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Food Network Star Season 7: Exclusive Interview with Justin Balmes

Posted on 07/02/2011 by Gina in The Next Food Network Star and Cast Interviews

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Justin Balmes from Food Network Star Season 7

by Gina Scarpa

 

Last week, on Food Network Star, the judges surprised everyone when they eliminated Justin B. from the competition. No one argued with the caliber of his cooking and food knowledge, but he wasn't coming out of shell fast enough for the panel. Today, we caught up with Justin in an exclusive interview to find out about his experiences on Food Network Star.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us about your food and cooking background prior to trying out for Food Network Star.
A. Justin: Culinary school, high end restaurant cooking, and training as a fish monger and as butcher.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to be in front of the camera and try out for the show?
A. Justin: I have always had a very outgoing personality and coupled with my professional background and strong desire to share knowledge and entertain. It was an easy choice. I feel very strongly about connecting the masses with the food they put into their bodies.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you prepared for how difficult the camera challenges were going to be?
A. Justin: Absolutely not! The solo static camera challenges were horrible for me - clearly! Everyone on the show handled the stress of the competition differently; I went into a personality coma but tried to focus my attention to the kitchen work.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which contestants stood out to you, both on camera and in the kitchen?
A. Justin: Jeff is my all around favorite and I felt that Whitney was my greatest competition in the kitchen.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted:
Who was the toughest judge to impress?
A. Justin: Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogleson

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The fact that you were eliminated this week was pretty surprising. Did you see that coming?
A. Justin: I absolutely did not see that coming AT ALL! I felt that there were SEVERAL competitors that should have gone before me.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you still want to pursue a television career?
A. Justin: Absolutely, 100%.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you?
A. Justin: TV, cookbooks, fundraising/charity Work, consulting, and the overall constant promotion of good food!

 

 

Next Food Network Star airs Sundays at 9/8c on Food Network

 

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

 


Follow Gina @ginascarpa


  


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