St. James Chef to Compete in Food Network Finale

A Saint James chef will be competing to win his dream of owning his own restaurant in a Food Network's finale next Sunday. 

Adam Goldgell has survived the odds beating 5 of the other 8 contestants on the Food Network's new series "Restaurant Express," hosted by the famous chef Robert Irvine. In episode 7, which aired this past Sunday, he secured himself the top spot the finale against one of two home chefs. 

Goldgell, currently executive chef of The Reel in East Rockaway, said he will be hosting a viewing party at the restaurant to watch the finale with friends, family and Food Network fans. 

"It’s very interesting. You are dealing with friends and family...   I try to explain to them reality and reality TV are two completely different things. People are spun on television to look a certain way to benefit the show being entertaining," he said. 

Goldgell hasn't always been show's front-runner, but faced a series of challenges and difficulties getting into the finale. In the first episode of "Restaurant Express," Irvine didn't like Goldgell's initial restaurant concept - a community dining restaurant where people sit together at one table. The St. James chef was one of the first two people up for elimination. 

"There are times you don’t know your standing and you don’t know if you were headed home or not," Goldgell said. 

His confidence steadily increased over the filming of the competition this summer, Goldgell said, leaving him feeling positive heading into the finale. 

The winner of Restaurant Express will be given the opportunity to open their own restaurant at The M Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas and take the title of executive chef. 

Goldgell, of course, can't reveal the outcome but said he's looking forward to Sunday. 

For the viewing party, he will be cooking up some of his dishes featured on series to be served alongside The Reel's menu. There will be a number of large-screen televisions set up to air the finale. 

Food Network fans can join Goldgell by making a reservation with The Reel in advance. Space is limited is going fast, according to Goldgell. 

The finale will be aired at Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. on Food Network. Catch up on prior episodes and learn more about the contestants on the Food Network's website, here.