Christina Machamer

Christina Machamer
Born	(1982-03-13) March 13, 1982 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Chef, sommelier, entrepreneur
Years active	2000s–present
Known for	Winner of Hell's Kitchen (season 4)

Christina Machamer (born March 13, 1982) is an American culinary professional who emerged as the champion of the fourth season of Fox's reality cooking competition Hell's Kitchen. Following her victory, she secured the position of senior sous chef at Gordon Ramsay's then-new establishment, The London West Hollywood, with an annual salary of $250,000.

Early life

Born and raised in St. Louis, Machamer is the daughter of Rick and Leasa Machamer. She began gaining experience in the restaurant industry at the age of 16. After completing her education at Lafayette High School in 2000, she initially pursued pre-law studies before redirecting her career path toward culinary arts. Machamer apprenticed under chef Larry Forgione at An American Place and enrolled at Forest Park Community College in 2003. She later attended The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park starting in 2006 and graduated as valedictorian in February 2008.

Hell's Kitchen

Inspired by season three, Machamer applied for season four of Hell's Kitchen, attending an open casting call in Manhattan and subsequently being invited back for a screen test. Despite having the least hands-on cooking experience among contestants, she was nominated for elimination five times but distinguished herself by winning a record nine challenges, ultimately securing the overall win. Gordon Ramsay commended her capabilities and potential. Upon winning, she opted to receive her $250,000 prize through a year-long tenure at one of Ramsay’s restaurants.

After Hell's Kitchen

Although initially promised the executive chef role at Gordon Ramsay at The London in West Hollywood, Machamer was appointed senior sous chef under executive chef Andy Cook. Prior to the show's broadcast, she gained experience working at Revival in St. Louis, a restaurant founded by her mentor Cary McDowell.

Together with Cory Lemieux, Machamer co-founded BCBC Blends, a nationwide artisan spice brand. In 2009, Gordon Ramsay at The London was awarded a Michelin Star. By early that year, Machamer had advanced to executive sous chef, overseeing kitchen operations and enduring demanding work hours.

During Hell's Kitchen season five, she contributed as a blogger for BuddyTV.com and earned her sommelier diploma. Since her victory, Machamer has been active in culinary circles, including participating in a cookoff against season three winner Rock Harper and serving as a presenter at the 2009 Scottsdale Culinary Festival.

Following the sale of Gordon Ramsay at The London, she pursued wine studies at CIA Greystone in Napa before joining the launch team at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon in Beverly Hills. In 2009, she also hosted the St. Louis Food & Wine Experience.

In 2011, Machamer moved to Napa Valley to combine food and wine expertise at B Cellars in Calistoga. She made appearances on Hell's Kitchen season 11 as part of a past winners' team and briefly returned during the premiere of season 16 to provide guidance to contestants.

As of March 2023, Christina operates Clandestine Table, a catering enterprise located in Napa Valley.