‘Death by garlic’: Alabama’s Trinity the Tuck gets extra spicy on reality TV

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OK, so she’s not going to win any prizes in the kitchen. But Alabama’s Trinity the Tuck tied on an apron and gave it her best shot, competing on Season 28 of “Worst Cooks in America."

The Birmingham native, 39, has made her fame as a drag queen with ample smarts, comedic timing and an ability to serve up fabulous looks. She was a standout on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2017, and scored a win in 2018 on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” (Trinity shared the title and $100,000 prize with co-winner Monet X Change.)

Rolling enchiladas, searing sirloins and creating compote aren’t exactly in her skill set, however. Trinity made it through five episodes of “Worst Cooks,” competing against nine other reality TV stars on the Food Network series.

She was eliminated on one of two episodes that aired on Sunday, Jan. 26, after a freewheeling main course challenge. According to chefs Jeff Mauro and Antonia Lofaso, Trinity fumbled her chicken and pasta dish, which was paired with a side salad and an overpowering garlic sauce.

“It’s a garlic bonanza,” Mauro said, giving the dish a thumb’s down. “Death by garlic,” Lofaso agreed.

But Trinity did win an early challenge on Episode 5, preparing “country apple scones” with nutmeg whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Trinity said she was inspired by her great-grandmother’s Southern cooking for the scones challenge, especially her baked apples. (Trinity also described a scone as “a fancy biscuit.”)

Her flamboyant personality was on display throughout the season — bantering with the other contestants, declaring her hatred of condiments, stomping out a small fire when her parchment paper ignited and describing some raw ingredients as “disgusting.”

Trinity made progress as a cook, as well, and left the competition with her head held high.

“This experience has definitely been challenging, but very rewarding,” Trinity said as she made her exit. “I’ve learned cooking. I’ve made some amazing friends. I’ve just had such a blast.”

Although she didn’t earn the title of most improved contestant — or a $25,000 prize that will be donated to the winner’s favorite charity — Trinity left the show with a $2,500 prize that she’ll donate to the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund.

“It helps fight legislators that are trying to shut down drag across the country,” Trinity said. “We’re here to make people happy and entertain, and I hope that I did that with you guys this season.”

The current season of “Worst Cooks” has a “Heroes vs. Villains” theme. Trinity was on the heroes team, whipping up dishes alongside Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Cheryl Burke of “Dancing with the Stars,” Frankie Grande of “Big Brother 16″ and Olympic skater Adam Rippon, who appeared in “Stars on Mars.”

Competing for the villains: Tiffany “New York” Pollard, a standout on “Flavor of Love” and “I Love New York,” Wes Bergmann of “The Challenge,” Corinne Olympios of “The Bachelor,” Bartise Bowden of “Love Is Blind” and “Perfect Match,” and Rachel Reilly of “Big Brother” and “The Amazing Race.”

Chefs Mauro and Lofaso are the hosts for “Worst Cooks” this season, coaching and evaluating the celebrities. Although the contestants learn actual cooking skills, the series is known for a humorous, over-the-top vibe that emphasizes jokes, stunts and sight gags.

Five contestants are left as Season 28 moves into its sixth episode: Grande, Rippon, Pollard, Bergmann and Olympios.

Trinity, Bach, Burke, Bowden and Reilly have been sent home.

Episodes for Season 28 were filmed in advance, and air Sundays at 7 p.m. CT on the Food Network.

And just in case you’re wondering: Alabama has produced at least one winner on “Worst Cooks” over the years. Stacey Loper, a Hoover therapist and counselor, bested 15 other recruits on Season 27. She won a cash prize of $25,000 and bragging rights as a home chef in early 2024.

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