The fifth season of the Next Food Network Star is now over. A couple of months ago, ten people who love to cook were all trying to be the next “star” on the Food Network and get their own show. The most well-known contestant of the competition is Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy’s Big Bite, Guy Off The Hook), who won the second season competition.
The eigth person eliminated from this season’s competition was Debbie Lee. Debbie is 39 and from West Hollywood, CA. She is a former Hollywood caterer, now shares her branding and menu-planning expertise as a restaurant consultant. Her Korean heritage and Southern upbringing make a dynamic combination as she uniquely blends Asian and American cuisines. Debbie attributes her cooking chops to her mother, grandmother and notable chefs that she’s worked with. I had the chance to interview her the day after she was eliminated and here is what she had to say…
Did you try out for any of the past seasons of the next food network star?
Debbie Lee: No. This was my first run at it.
Why did you try out for the show?
DL: I was actually doing a demo for a publicist friend of mine. She had a client looking to showcase some of their products for back to school lunches. I had a great time and she said, “you should be doing this for a living”. I then made a joke and said “well maybe I should try out for the next food network star!”. Mind you, did not even think it was realistic, as competition is so steep. Ironically casting calls were that following week and my friend merritt, said “get to that casting call!”. I went with the expectation that at least I would have a good story to tell my girlfriends at happy hour). One thing led to another, and before I knew it…I was packing my bags for NYC!
Explain your try-out process in detail. how many rounds/interviews did you have to go through? What did you have to do to try out?
DL: We had several levels of interviews and also a live audition where we were thrown onto a real food network set and had to cook a meal. Talk about some pressure.
Did you think you would make the finals to begin with?
DL: No definitely not. I was hoping, but not banking on it.
So last night was a close call at elimination. why do you think you were ultimately eliminated?
DL: You know, I don’t think there was a specific reason why I went home. I’m sure there are several factors involved. I do believe that my food tends to be a bit layered, meaning I use several ingredients as compared to Jeffrey and Melissa. I think I get carried away with all the spices, and have learned that less I more – and that i can still express my point of few with a couple less spice jars.
When it was down to you and Jeffrey last night did you think you were gone then?
DL: Something inside of me told me it was time to go home. Prior to us walking in for the final answer, I just had an inner peace that I had accomplished what I set out to do. As much as I would love to have taken the title, being on the network was about making a statement to viewers and breaking down the typical stereotypes of an Asian American, especially a woman. I have received such incredible emails from young girls expressing how I have inspired them to be proud of who you are. I think our society gets so caught up in what is “perfect” and forgets that we actually celebrate imperfection. so if a made a difference in one little girls’ mind, then I have accomplished the world by being on the next food network star.
After which challenge, were you most confident that you were safe and moving to the next week? Meaning which one did you think you did the best at?
DL: I would have to say both the Rachael Ray challenge and also the demo in Florida when we got punked. Being in front of the camera is something that I feel so at ease about and am in my zone.
After what challenge, were you least confident that you were safe and moving to the next week? Meaning which one did you think did the worst at?
DL: Without question, the angel food cake. What was i thinking? Just goes to show you what happens when you are under a lot of stress. I definitely thought i was going home then.
How much food network did you watch before the competition?
DL: Like everyone I’m sure, I have my favorites. Love Iron Chef, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Paula’s Party, Barefoot Contessa, and both of Giada’s shows. Lately have definitely been getting into chopped. Boy do I know what those contestants are going through!
Favorite food network shows? Favorite food network stars?
DL: My favorite stars are bobby (of course), Morimoto, Michael Symon, Giada, Paula and Ina Garten.
Who have you been most excited to meet so far?
DL: It’s between Giada and Michael Symon. I love both of them.
DL: My girl paula. She is probably the one that I was dying to see!
Favorite meal to cook? Favorite meal to eat if different?
DL: Fried chicken with kimchee fried rice. You could say it’s a signature staple of mine.
Did you make any friends on the show that you will keep in contact with?
DL: Most definitely. I am in contact with Michael (my poppa), Jamika, Jeffrey, and Eddie. I also speak with the rest of the gang, but the four are the ones I speak with on a constant basis.
Any finalist you didn’t like or one you think you will keep in touch with the least?
DL: Not really, we are all one big family in a way. We went through so much together and are the ones that can really understand what we have been through. It truly bonds us all together.
Hardest challenge for you?
DL: Probably the first one. It had the most pressure, and you were learning as you go.
Who do you think will win the entire competition?
DL: It’s a toss up between Melissa and Jeffrey. On one hand, Melissa is so relatable to America. but Jeffrey is a marvel in the kitchen and makes you hungry just watching him.
Hardest part of the competition for you?
DL: Probably saying goodbye to someone each week. It’s always the time we all dread.
We have seen a few next food network star contestants get their own shows (Adam from last season, etc.). What do you think your chances of getting your own show are?
DL: I hope that they’re good. I would love to continue sharing my food and life with all!
What kind of show would it be? What would be the theme or “hook” of your show?
DL: It would definitely be the story of my upbringing and teaching viewers the differences and similarities between cuisines and cultures from opposite sides of the world.
If no food network future, what is next for you?
DL: Right now I am working on opening my restaurant hot dog debbie’s. You could say that it is southern inspired with a real Korean kick!
