Gordon Ramsey's newest competition features Durham chef

Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie left corporate life in 2014 to pursue a life in food. Now, she's competing on Gordon Ramsey's newest food competition, "Food Stars."

Posted 3:08 p.m. May 24 — Updated 10:45 p.m. May 24

Kathy Hanrahan

, WRAL lifestyle editor

RALEIGH, N.C. — Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie left corporate life in 2014 to pursue a life in food. Now, she's competing on Gordon Ramsey's newest food competition, "Food Stars."

Zabriskie co-owns Indulge Catering LLC with her wife and fellow chef, Jacqueline “Jay."

The Durham couple pivoted the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching Indulgent Essential Spices, a line of gluten-free, vegan, organic artisanal spices and sauces.

Zabriskie, who is Muslim and does not eat pork or drink alcohol, said she found the reality show to be a challenge at times -- especially having to cook with wine during one Napa Valley-based challenge. She relished showing her fellow contestants that you don't have to drink wine to know how to cook with it.

As far as meeting the notoriously foul-mouthed Chef Ramsey, Zabriskie said she understood that he wanted the contestants to meet his high-standard, but also enjoyed getting to see him smile.

"He was dope," Zabriskie said.

You can catch Zabriskie on "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars" on Fox 50 Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.

She is also judging WRAL's Feed Your Dreams Contest.

Submit your food-related business or product idea for a chance to win $2,500 toward your entrepreneurial dream! Entries are due May 26 and the winner will be revealed on Wednesday, May 31, during an episode of "Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars."