WINNER NAMED ON "HELL'S KITCHEN"

The 13th season of HELL'S KITCHEN came to an exciting close as host and Head Chef Gordon Ramsay announced La Tasha McCutchen the winner during tonight's Season Finale on FOX. McCutchen, 33, a Kitchen Supervisor from Winter Haven, FL, earned herself a Head Chef position at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City, a total prize value of $250,000.

Watch/Share McCutchen's reaction to winning HELL'S KITCHEN :

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/jfEjYRdwFxs

"Winning HELL'S KITCHEN is without a doubt a dream come true," said McCutchen. "I feel like I opened the doors to my future. I trusted in myself, I believed in myself and I know now that I have what it takes to be a true leader in this industry. Watching the competition has made me realize that I perform well under pressure and that my passion and strong work ethic are inspiring others, especially our younger generation."

"La Tasha is an incredibly determined leader with unwavering passion and drive" said Ramsay. "Throughout the season, she has proven that she has what it takes to make her mark on the culinary world, and I am looking forward to having her join our team at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Atlantic City."

In a season filled with intense highs and dramatic exits, McCutchen had a steady climb to the top. She proved to be a consistent leader during dinner services, and her determination earned her the respect of her team and gained her a coveted spot in the finale. In the end, she went head-to-head with Bryant Gallaher, a Lead Line Cook from Virginia Beach. For the final challenge, both contestants created their own menus, and were able to select and lead a team of their past competitors through the most important dinner service of their lives. After a grueling final dinner service, it was La Tasha's cohesive and well-executed menu and strong leadership in the kitchen that earned her the victory. Her menu items included:

Appetizers:

Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Pea Purée, Charred Corn, Crispy Pancetta, Tomato Chutney and Micro Basil

Pappardelle Carbonara with Parmesan Cream, Pearl Onions, English Peas, Smoked Heirloom Tomatoes, Bacon and Soft Poached Fried Egg

Prime Filet Mignon Tartare with Shallots, Capers, Whole Grain Mustard, Cornichons, Chives, Lemon Zest, Sunny-Side-Up Quail Egg and Waffle Potato Crisps

Ricotta-Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Romesco, Marcona Almonds, Shaved Baby Vegetable Salad and Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Entrees:

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Carrot Purée, Colored Cauliflower, Cipollini Onions and Short Rib Jus

Hickory Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop with Bacon-Braised Kale, Smoked Gouda Polenta, Apple Mustardo and Pork Jus

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Beet Risotto, Glazed Thumbelina Carrots and Herb Gremolata

Pan-Seared Salmon with Crispy Skin, Sweet Corn Purée, Root Vegetable Hash, Haricot Verts and Chorizo Vinaigrette

Desserts:

Shoo Fly Pie (Maple Molasses Crumble) with Bourbon Ice Cream, Crispy Bacon and Vanilla Cr�me Anglaise

Spiced Bread Pudding with Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream, Prailine Crumble and Spiced Chocolate Anglaise

HELL'S KITCHEN is produced by ITV Studios America in association with A. Smith & Co. Productions. Arthur Smith, Kent Weed and Gordon Ramsay serve as executive producers. "Like" HELL'S KITCHEN on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hellskitchen and follow the series on Twitter at @hellskitchenfox and Gordon Ramsay at @GordonRamsay. Join the discussion using #hellskitchen.

About ITV Studios America:

ITV Studios America, the U.S.-based production entity of ITV Studios in the U.K., is one of the largest producers in the U.S. and a major force in acquiring, developing and producing reality and scripted programming for U.S. networks. ITV Studios America has a slate of series in production with major networks and syndicators, including "Texas Rising," "The Good Witch," HELL'S KITCHEN, "Kitchen Nightmares," "The First 48," "After the First 48," "#RichKids of Beverly Hills," "Cesar 911," "The Chase," "Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters," "The Car Chasers," "Barmageddon" and "The Bill Cunningham Show."

ITV Studios is a world leader in television production and distribution. It has international production centers in the U.K., Germany, France, the Nordics and Australia, as well as the U.S. The distribution business, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, is a distributor of programs to all regions worldwide. For further information visit: http://www.itvstudios.com/us.

About A. Smith & Co. Productions

A. Smith & Co. Productions creates some of the most innovative, highly rated and high-quality programming for the domestic and international television marketplace. The company has produced more than 2,000 hours of award-winning programming. Current productions include such hits as HELL'S KITCHEN, "Kitchen Nightmares," "American Ninja Warrior," "Ellen's Design Challenge," "Wizard Wars," "Unsung," "Full Throttle Saloon," "Celebrity Crime Files," "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura," "Too Young to Marry?," "Save Our Business," "UFC Countdown," "Joe Rogan Questions Everything," "Divorce Hotel" and many others. A. Smith & Co.'s library of programming includes hit shows such as "Paradise Hotel," "I Survived a Japanese Game Show," "The Swan," "Trading Spaces," "Pros vs. Joes" and "Skating with Celebrities." A. Smith & Co. has developed and produced the No. 1 show in America 25 times and a Top 10 show more than 200 times, producing programs with budgets totaling approximately one billion dollars for more than 42 broadcast and cable networks. For more information, visit www.asmithco.com.

About Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill Atlantic City

The first Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill opened at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on the famed Strip in 2012. This makes this his first expansion to Atlantic City. The restaurant offers the U.K. chef's take on an authentic English pub experience - a lively and friendly setting, featuring elevated British pub food, 30 beers served on tap and over 60 bottled beers, including a selection of large format varieties. Chef Ramsay currently operates three restaurants in Las Vegas; Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace, and Gordon Ramsay BurGR at Planet Hollywood. He's the first chef to open two restaurants within one week and in 2015 Chef Ramsay will operate his fourth restaurant in Las Vegas, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips at Linq. For more information on the restaurant please visit www.gordonramsay.com.

About Caesars Atlantic City

Reigning at the center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk with its 1,100 AAA Four-Diamond hotel guest rooms and suites, Caesars Atlantic City sets the standard for excitement and luxury. Highlighted by an eclectic culinary offering such as Nero's Chophouse, Morton's and award-winning Kwi Noodle House, Caesars Atlantic City is proud to partner with award winning chef Gordon Ramsay, making this his first expansion to Atlantic City with Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill. Caesars is home to one of the finest entertainment venues in Atlantic City with the Circus Maximus Theater, which has featured mega-celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Mary J. Blige and Tony Bennett. A visit to this center-Boardwalk empire would not be complete without a lavish and relaxing experience at one of the nation's leading spas, Qua Baths and Spa, complete with Roman Showers and the indulgent Dieci Mani (10 hands) treatment. Caesars is located at 2100 Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For more information, call 1-800-223-7277 or visit www.caesarsac.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaesarsAtlanticCity and follow us on Twitter @CaesarsAC and Instagram @Total_AC #CaesarsAC.