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Food Network Star Season 7: Exclusive Interview with Whitney Chen

Posted on 08/01/2011 by Gina in The Next Food Network Star and Cast Interviews

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Whitney Chen from Food Network Star Season 7

 

by Gina Scarpa, Allison L. Nowacki and Bryan J. Polk

 

This week, on Food Network Star, the judges decided to eliminate Whitney, feeling that she needed to come across more as a television personality and less as a cooking instructor. Her cool, calm demeanor and technical abilities often worked to her advantage in challenges but the panel was missing the "fun". Today, we caught up with Whitney in an exclusive interview to find out more about her experiences on Food Network Star.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was the transition like from engineer to cook?
A. Whitney: It was much tougher than I anticipated. I went from working in a cube to being on my feet for 15-16 hours a day in a hot, crazy kitchen. My body ached for weeks when I first started. In the end, I work just as hard, if not harder as a cook, but I love it so much more than my previous job.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you watch past seasons of Food Network Star and did you have any favorite contestants?
A. Whitney: I didn't really watch past seasons of Food Network Star. Maybe I should have and I would have stuck around longer!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges didn't question your ability to cook or even to teach people how to cook, but they did question your energy on camera. What did you think of your on camera performances?
A. Whitney: I think my camera performances were an accurate reflection of my personality. Going into this competition, I decided that remaining authentic to myself and my goals would be my priority, even if it meant I lost the show. My goal was to cook great food, and to smile when I was happy. If I could tell a story about my friends or family that was pertinent to what I was cooking, then I would. I wasn't going to force a story, a joke, or a smile. I think my performance at the Fourth of July picnic and on Rachael Ray captured me and my personality best. I like to think of myself as a spontaneous and gregarious, but focused and credible, gal.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was getting roasted this week tough for you?
A. Whitney: The comedians were pretty harsh at times but honestly, I didn't think it was that rough. I had a good time with them, and I think a lot of the fun moments in the roast didn't make it onto the show. They were asking me a serious question about my parents, who I missed very much at that point, and I answered them seriously.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you handle your elimination, especially given that it was so close to the finale?
A. Whitney: It was tough at the time, but I picked myself up and starting working at it again. Nothing will stop me from achieving my goals except myself!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Now that your journey is over, who are you pulling for to win?
A. Whitney: That's a toughie! I truly love and respect all four of the remaining competitors. Jeff always put a smile on my face. Vic has a big, big, big heart. Susie has endless energy and Mary Beth is one of the smartest ladies I know.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is there anything that you would've done differently?
A. Whitney: Nothing. I'm so proud of everything I cooked and the way I handled the challenges of the show!

 


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

 

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

 


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