Did you know? Gabi Chappel’s interest in cooking developed after working with a popular media company named Epicurious.
Key Takeaways
- Gabi Chappel is a 29-year-old chef from New Jersey who initially pursued journalism.
- Working on Epicurious’ “Four Levels” series reignited her passion for cooking.
- She’s a finalist on “Next Level Chef” and aims to make culinary knowledge more accessible.
Originating from New Jersey, Gabi Chappel was born on May 25, 1994.
The 30 year-old chef was always interested in cooking while growing up.
But, during the initial phases of her life, she thought cooking was nothing but a hobby for her.
So, the future chef initially decided to choose a path of journalism to earn a living for herself.
To pursue her career in journalism, she got a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from the reputed Penn State University.
During her initial days as a reporter, she was more into covering stories about different sporting events.
That is why she started her career as an intern at Fox 17 network. While there, she helped with the live coverage of sporting events.
During the same time, she was also a freelancer for ESPN.
However, her big breakthrough in media came in the year 2015.
She worked as an Executive Producer and Anchor for the Centre County Report(WPSU) during that time.
From then on, there was a turning back for Gabi.
She has held top positions in companies like Anomaly, Fanatics Inc., and Hustle.
Her last job in media was as a Marketing Producer for a year at Medly Pharmacy.
Now, if she was achieving such great success in the field of journalism, then why did she decide to change her career path?
Let’s delve into that a little.
Gabi Chappel’s Journey To Being A Chef
Just when she was getting started in journalism, one day, Gabi got a call from Epicurious, a YouTube channel.
The call was for the popular YouTube series Four Levels, where Gabi got to show off her home cooking skills.
Little did she know, that gig would reignite her love for cooking. The passion she had put on hold while chasing other career dreams.
Even though cooking wasn’t her full-time job, it reminded her of her love for this craft.
Then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing a period of self-reflection. Gabi saw this as a sign to pursue her culinary calling finally.
While recalling those times, she said,
I just thought ‘I’m doing it’ and enrolled at ICE. That was my big leap into making food my career. The rest is history.
Gabi Chappel
At the Institute of Culinary Education, Gabi remembers getting teaching from chefs like Elliot Prag and Celine Beitchman.
Their lessons on techniques, flavors, nutrition, and sustainability left a lasting impact.
Her ICE externship at the Olmsted restaurant gave her invaluable experience working the line in a high-volume kitchen.
Post-graduation, Gabi began hosting seasonal plant-based pop-up dinners, combining her love of entertaining with her culinary talents.
Thanks to that consistent practice, Gabi soon found herself competing on “Next Level Chef” as a “social media chef.”
And now she is one of the finalists of the show.
While talking about the show, she said,
The mentorship from Chefs Ramsay, Arrington and Blais is invaluable. I’m just soaking in all the knowledge I can.
Gabi Chappel
No matter the outcome, Gabi’s future looks bright. She’s already been tapped as ICE’s 2024 commencement speaker to share her inspirational journey.
But her goals don’t stop there.
While talking about her goals, she said,
I’m excited to start teaching through videos, events, and classes – sharing everything I’m passionate about. It’s about making this knowledge more accessible.
Gabi Chappel
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Gabi Chappel’s cooking style is more focused on plant-based ingredients and excels at it.
- In the “Taste of Success” challenge on Night 12 of Next Level Chef Season 3, Gabi’s winning dish was pan-seared scallops with spiced yogurt sauce, sweet and sour beets, chanterelles, and caviar.
