‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Thermometer Scandal: Where Is Chef Matthew Now?

Chef Matthew Johnson on Hell's Kitchen Young Guns (1)

Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns had one of the most controversial eliminations in the show’s history. The “Thermometer” scandal that led to chef Matthew Francis Johnson going home left fans at home stunned. So, what happened and where is the young chef now? Here’s what you need to know.

Gordon Ramsay Slammed Young Chef

In the second episode of the Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns season, viewers saw Chef Matthew using a digital meat thermometer. This is something that is against the rules of being on the show. Contestants are not allowed to bring any outside tools or equipment into the competition kitchen.

Ultimately, Matthew got caught and Gordon Ramsay was furious. But, the icing on the cake was that, despite sneaking in a thermometer, Matthew still served Gordon raw chicken and lamb. Due to that and his overall low performance on the show, he got the boot.

Gordon Ramsay talking to chefs on Hell's Kitchen
YouTube/Hell’s Kitchen

However, he wasn’t able to get out of Hell’s Kitchen before Gordon Ramsay berated him in front of his peers. He slammed the young chef for his bad cooking and poor attitude. Then, he handed him the thermometer that he was caught using.

“How incredible that somebody sneaked a meat thermometer in here, and then we still couldn’t produce any cooked protein,” Gordon exclaimed. “The next time you decide to cook protein, use this s**t properly.”

Where Is The Hell’s Kitchen Chef Now?

Being a young chef, it was difficult to watch Chef Matthew be eliminated in such a brutal way. Because Hell’s Kitchen is filmed in advance, many people are wondering where Matthew is now.

Not surprisingly, he has moved away from working in more traditional restaurants. Matthew shifted focus to creating videos for food companies. He’s also become a food vlogger.

Following his departure from the reality show, he has fully embraced a new role in the digital world, sharing tips and experiences with his audience. Matthew also said that he has no plans to return to restaurant kitchens.

Chef Matthew Johnson on Hell's Kitchen Young Guns
YouTube/Hell’s Kitchen

Undoubtedly, Gordon Ramsay’s harsh words on Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns stuck with Matthew. Hearing what the celebrity chef had to say, Matthew began looking for other ways to express his love for the culinary arts. “I’m never going to go back to restaurants. It’s just not for me,” he said.

Being on the reality show made him realize that he does not thrive or enjoy being in a restaurant kitchen. It is often a high-pressure environment and Matthew wanted to focus on other aspects of the culinary world.

Although his elimination was hard to watch, it didn’t kill Matthew Johnson’s love for food. It just made him find a new way of expressing it and sharing it with the world.

You can stream the entire season of Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns on Hulu.

Amanda Blankenship

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