An Iowa Chef is a Finalist on Gordon Ramsay’s Show “MasterChef”

Back in May, it was revealed that one of the competitors on the new season of the popular FOX TV series MasterChef was a native of Altoona, IA. A few months later, he has now found himself in the top three with a chance at the $250,000 grand prize and the title of "Master Chef."

Grant Gillon went from one of 40 to one of three finalists over the curse of the summer. The Altoona man works as the director of sales at Kinship Brewing Company in Waukee, and found himself mostly in the background for the season premiere. Now, he's at the forefront as all eyes are on him.

Season 13 of Gordon Ramsay's MasterChef has been incorporating a new twist on the formula: chefs are divided into teams that represent four regions of the United States — Northeast, Midwest, West, and South — and work as individuals and a collective to whip up a dish that will dazzle the judges.

The season has been dubbed United Tastes of America, with Chef Aarón Sánchez, restaurateur Joe Bastianich, and the globally recognizable Ramsay serving as the three primary judges. Other guest chefs who made appearances this season included Daphne Oz, Graham Elliot, and Season 11 MasterChef winner Kelsey Murphy just to name a few.

The 32-year-old Gillon grew up in Altoona, graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in leisure studies, and still resides in the Polk County community. A quick glance at his Instagram page shows the father-of-one posts many videos of himself cooking and playing with his 4-year-old son.

Even Gillon seems shocked by how far he's made it on this season of MasterChef, per his social media post:

Sure, the 'goal' was obviously to make the finale and win this dang thing, but I could never let myself believe it was even a possibility I could cook in that finale circle.

 

Throughout MasterChef: United Tastes of America, there was cooking challenges featuring a meal prepared at Dodger Stadium, state fair food, mystery boxes featuring a barrage of random ingredients, and the popular fan-favorite tag team event where chefs must prepare a three-course meal up to the standards of Michelin.

Those who want to see if Grant Gillon goes all the way on MasterChef can tune into FOX on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 at 7pm CST.