by Gina Scarpa

 

Jen DePalma may have run around Rocco DiSpirito's kitchen like a chicken with her head cut off last night but she pulled it all together in the end. She became the first female winner of the season on Rocco's Dinner Party after winning the guests over with her Miami themed event and delicious, healthy food. Today, we talked to Jen in an exclusive interview about her time on Rocco's Dinner Party.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you first start cooking and what made you fall in love with it?
A. Jen: I first started cooking when I was four years old. My mom would sit me on the counter as she was preparing her dishes. I love the way food makes other people feel and I really enjoy entertaining.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What brought you to try out for Rocco's Dinner Party?
A. Jen: I am a huge fan of Rocco so when I saw that he was having a new cooking show, I applied online and then went to a few casting interviews.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Ryan was very calm during the competition, but you seemed very nervous. What was going on in your head?
A. Jen: I was really nervous through the first challenge. It was very intense and it was only 30 minutes. Unlike my competitors, I prepared this huge dish and they had very simple dishes.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When Jeffrey Ross said he needed special dishes, what was your reaction?
A. Jen: I almost dropped dead. There was so much going on during the dinner party and now to have him say that he wants potroast and cheesecake and matzo, I was like, "This cannot be happening."

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you feel was your best dish?
A. Jen: The tequila lime shrimp was my favorite. I did use Rocco's tips for healthy cooking so there was really no fat in that dish. I didn't wanna start doing different dishes for different people. I wanted to do one cohesive meal.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When Rocco announced that you had won, you seemed surprised. Were you thinking that you could win it?
A. Jen: I didn't know which way the competition was going to go. I was very surprised and proud when he announced me.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You're the first female to win this season. How does that feel?
A. Jen: It feels amazing to be the first woman to win the compeition so far.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did you think of Ryan as a chef?
A. Jen: I think Ryan is a great chef, very talented, but he plays it a little too safe. He might be a little too much of a restaurant chef.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you going to do from here?
A. Jen: I hope to do more cooking shows. I love reality tv. I'm hoping to take things to a new level.

 

Rocco's Dinner Party airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

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