Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Next Gen Chef’ set out to discover the next generation of culinary talent, and aspiring chefs from across the country showed up to prove themselves. In the first season, 21-year-old Sidney Rubenstein stood out immediately. Arriving fully prepared and cooking with a level of nuance and sophistication rarely seen at his age, he stunned both the judges and fellow contestants. His creativity, technique, and ability to stay composed under pressure made him one of the most talked-about competitors of the season and marked him as a true rising star.
Sidney Rubenstein’s Uncooked Dish Led to His Elimination
Sidney Rubenstein quickly distinguished himself as one of the most promising young chefs in season one. In the very first challenge, he prepared a dish inspired by Paul Bocuse that impressed the judges and hinted at his potential. His momentum carried into the second competition, where he was placed on the Asian cuisine team. Though he didn’t win a Pin of Excellence, the judges praised the entire team for their creativity and execution. The real test came during the apple-themed challenge, where contestants were tasked with creating a savory dish highlighting apples. Sidney took a risk and made Chicken Apple Gyoza with an apple gel egg. It was a creative idea that, unfortunately, didn’t work as planned.
The judges noted that the apple flavor was barely present, and Sidney remained one of only three contestants yet to earn a Pin of Excellence. To determine who would stay, Sidney, Karla Perez, and Nikki Patterson-Nash faced a classic culinary test. They had to make the perfect omelet, as it is a standard challenge in professional kitchens that evaluates technique and timing. Sidney delivered beautifully, finally securing his first Pin of Excellence. As the competition advanced, the pressure increased. During the baking challenge, Sidney’s fritters fell apart multiple times, forcing him to pivot. With just 15 minutes left, he attempted a molten chocolate cake, but when time was up, it was still raw. Per competition rules, his undercooked dish led to his elimination and ended his run just shy of the semifinals.
Sidney Rubenstein is Building His Profile as a Private Chef and an Entrepreneur Today
Sidney Rubenstein has worked his way up in some of the country’s most demanding kitchens and private chef roles. His journey began as a Line Cook at Woodstock Café & Shoppes in Woodstock, Virginia, where from January 2018 to March 2020, he worked brunch shifts across both AM and PM services. He developed the discipline and speed necessary for a professional kitchen. After that, he staged at The Inn at Little Washington in November 2020, training alongside some of the world’s most respected chefs and gaining exposure to a Michelin-starred kitchen environment. From 2020 to 2022, Sidney attended the Culinary Institute of America, which further refined his technique and solidified his foundation as a chef. During this time, he began taking on private chef opportunities, working for high-profile clients.
From January 2022 through December 2023, he served as a private chef for Trillium Trading in Princeton, New Jersey, preparing meals for CEO Lee Maschler and his family. He also became the full-time Private Chef for the New York Jets starting in August 2022, and till now, he personally cooks for more than 39 players, including Zach Wilson, Randall Cobb, Laken Tomlinson, and Breece Hall. Since September 2023, he has also been working as a private chef for Red Bull. He facilitates meals for the New York Red Bulls organization while continuing his work with the Jets.
His diverse experience also includes a period as a Line Cook at Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, from December 2022 to May 2023, where he rotated through prep and line stations, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced kitchen. Currently, Sidney is the Head Chef at The Monument in Winchester, Virginia, where he has been since February 2025. Here, he oversees menu development, leads the kitchen team, and curates a dining experience that reflects both his classical training and his innovative approach to food. Alongside this, he runs his own culinary venture, Rubenstein Chef & Co. LLC, and continues to grow as both a chef and entrepreneur.
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Sidney Rubenstein’s Parents Have Always Been His Biggest Supporters
Outside of the kitchen, Sidney Rubenstein has an equally rewarding life. He has been dating Cristina Rose for over two years, and together they make an adorable and loving pair. Family remains deeply important to Sidney, and his parents have been some of his biggest cheerleaders. They share his passion for sports, especially soccer, and often attend games together. This tradition keeps them close despite his demanding schedule. His current role as a private chef for the Jets is a point of pride for them, particularly for his mother, Casey, who has encouraged him every step of the way. Sidney himself has a strong athletic background, having played as a quarterback in his younger years, and he still channels that discipline and team spirit into his culinary career.
