It’s an achievement to participate in Snack vs Chef, but it’s a dream to serve as a judge on the Netflix show. Well, living that dream was judge Helen Park — analyzing the delicious snacks to determine who gets the grand prize of $50,000.
This Helen Park Bio explores her life.
Helen Park On Netflix’s Snack vs Chef
Netflix’s brand new show Snack vs Chef aired on November 30, 2022, and the eight-part competitive series saw 12 chefs competing for a cash prize of $50,000. It was hosted by the two comedians Megan Stalter and Hari Kondabolu and judged by the culinary instructors Helen Park and Ali Bouzari.
According to Helen, the show had the best contestants and team ever. It was definitely challenging, but given her years of experience, she was able to differentiate the minute difference in taste in the original snacks. It was just as Netflix said, “Not only must they recreate some of the world’s most iconic snacks, they’ll also be challenged to invent their own original snacks inspired by beloved classics. Only one will prevail and claim the $50,000 prize.”
Promoting the show, Helen took it to her Linkedin to write, “SNACK vs CHEF – watch these great contestants go head to head with iconic snacks! Check out the set! Join in the fun! #snackvschef Netflix. Hosted by snack-loving comedians Meg Stalter and Hari Kondabolu with judges Ali Bouzari and me!”
Also, she posted a pic with her cast member on IG, captioned, “Don’t forget to watch SNACK VS CHEF on @netflix next Wednesday 11/30 as 12 food pros go up against iconic, machine manufactured, SNACKS!”
Spoilers Alert: Two finalists in the final episode were Lauryn Bodden and Sandy Dee Hall. While both chefs created amazing meals, Lauryn triumphed over her rivals to win the prize money and the coveted title.
Judge Ali emphasized that the finalists had to make a snack that was influenced by what they had discovered during the competition and utilize it to hone their own magical component. However, the judge did add that they were free to prepare their own snack, though.
So, the finalists took four hours to prepare the dish with Lauryn preparing cavatelli amatriciana (a kind of pasta) in snack-sized form. The recipe was made in bite-size shape after Lauryn drew inspiration from her love of the traditional Italian dish.
Naturally, her dish gained excellent feedback from Helen and Ali. They praised her for the flavor profile and the use of bacon, an animal flavor with savory and light elements that they believed was essential for reinventing the snacking sector.
On the other hand, Sandy made an innovative snack and create a healthy version of chips and popcorn. But sadly, Helen didn’t find it up to par.
Eventually, Lauryn was named the winner of Snack Vs. Chef.
Helen Park Net Worth
Helen Park flaunted a net worth of under $900 thousand by 2022 — all thanks to her time as a Culinary chef.
The Snack Vs. Chef judge started her career back in 2001 as a Tournant at Restaurant Daniel. Working there for almost 3 years, she then joined Pair of 8’s as its executive chef but just lasted there for ½ a year. Then, in Feb 2007, she went on to become the executive chef and vice president of Citi, where the menu changed every 2 days! Finding the job interesting, the chef worked at the restaurant for over 6 years before finally joining Skaleit Consulting as a food developer in June 2015.
Being a food developer was an interesting experience that she adventured for almost 2 years. In Feb 2014, she then founded Itskale LLC, and remained associated with the company until 2017.
Thereafter, she joined Whole Foods Market as its “Culinary Director of Product Development, Restaurants, and Venues – Northeast Region” for almost 2 years, and remained “Culinary Innovation Specialist” at Nestlé for the next three years.
Now, as of 2022, Helen is the Culinary Director of La Boite, a theatre-in-the-round located in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
To summarize, her skills include Menu Development, Food, Restaurants, Culinary Skills, Catering, Hospitality, Fine Dining, Cuisine, Recipes, Hospitality Management, and Culinary Arts at French Culinary Institute.
Helen draws her passion for cultural foods, amazing ingredients, diligent sourcing, and constant eating. To her, the easiest way to make a delicious meal is through a well-stocked pantry of flavorful condiments, sauces, and dressings that can be used to make on-hand items into great meals.
Did you know: Prior to appearing on Snack Vs. Chef, Helen served as an executive chef at Chopped for 2 eps (2011 – 2013).
Is Helen Park On Instagram?
Find her on Instagram @chefhelenpark.
Also, here’s her Facebook @1helenpark.
Helen Park Age
Helen Park was born before 1988. So, she couldn’t have been any younger than 34 years of age when she appeared on Snack Vs. Chef in 2022.
She is much older than her co-judge Ali Bouzari.
Helen Park Husband
Helen Park’s husband is one of the luckiest for he gets to eat the master chef’s cooking every day! Be it birthdays, or other celebrations, Helen cooked for the family, and her husband couldn’t be happier.
Related FAQs
-
When Is Helen Park Birthday?
Helen didn’t share her birth date. But there were a few pics on her FB story highlights from one of her birthday celebrations.
-
Where Is Helen Park From?
Helen was born and raised in New York, New York. And she resided there even as of 2022.
-
Where Did Helen Park Recieve Her Education?
Helen attended Yonsei University in 2005, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in 2005, and the University of California, Berkeley for her Bachelor of Arts (Economics, Political Science, Spanish) from 2006 to 2008.
Also, she studied Culinary Arts at French Culinary Institute.