‘Below Deck Med: Chef Johnathan Applauds Aesha Scott’s Handling of Rude Guests’

Chefs across the Below Deck franchise are known for their culinary brilliance, but often come with a side of drama. Chef Johnathan “Jono” Shillingford, from the current season of Below Deck Mediterranean, aims to break this cycle. After seven years in architecture school, Shillingford self-taught his way into the kitchen, attributing his calm demeanor to his architectural background. “My training there really preprogrammed me to be mentally strong,” he explains.

Following some negative feedback from frequent Below Deck Mediterranean guest Gigi Fernandez, Shillingford resolved to “keep it moving.” He says, “For me, there was no other option. My parents taught me resilience.” Despite being able to handle guest criticisms, social media reactions hit harder: “I was super down when I saw that episode and the reaction from some people on social media,” he shares. Thankfully, some guests came to his defense on Instagram, lifting his spirits.

Shillingford isn’t the typical source of drama on the show; the closest he’s come was a late-night snack debacle during the season’s first charter. He shared his opinion on the rude charter guests disrespecting Chief Stew Aesha Scott and the crew. “That was definitely not the worst group of socialites with snarky comments I’ve had on board,” he says, noting that some members have since apologized. “They took responsibility, and that’s enough for me.”

During a Zoom interview with Decider, Shillingford discussed the season so far, his calm approach, and his views on various situations, including his relationship with Captain Sandy. When asked how it feels to be the most laid-back chef in Below Deck history, he laughs, “Not only in Below Deck franchise history but in yachting history. I’m a calm, collected person in my workspace and a bubbly, candid, sassy person outside of it.”

Shillingford believes his calmness stems partly from being a self-taught chef, allowing him to establish his own style and pace. However, he credits his architectural training the most: “My training there really preprogrammed me to be very strong mentally. You have to love it to get through it.”

Reflecting on the beginning of the season and the negative feedback from the first two charters, Shillingford says, “My parents taught me resilience. Keeping it moving is the only thing I know how to do.” Positive comments from some charter guests in his Instagram comments were a welcome validation, especially after social media backlash.

On his relationship with Captain Sandy, Shillingford sees their working experience positively. “It was an honor to work with her. She was the first female captain I’ve ever worked with, and that was special for me,” he states. Despite any perceived shade from Sandy on Watch What Happens Live, he takes it lightly.

Shillingford also comments on the difficult charter guests. “It’s definitely common to have guests who think they know more than the yachties,” he says, adding that some guests have since apologized, which he appreciates.

When asked about a recent episode where Chief Stew Aesha Scott was challenged by a guest regarding a fish knife, Shillingford praises her handling of the situation: “She handled it well. Aesha knows her table settings and responded professionally.”

Asked about a guest claiming that Beluga caviar tastes “like a washcloth,” Shillingford laughs, “That was hilarious. I wasn’t the one producing those eggs, so it wasn’t my fault.”

Regarding the Bri-Ellie-Joe love triangle, Shillingford, friends with all involved, wishes there could have been a compromise. “Maybe they could have found a compromise and both slept with him at the same time,” he jokes.

On his bond with crew member Bri Muller and his support during her challenges, Shillingford explains, “I’ve always been a ‘therapist’ type of friend. I’m a great listener. Bri needed someone to help her get through the season.”

Discussing the biggest lesson from his time on Below Deck Med, Shillingford states, “If you’re down, get back up. That’s always been my mantra.” Reflecting on what he might do differently, he wishes he had shown more of his playful side.

As for his evolution as a chef, this season tested his time management skills. “I had to balance cooking for both the crew and the guests,” he explains, noting the importance of prepping certain dishes in advance to focus on finer details for plated meals.

Looking ahead, Shillingford has one request for viewers: “I’ll be pissed off if everybody doesn’t watch it because it’s just so good!”

Source: Decider