Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive with...
"NICK PETERS BOND"!
STANDISH: What changes did you like from season 14-17?
There was not many changes in the format of the show from season 14-17. I think personally I grew so much between seasons and became a lot more confident. I liked that a few of the contestants from season 14 were on All Stars. Also, some of us knew of each other a little bit prior which helped.
STANDISH: What was your first thought when you got asked to come back?
I had always thought that Hell’s Kitchen was a once in a lifetime experience. So when they called to see if I was interested in an all star season, I couldn’t pass it up.
STANDISH: What is a mental struggle you face in the kitchen?
On the show, the biggest mental struggle was working with complete strangers. We were from all walks of life, skill level and professions. We all had very big personalities and some contestants couldn’t put their pride aside for the greater good of the team.
I think in terms of my catering company my biggest mental struggle can be my adhd :. I have so much on my mind at all times and there are so many moving parts.
STANDISH: Where has been the most beautiful place you've traveled, tell me about the cuisine there...
I recently went to the Amalfi coast in Italy. It was gorgeous. I love being on/near the water so for me it was perfect. I love the simple freshness of dishes there.
STANDISH: Can you tell the readers about your sober journey...? What sparked it?
I will be 5 years sober from alcohol come March 1st! My sober journey has been a long time coming. I have constantly tried to stop or take breaks over the years. It was definitely a struggle. I think my breaking point was getting a DUI. That was sort of my rock bottom moment that you hear people talk about.
STANDISH: We are feeling very inspired hearing about your story... Can you give the readers a piece of advice to remember so they don't want to relapse...
My piece of advice is to remind yourself about how you felt when you were drinking. What kind of person were you and how were you behaving. I also think a driving force is never having to feel a hangover again. I have children now as well and it’s not just about me anymore. I have two lives I’m responsible for, so I need to be on my A game. Drinking for me just consumed too much of my thoughts and time. It’s never worth it.
STANDISH: Was there a time in Hell's kitchen you ever wanted to leave?
No. There was never a time that I wanted to leave HK. I think my goal was always to win. I think All Stars I had it in my mind I’d be in the finale at least. So, I knew I had to just get through each challenge and service. I don’t think HK is easy by any means, you have to mentally have a lot of strength more than skills in the kitchen.
STANDISH: What is the first thing you taught your kids about cooking?
I think the most important thing to teach anyone is to have your prep ready aka mise en place. My daughters love helping make scrambled eggs in the morning.
STANDISH: Build me the perfect dinner service team naming Hell's Kitchen chefs of course!
My perfect dinner service would have to include chef Dana on fish, Chef Michelle Tribble on Meat, Chef Meghan Gill on apps, chef T on garnish and then chef Milly on desserts. I would work expo.
I love female energy in a kitchen. I think women make the greatest leaders.
STANDISH: What's the scariest thing you've witnessed in a kitchen?
The only thing “scary” in Hell’s Kitchen was some of the other contestant’s attitudes 😂
STANDISH: Would you rather serve Gordon Ramsay a raw dish or burnt dish?
I think I would rather serve Chef Ramsay a raw dish. Because I could spin that question and serve him raw tuna crudo haha.
STANDISH: What's the funniest thing you saw a chef slip up their sleeve and sneak into the dorms during dinner service?
Milly from Philly took back half racks of lamb upstairs haha that was awesome. We would take random food that we “weren’t able to serve” based off the temperature or whatever the case was that dinner service.
STANDISH: How intimidating was the blind taste test?
The blind taste test was more of an anxious feeling. The concept is very simple and should be relatively easy. However, you are very disoriented. They give you headphones to wear that are blaring heavy metal music and a blindfold. Coupled with the pressure of everyone counting on you, it makes you second guess yourself.
STANDISH: Was there ever a time when you wanted to sabotage your team?
I never wanted to sabotage my team because I knew in order for me to move forward in the competition, the team had to excel; At least until we were competing as individuals.
STANDISH: Who are three people you'd want to cook for, dead or alive?
I would love to cook For my grandparents that have passed, former culinary instructors from school and former chef/bosses. I think it would be cool to show them how much I have grown.
STANDISH: What does Nick have planned for the future?
I co own a catering company based in Massachusetts. We are busy with events and also just launched our wholesale sauce line. Our first product is making its way to local stores with shipping starting soon! I’m looking forward to expanding the product line. It’s called Chimichurri (ish), it’s a Chimichurri style sauce that goes well on just about everything! I think on the horizon would be a small cafe. It’s always been a dream of mine to have a small restaurant/cafe. I want to do more tv as well. I have been keeping an eye out and applying to some shows. 🤞
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Thanks so much for your time!
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