Ali Schlichter had a unique distinction on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2. She was the first food entrepreneur chosen for Team Ramsay and she was the last team member standing at the end. Over that duration, Ali proved that she found inner determination to earn her success.
After the FOX reality competition’s finale aired, FoodSided spoke with Ali Schlichter about her experience on the show, what is next for Chin Dribblin, and the biggest lesson she learned from the process.
Even before going into specifics of the various challenges, Ali spoke fondly about the show. She said, “honesty, I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Gordon saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself. It wasn’t until the finale that I kind of recognized it.”
Looking back at the various challenges, Ali felt pressure to perform. Given that she has worked in professional kitchens for years, her team often relied on her experience.
Speaking about whether her expertise helped or hurt her chances, Ali was unsure. She said, “it put a lot of pressure on me. I was always the one that everyone assumed would create the recipes. I enjoyed it, but it was a very specific type of pressure. I love food and cooking but I had been out of the kitchen for two years, so I was a bit rusty. Overall, it put a certain pressure on me from Gordon.”
Going into the final challenges, Ali felt that pressure. As she explained, she received a grilling about not stepping up in the Savoy breakfast challenge. Gordon felt that she should have run the pass and had a bigger role in the kitchen.
Looking to redeem herself, Ali took a risk with her dog-focused pitch. It might not have been a continuation of Chin Dribblin, but it showed her business mindset, her willingness to think outside of the box, and her desire to win the competition.
In some ways, that mindset captures an idea that Ali believes chefs and people in the hospitality industry epitomize, high emotional intelligence. As Ali explained, that quality is vital in running or working in a restaurant. She said, “the culinary field is where all the odd ducks fit in and chefs can manage all those different personalities.”
“Personally, I grew through the years and created a balance. Now I use food as my love language to inspire others. Showing love through food is so important and that is a lot of my personality.”
While Ali uses food to express herself, she had to use words to capture her place in the finale. What no one saw in those Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars episodes, Ali had to overcome a fear of public speaking.
Ali explained, “watching that growth was a really proud moment for me. From owning my struggle in the chocolate challenge pitch to the demo to walking on stage in front of hundred of people and giving a Ted talk with a pitch, I felt like it was a tremendous journey.”
That experience has helped her continue to crush it with her food business, Chin Dribblin. Ali wants people to embrace flavor. Her goal with her food business is to be different from everyone else. It is about bold flavor that can be used in a variety of ways.
With her increased visibility, Ali hopes that more people are ready, willing and able to taste the difference. As Ali said, “I am not creating just another condiment.” She wants people to see the versatility in every bottle.
Ali said, “with these sauces, you do not have to know how to cook to use them. You can literally use them on Chinese takeout and use the sauces.” Once people start using them, they can see how the flavors can be used in a wide array of recipes. From being served with dumplings to even used in beverages or on ice cream, there are plenty of dishes that can be better with this flavor amplification.
As Chin Dribblin continues its growth, Ali subscribes to an important idea that will keep her moving forward. It is a concept that can be applied to any and every situation.
“My whole life I was ruled by fear, fear of the unknown, fear of all the what ifs. Going on this show showed me to focus on the solution. Now I’m doing just that. I am the person that I am today because I let go of that fear.”
That mindset can get Chin Dribblin to grow, can offer Ali Schlichter personal fulfillment, and can open the door to endless possibilities. In a way, her legacy as a Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars finalist is that a great entrepreneur is never ruled by fear.
Be sure to catch up on Ali’s journey on Hulu. All Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars episodes can be streamed on that platform.
