Kate Chastain: Leon's Decision was Unprofessional

Bravotv.com: How did you feel when you learned Chef Leon left the charter?
Kate Chastain: I was pleasantly not surprised. Leon leaving before the end of the charter was a selfish, ego based, and an unprofessional decision, so it was in line with all of his behavior up to that point. Even though we still had two meals remaining, one of them being a very important birthday dinner for our lovely primary charter guest, I was sure that the crew would manage to pull through despite being abandoned by Leon. Most of all, I was relieved that I would no longer have to work in a hostile and combative environment. It felt like a large load of oppressive weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Bravotv.com: What was going through your mind the night of the white party when everything seemed to be going wrong?
KC: It’s all such a blur. Amy and I were running around the boat non-stop -- making drinks, entertaining guests, cleaning, setting up for the birthday dinner -- neither of us even had time to change into our evening uniforms that night. Because Rocky disappeared for seven hours, going for a swim in her underwear and having a pity party for herself in her cabin, Amy and I were left to do all of the work. As usual. We were just trying to keep “our heads above water” and make sure the guests remained unaware of the complete sh-- show happening below deck.

Bravotv.com: How did you feel about Chef Ben stepping in? What was the status of your relationship with him at that point?
KC: After five weeks of working with an insolent chef and petulant third stewardess, I was thrilled to finally have someone I trusted to do their job and bring positive energy back into the galley. Ben and I have a great friendship despite the fact that we have crossed the line with each other in the past. Whether it was a heated argument or casual fling, we've always been able to move on and laugh about it.