“It'd be really helpful to have somebody like me” — Yes, Chef! winner Emily talks about how she would made a great mentor for season 2

Yes, Chef! announced Emily Brubaker as the winner of season 1 after 10 high-stakes episodes judged by José Andrés and Martha Stewart. In the finals and during the interviews after her win, Emily discussed how the competition challenged her both professionally and mentally, showcasing her growth from someone consumed by stubborn, self-damaging thoughts to someone who had built resilience in the kitchen.

Her voice carries much more weight than she realized, as her emotional journey demonstrated.

“In Season 2, I think it’d be really helpful to have somebody like me or Lee as a mentor to the contestants,” she said. “Martha and José are iconic and amazing … But there’s so much downtime that you are beating yourself up or over analyzing. We did it to ourselves.”

Emily said that she feels particularly qualified to mentor aspiring chefs through the challenges of Yes, Chef! because of her journey from strict perfectionism to being a supportive leader. Her desire to serve as a mentor highlights the emotional rollercoaster that contestants go through when unexpected events clash with their relentless ambition.

Why Emily believes she’d be an ideal mentor for Yes, Chef! Season 2

Emily Brubaker openly discussed the emotional and mental stress of the race in an interview with NBC Insider. While judges José Andrés and Martha Stewart provided valuable advice during the challenges, Emily noted that competitors also go through long periods of inactivity, during which self-doubt and fear can arise. Even the best cooks might become overly critical if they don't get regular encouragement or support from their peers.

Emily believes having a former contestant as a mentor would make a big difference, someone who has gone through the same pressure. She mentioned that she and Lee Frank, the runner-up, are both aware of the emotional toll the show can take and are ready to offer practical help when it's most needed.

Providing emotional support during downtime

Emily claims that the format of Yes, Chef! inadvertently leads to mental exhaustion. She recalls how self-criticism, second-guessing, and emotional spinning were common during the downtime between challenges. Understanding rhythm, a mentor can help candidates maintain stability during these periods and stay psychologically strong and focused, which she believes is essential for long-term performance.

Mentorship rooted in shared experience

Emily's personal experience with the intensity of Yes, Chef! is what sets her apart. She emphasized that she and Chef Lee face the same highs and lows and understand how isolating the situation can be.

As a result, she believes they can build authentic, empathetic relationships with competitors, bridging the gap between overwhelmed cooks and knowledgeable judges. Emily hopes that future seasons will better promote both culinary skills and emotional strength by combining relatability with mentorship.

Emily's suggestion to include former contestants, such as herself, as mentors offers a fresh idea for how Yes, Chef! can grow in Season 2. The goal is to provide a support layer that only someone who has faced the pressure can give, not to replace the judges. Having a peer mentor might be crucial in helping contestants not only survive but also thrive in the kitchen as the show continues to raise the bar for skill and intensity.

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