Lisa Vanderpump Was the Perfect Addition to Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, Here’s Why (2024)

When Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars debuted, it had a different concept from the first season. Most notably, Gordon Ramsay had some wise-cracking competition this season in the form of Lisa Vanderpump.

Both Gordon and Lisa watched hopeful beverage and food entrepreneurs pitch their businesses. In the end, each industry icon chose seven contestants to join their team. Then the two teams competed in a variety of stressful challenges.

After surviving the grueling “Business Bootcamp” meant to test their individual talent and business acumen, only three contestants remained. Roman Desmond, Jess Druey, and Ali Schlichter headed into the finale. Finally, Team Vanderpump’s Jess was named America’s Next Food Star and won the $250,000 prize. And don’t think that Lisa didn’t relish rubbing Gordon’s nose in it. Here’s why Lisa was the perfect addition to Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2.

Lisa Vanderpump is a legend in the food and beverage industry

Lisa was like the secret sauce for Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. While Gordon’s industry resume is impressive, so are Lisa’s accomplishments.

According to The Daily Dish, Lisa and her husband, Ken Todd, have owned over 30 bars and restaurants. This number spans their 30-plus years in the beverage and food space.

Currently, Lisa has TomTom Restaurant and Bar and SUR Restaurant and Lounge in West Hollywood. Both of these locations are part of the backdrop of Vanderpump Rules. Remember when the cast worked at SUR? Pumptini!

Meanwhile,Lisa expanded her presence in Las Vegas with Vanderpump à Paris and Vanderpump co*cktail Garden. Her newest creation is Wolf by Vanderpump in Lake Tahoe.

Plus, Lisa also has her wine line, Vanderpump Rosé, as well as a vodka line. There is no doubt that Lisa could hold her own against Gordon and his many businesses.

Lisa Vanderpump was as competitive as Gordon Ramsay on Food Stars

If you thought that Gordon was competitive, then make way for Lisa. She was determined to win, no matter what it took. During the first challenge with the food trucks, she promised a fan a selfie if they went and bought their lunch at Team Vanderpump’s truck. Sneaky, but I like it!

“It’s because he wants to win so badly that makes me want to. If he ever intimated that he has potentially the stronger contestant,” Lisa told Variety, “and he’s going to win, then that raises the game even more.”

Having Lisa and Gordon go head-to-head with their teams added another layer of drama to Food Stars. After all, now the contestants had to navigate personality conflicts, complete challenges in a short time, and avoid The Grilling. No pressure!

The losing team faced both Lisa and Gordon. And during The Grilling, the restaurateurs sliced one, or more, members from their team. It was nerve-wracking.

Make no mistake about it. Lisa came to win, and she never let Gordon forget it. When Jess won, Lisa made sure to needle Gordon about his loss. That’s what friends are for, right?

Lisa Vanderpump’s chemistry with Gordon Ramsay

The banter between Lisa and Gordon was the delicious icing on the cake. I loved how sassy she was. And the duo didn’t mind busting each other’s chops.

“We have an aggressive sense of humor, but I think when you ultimately know our respect for each other, it’s just coated with a lot of punching at each other,” Lisa told Reality Tea, “and aggression when it comes to competition.” She added, “But ultimately, I think we looked at each other very respectfully. It might not come across like that.”

One of their most humorous exchanges was about the 4^th of July challenge. When Lisa asked Gordon what he would prepare for a celebration, he replied, “I would do an amazing salad with some fantastic sliders.” She responded, “You know what I’d do? Send them to one of my restaurants.” For a moment, Gordon was speechless. With this duo, you never knew what they were going to say next. Obviously, the chemistry between Lisa and Gordon added an element of humor, and tension, as they competed against one another.

Lisa had high expectations for her team

Lisa was a different type of mentor than Gordon. She wanted to hear every detail of the team’s presentations and ideas. Lisa tried to impart her love of florals and ways to create a moment during the wine challenge. Of course, Lisa sets a mood with the lush and unique décor in each one of her bars and restaurants. It couldn’t hurt to impart a little wisdom about pleasing aesthetics.

But she also wasn’t afraid to be tough on her team. Lisa let the contestants know when the level of preparation for the bar challenge didn’t meet her expectations. Still, Lisa encouraged the contestants to be confident and be themselves as the competition progressed.

The winner, Jess, formed such a bond with Lisa that she called the Pump Rules star her “mentor for life.” Bringing Lisa on the show injected some humor, fierce competitiveness, and a different approach to coaching the entrepreneurs.

She was the secret spice and the perfect addition to Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2. And I hope if the show returns for Season 3, Lisa will again be along for the ride with Gordon.

Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars is streaming on Hulu.

TELL US – DO YOU THINK THAT LISA VANDERPUMP WAS THE PERFECT ADDITION TO GORDON RAMSAY’S FOOD STARS?