This season, “Next Level Chef” features three audition rounds, challenging three groups of eight chefs with experience that ranges from professionals to home cooks to social media superstars.

In the season three premiere episode, eight social media chefs will battle it out on the three kitchen levels. Each of the three kitchens is stocked with kitchen equipment with varying degrees of quality and professional applications. In the first round, only five social media chefs will advance to join the teams of mentors; Gordon Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington.

Twenty-nine-year-old Gabrielle was born and raised in Jersey Shore and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Having started her career as a freelance creative producer and reporter, Chappel claimed her obsession with cooking is what led to a big life change.

“I decided to leave my job and go to culinary school in 2021…I went to the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC and I specifically participated in the Health Supportive Culinary Arts program focusing on plant-based foods and macrobiotic cooking style.”

NEXT LEVEL CHEF: Contestants in the “Next Level Audition – Social Media” season premiere episode of Next Level Chef airing Sunday, January 28 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT live to all timezones) on FOX. CR: Lorraine O’Sullivan / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.

“I also really love working with people who have dietary restrictions and are looking to use food as a means of curing illness,” Chappel said. “My style is farm-to-table cooking inspired by the seasons.”

Prior to her feature as a contestant on Next Level Chef, Chappel participated in a series with Epicurious called Pro vs. Novice, which inspired her to go to culinary school. While working with Epicurious, she was considered a “level two” or “home chef” novice and gained a large following on YouTube. From there, Chappel’s culinary school requirements and subsequent job placements skyrocketed her career.

“I worked at Olmsted in Brooklyn, which is a former Michelin Star restaurant focusing on farm-to-table cuisine,” Chappel said. “I also have worked freelance with farm-to-table female-owned and operated catering company Fancy Girl Table based in Brooklyn, N.Y. I have also worked for a variety of chefs throughout the NYC area doing pop-up dinners as a sous and prep chef. I have also hosted my own pop-up dinners in Brooklyn.”

“I believe my biggest strength is my creativity and style — I think due to the fact that my culinary experiences aren’t traditional French cuisine makes me stand out. I’m also pretty good under pressure.”

However, she went on to say “my biggest weakness is that I don’t have a lot of experience cooking animal proteins, and that’s a big part of the competition.”

NEXT LEVEL CHEF: Contestants in the “Next Level Audition – Social Media” season premiere episode of Next Level Chef airing Sunday, January 28 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT live to all timezones) on FOX. CR: Lorraine O’Sullivan / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.

Fighting on national television for the title of Next Level Chef, $250,000 and mentorship from some of the greatest chefs in the world, Gabrielle is sure to become a hometown hero.

As a parting message for others looking to start their career in the culinary arts, Chappel said: “For anyone who wants to become a chef, just know that it is intense and challenging, but when someone eats something you have prepared and has a look of delight on their face, there is no better feeling in the world. To be able to nourish people on their worst days, and help them celebrate their best days — there is nothing like it. I have worked jobs where I’m staring at a computer all day long five days a week and it is impossible for me to imagine going back to that life. If you truly are passionate about cooking, taking the leap to become a chef will make every day worthwhile.”

Watch Jersey Shore native Gabrielle Chappel battle to become the “Next Level Chef” live on FOX at 10 p.m. Sunday, after the NFC Championships.

NEXT LEVEL CHEF: (L-R) Mentor Nyesha Arrington, Mentor/Executive Producer Gordon Ramsay and Mentor Richard Blais in the “Next Level Audition – Social Media” season premiere episode of Next Level Chef airing Sunday, January 28 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT live to all timezones) on FOX. CR: Lorraine O’Sullivan / FOX. ©2024 FOX Media LLC.