Success Story - Ben Walanka

Stay tuned for Ben Walanka!

For most chefs just being a finalist on Hell’s Kitchen would be a major accomplishment. For Ben Walanka, however, it was just another step in a very dramatic and successful career.

“I enjoy the process of cooking,” explains Walanka. “The mere idea of being able to teach someone to cook is a privilege. Whether it’s at a school or on television, teaching and making it entertaining has turned into my dream job.”

These days, Walanka is a host on the “Big Ten Cookout.” This popular 30-minute pre-game show is broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. “Each week, we join with tailgaters,” notes Walanka. “We taste their dishes and then give them cooking tips – clever ways to better feed their guests.”

“Instructors like Chef Elaine Sikorski at Kendall made a big difference in my life,” he continues. “She was my advisor and remains what I strive to become as a chef. She’s one of the toughest and most talented chefs I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.”

Walanka credits Chef Elaine as one of the chefs who inspired him to win the 2006 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs under 27 young chef cooking competition. “I first competed in the tournament when I started at Kendall and then came back a year later and won,” he states. “That experience definitely added to my confidence and ego.”

Walanka’s strong ego definitely played a major role in landing him a spot on Hell’s Kitchen. “After waiting in line all day, they asked me one question – what makes you mad,” he laughs. “I knew I had to come up with something pretty incredible so I gave them the tough guy Chicago character response. After I said ‘Waiting in line for eight hours to answer one question definitely makes me mad.’ And, then I carried on from there. The producer asked me to stay and when the others had left, he handed me an application and scheduled a camera audition the next day.”

Walanka reports that being on Hell’s Kitchen was an exhausting experience. However, it also led to his current show. “I got a phone call from an executive producer who wanted me to audition for the Big Ten network,” he continues. “I performed well in my audition and they gave me the job. I started this past September.”

“I’m classically French trained but right now I sort of specialize in teaching people to take what they have in their kitchen and make something great,” he says. “I love it.”

In addition to stints on Hell’s Kitchen and the Big Ten Cookout, Walanka has interned and worked at some of the top Chicago area restaurants including Le Francais, Twin Orchard Country Club, Marché, Rhapsody Restaurant and Chef of the Club at Symphony Center.

What are his future plans? “I’m working with producers in NY about a new show involving food and sports,” he reveals. “I enjoy entertaining and teaching people -- showing them how to do exciting things that they would not normally be willing to try. I am working as hard as I can towards following my dream of being happy with what I do.”