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ARIEL MALONE, A COUNTRY CLUB CHEF FROM HACKENSACK, NJ, NAMED "HELL'S KITCHEN" SEASON 15 WINNER

The 15th season of HELL'S KITCHEN came to an exciting end as host and Head Chef Gordon Ramsay announced Ariel Malone the winner during tonight's season finale on FOX. Malone, 27, a country club chef from Hackensack, NJ, earned herself a Head Chef position at BLT Steak at Bally's Las Vegas, a total prize value of $250,000.

"I'm living proof that hard work and believing in yourself can make dreams come true" said Malone. "Winning HELL'S KITCHEN is an unbelievable honor and I'm happy that I get to make a living doing what I love. With this opportunity, I'm excited to create a better life for my present and future family."

"Throughout the competition, Ariel demonstrated that she was both a leader and a true powerhouse in the kitchen," said Ramsay. "She exemplified impressive culinary skills, and proved to be creative, ambitious and quick on her feet no matter what was thrown her way. I am thrilled to see her joining the team at BLT Steak at Bally's Las Vegas."

In one of the most dramatic seasons to date, Malone proved to be a consistent leader during dinner services. Her strong attention to detail and determined spirit earned her a spot in the finale, during which she went head-to-head with Kristin Barone, a line cook from Chicago. For the final challenge, both skillful contestants created their own menus, and lead a team of their past competitors through the most important dinner service of their lives. Although both contestants executed outstanding dinner services, in the end, it was Malone who was victorious. Her menu items included:

Appetizers:

· Charred Octopus with Manchego Croquettes, Radish, Red Onion Salad, Chorizo Aioli and Tomato Jam

· Red Romaine Salad with Candied Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Picked Herbs, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Grilled Asparagus, Wild Mushrooms, Basil and White Balsamic Vinaigrette

· Savory Cheese Cake with Wild Mushrooms Frisée, Truffle Soy Vinaigrette, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Pickled Radishes

· Maine Lobster with White and Green Asparagus, Poached Crones, Roasted Romanesco and Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrees:

· Grilled Hanger Steak with Garlic, Rosemary, Roasted Cipollini Onions, Fingerling Potatoes and Red Wine Sauce

· Herb Garden Chicken with Carrot Purée, English Peas, Mint and Chicken Jus

· Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Bacon-Braised Beet Greens, Roasted Red Beets, Shaved Fennel and Beet Salad and Tabasco Lemon Vinaigrette

· Pan-Roasted Pork Chop with Potato Caramelized Onion Gratin, Roasted Apples, Black Pepper and Coriander Glaze

Desserts:

· Espresso Panna Cotta with Lemon Zest, Micro Mint and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

· Pistachio Sponge Cake with Currant Rum Caramel and Rum Raisin Ice Cream

HELL'S KITCHEN is produced by ITV Entertainment 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 Entertainment

ITV Entertainment is a major producer of cable and broadcast programming for the US and international markets. Current series include FOX's "Hell's Kitchen," A&E's "The First 48" and E!'s "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills," as well as upcoming spinoff "EJ and the City" (working title). ITV Entertainment is part of the ITV America group.

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 3,000 hours of award-winning programming - with budgets totaling over one billion dollars across more than 45 broadcast and cable networks. Current productions include HELL'S KITCHEN, "American Ninja Warrior," "Spartan Race," "Ellen's Design Challenge," "Unsung," "Inside the Label," "Acting Out," "Full Throttle Saloon," "Team Ninja Warrior," "Container Homes," and "The Dunk King." Past hits include "Kitchen Nightmares," "Wizard Wars," "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura," "UFC Countdown," "Joe Rogan Questions Everything," "Paradise Hotel," "I Survived a Japanese Game Show," "The Swan," "Trading Spaces," "Pros vs. Joes," "Skating with Celebrities," and many others. For more information, visit www.asmithco.com.

About BLT Steak Las Vegas

Located in Bally's Las Vegas, BLT Steak is an interpretation of the American Steakhouse with traditional fare and a bistro ambiance. BLT Steak infuses a trendy, contemporary energy into the center-Strip action at Bally's. Located steps away from Victor Drai's Indigo Lounge and Drai's After Hours, the restaurant stays open late so partiers can have a late-night bite after clubbing or indulge in the award-winning Sterling Brunch on the weekends. A curving bar and lounge greets guests as they enter the main dining room. The 9,300 square foot space is splashed with rich woods and a backdrop of warm neutral tones accented with polished stainless steel, amber and tangerine. A fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the dining room and evokes an aura of relaxed but contemporary elegance. Indulge in BLT Steak classics, including its renowned Popovers - airy, warm Gruy�re-laced puffs of dough - along with Tuna Tartare, Chopped Vegetable Salad and special-selected Steaks. Enjoy more than 500 wines with Old World selections from the regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux, Piedmont, Tuscany, Riojo and many others.

About ESquared Hospitality

ESquared Hospitality is an international restaurant and hospitality group. Built on a commitment to "Exceeding Expectations" with extraordinary food and excellent customer service, ESquared Hospitality has grown into a diversified group of restaurant concepts, from the flagship BLT Steak New York, which opened in 2004 to more than 20 restaurants on two continents. ESquared Hospitality properties include the BLT restaurants, comprised of BLT Steak in New York, NY (2004), Washington, DC (2006), San Juan, PR (2006), White Plains, NY (2007), Scottsdale, AZ (2008), Atlanta, GA (2009), Miami, FL (2009), Hong Kong (2009), Charlotte, NC (2009), Waikiki, HI (2009), Seoul, South Korea (2014), Roppongi, Tokyo (2014), Las Vegas, NV (2014), Ginza, Tokyo (2015), and Aruba (2015); BLT Burger in Hong Kong (2009); BLT Prime in New York, NY (2005) and at the Trump National Doral Miami, FL (2014). ESquared Hospitality also operates two Italian concepts: Casa Nonna in New York, NY (2011), which became the official pizza vendor of Madison Square Garden (2013) and Radio City Music Hall (2015), and The Florentine in Chicago, IL (2010); as well as Horchata De Nueva York (2014); The Wayfarer (2014); and vegan fast-casual concept by CHLOE. (2015) in New York, NY. In September 2015, acclaimed Chef David Burke joined E2 Hospitality as a culinary partner, working on current E2 properties and developing new concepts to debut in 2016.

For more information, visit ESquared Hospitality online at www.E2Hospitality.com, Facebook.com/ESquaredHospitality, Twitter @ESqHospitality or Instagram @ESquaredHospitality.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: All episodes of the current season of HELL'S KITCHEN are available on FOX NOW and Fox on Demand to subscribers of participating pay-TV services. To learn more about FOX NOW, please visit www.foxnow.com.]