its finale, South Florida contestant Bobby Hicks is capturing attention with his vibrant culinary skills. This exciting reality show features Chef Gordon Ramsay in a key role as he leads a competitive cast that includes Team Arrington and Team Blais.

Meet Bobby Hicks

Bobby Hicks, a passionate social media chef from Coconut Creek, describes himself as a “sociable little butterfly” who enjoys making people happy through his cooking. His engaging personality is complemented by his culinary proficiency, making him a standout contestant in this high-stakes environment.

Reflecting on the challenges of the competition, Bobby stated, “If something catches on fire, it doesn’t really help you at all to panic.” His calm demeanor under pressure is essential, especially when juggling the complexities of a crowded kitchen.

The Importance of Strategy

With nine chefs competing for the top spot and only one can be crowned champion, strategic thinking becomes paramount. Bobby emphasizes that “the grab” – the process of selecting ingredients during the competition – is one of the most challenging aspects. He remarked, “It’s really, really important that you’re actually being thoughtful about what you are grabbing,” as the choice could significantly impact the final dish.

Grab the wrong ingredient, like chocolate sauce for a savory meal, and it could spell disaster for a contestant’s culinary creation.

Culinary Inspirations

In a recent social media post, Bobby teased his upcoming dish: a pineapple upside down cake from 1935. This focus on retro recipes highlights his specialty in mid-century American cuisine, which he describes as “the good, the bad, and the gelatin.” Through his dishes, he aims to educate viewers about food history while celebrating nostalgia.

Aiming for Mentorship

Beyond the allure of a quarter-million-dollar grand prize, Bobby is particularly excited about the opportunity for mentorship with the show’s esteemed chefs. Winning would mean a direct connection to Chef Ramsay, Chef Nyesha Arrington, or Chef Richard Blais for an entire year—an invaluable chance to refine his culinary skills further.

Watch Bobby in Action

For those eager to see Bobby Hicks in his element, tune in for the “Thunderdome” episode of Next Level Chef, airing Thursday night on Fox.