Hell’s Kitchen Star Visits Weymouth High School

Weymouth High School junior Courtney Tam had her most exciting day of school on Thursday.

The 17-year-old aspiring chef along with all of her culinary school classmates received a surprise visit from Hell’s Kitchen contestant Ray Alongi.

“By him visiting us, it gives us the idea that we could be like him,” Tam said.

Sophomore Adam McCarthy was also inspired by Alongi’s vist. 

“Seeing him gives me butterflies in my stomach,” McCarthy said. “It makes us realize we could someday be like him.”

Alongi was born and raised on the South Shore. He not only live in Weymouth but he is an executive chef  at Turner’s Yard in Pembroke. 

The reality TV series contestant decided to visit WHS after he was asked by McCarthy’s mom, who also works at Turner’s Yard.

On Thursday, Alongi was able to share some of the advice he received from Gordon Ramsay with Weymouth students.

He told students to get new shoes and be prepared to work long hours.

“To see these students and to be able to see what they learn now, I’m able to motivate them and give something back,” he said.  “I told them to just stay focused and try new things and don’t second guess yourself… understand the basics-the old old rules, and just modify it your own way."

Alongi is 1979 Quincy High School graduate, who has spent much of his childhood in East Weymouth. He is currently a contestant on Hell's Kitchen and said working with chef Gordon Ramsay has been amazing.

“He’s awesome,” Alongi said. “What you see on TV is nothing compared to what he really is; He’s worse!  It’s not just for the show. He’s a perfectionist and wants to bring out the best in you.”

Alongi comes from a family of chefs.  He learned from his father Damian Alongi, with whom he cooked  with at Casa Regina in Abington.  He also picked up skills from his Godfather, who once cooked for Queen Elizabeth.

In the past he has cooked for Grammy Award winning artist Anita Baker, singer Al Martino, and actors Roscoe Lee Brown, and Larry Hagman.

Up to 80 students are enrolled in Weymouth High School’s culinary program under chef Rob Libenson.