Camille “Cam” Boudreaux
Chef Cam Boudreaux, a native of New Orleans, LA, started his culinary journey as a food runner at Arnaud’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. After attending culinary school and surviving Hurricane Katrina, he left for several years to work in New York City, NY, before returning to his hometown. When Chopped casting producers came to NOLA, Chef Boudreaux was working as a sous chef at the Green Goddess restaurant, owned at the time by fellow season 12 competitor Chef Chris DeBarr. The following year, Chef Boudreaux forged a path with fellow chef and then fiance, April Bellow, to Killer PoBoys. In 2012, they opened in a 100 square foot kitchen space at the back of Erin Rose, a French Quarter bar, serving globally-inspired versions of the classic local sandwich. The original location, which still operates, quickly became so popular that Chef Boudreaux expanded to a second standalone location with more service and a larger menu in 2015.
Tasheena Butler
Chef Tasheena Butler took an unconventional route into her culinary career, working as a restaurant office manager before deciding to try life in the kitchen. Already having a degree in psychology, she went back to school for a culinary degree to pursue her passion. After competing on Chopped, Chef Butler spent most of the next decade as the Culinary Training Coordinator at Liberty’s Kitchen, a non-profit technical training program for youth, as the Culinary Training Coordinator. More recently, she has returned to her culinary alma mater Delgado Community College as an adjunct instructor.
Derek Gigliotti
Chef Derek Gigliotti began his culinary career in Arizona, then moved to Las Vegas, NV, in the late nineties to be part of the opening team at Picasso restaurant at the Bellagio. He spent the next two decades working in some of the top kitchens on the strip in various positions, including executive chef and chef de cuisine. In addition to competing on Chopped, he appeared on Fox Broadcasting Company's Hell’s Kitchen in 2016, not as a contestant, but as part of the prize. That show’s season winner, Ariel Malone, was invited to join Chef Gigliotti's team at BLT Steak at Bally's as part of a transition plan. When complete, former-chef Gigliotti was free to pursue a career change away from the kitchen and into real estate. Currently he is a licensed agent working with RE/MAX in the Las Vegas area.
Aurianna “Ria” Pell
Chef Ria Pell opened Ria's Bluebird east of downtown Atlanta, GA, in 2000. The casual brunch spot quickly became known for its pancakes and vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu. For a time, Chef Pell also owned a supper club-style restaurant Sauced (2010-2013). Sadly, she died suddenly in November 2013 at age 45, due to an undetected heart condition. Since her death, Ria’s Bluebird has lived on and thrived under the ownership of longtime manager and friend Julie Pender. Chef Pell is remembered fondly in the community for her food, punk music, gay rights activism, and above all, her kindness and compassion.