Remembering Anne Burrell: Gabe Bertaccini Honors Her Passion for Cooking

A New Chapter for “Worst Cooks in America”

Chef Gabriele “Gabe” Bertaccini recently found himself reflecting on a pivotal moment that would change the course of his career. While watching an episode of “Worst Cooks in America,” he jotted down a note to discuss hosting one of Food Network’s most beloved shows with his agent. However, it wasn’t until months later that the idea resurfaced.

Bertaccini, who is also co-host of the Tuscany-set series “Ciao House,” recalls how the opportunity came back into focus. “And then my agent called me,” he says. The chance to join the iconic show, which has been a staple of the network for nearly three decades, was too good to pass up.

The show, known for its high-energy approach and unique blend of culinary instruction and competition, has been a platform for many chefs to showcase their talents. Anne Burrell, a familiar face on the show, has played a central role as a mentor. Her sharp wit, infectious personality, and dedication to the craft made her a standout figure in the cooking world.

Unfortunately, Burrell passed away earlier this year, marking the end of her journey on the show. This season of “Worst Cooks in America: Talented and Terrible” will be her final appearance, while Bertaccini will step into the spotlight as a new co-host.

Bertaccini shared his deep respect for Burrell, emphasizing her genuine care for both the participants and the team behind the scenes. “She was really so involved in the process of ‘Worst Cooks,’” he said. “It showed me that she was a chef that cared, a person that cared and very, very authentic.”

As the new season prepares to air, Bertaccini feels a sense of celebration mixed with nostalgia. “I was like, ‘I am so happy that this is Anne and it shows (her) so well because that's who she was.’ I'm sad that she's not here anymore, but I know that she would love to see herself in this season and she would really enjoy actually reliving all these crazy moments that we had together.”

The upcoming season promises to be as entertaining as ever, featuring a diverse group of contestants, including a belly dancer, opera singer, professional roller skater, and puppeteer. Bertaccini described the experience as challenging, comparing the participants to a “kindergarten class.” “They would have done better if they were kids,” he joked. “These recruits really have no idea how to cook.”

Burrell had warned Bertaccini about the chaos that would unfold during the first cooking challenge, where contestants would prepare a signature dish without guidance. “She’d say: ‘I just want to tell you, no matter how much you prepare yourself, this is going to be really bad. You're going to look and be speechless.’” And indeed, Bertaccini was left stunned. “I remember having the producer telling me in my ear, like, ‘Gabriele, can you say something?’ I'm like, 'I'm just sitting here watching this train crash, and I don't have any feedback because I don't know where to start.’”

Despite the challenges, Bertaccini and Burrell developed a strong bond. Spending 12 hours a day together for three weeks, they became close friends. When Bertaccini fell ill before the finale, Burrell surprised him with a heartfelt gesture. “She loved to crochet, so she would sit down everywhere − at the bar, the restaurant, in a production meeting – and she would crochet and talk to you,” he said. “It was a way to relax and to focus. But what really struck me is that the night before she went home, and after a 14-hour shoot day, she made me a little heart. And she brought me a card saying, like: ‘I hope you feel better. It was great shooting with you. I know this is the last day, good luck with the finale.’”

Bertaccini carries these memories with him, highlighting the impact Burrell had on everyone around her. “And I think that it's really what I carry with me: the idea that she cared, not only about of course the show but about the people that work on the show, about the recruits. She really cared, and she always found time for everybody.”