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

Early this season on Food Network Star, it looked like Vic may never have gotten food on his plate and would've been out the door without showing the selection committee what he can do. Fortunately, they took a chance on him and the self-proclaimed Mama's boy went straight to the finale. After being asked to cook his best dish and present it to camera, he was eliminated while Susie and Jeff went on to battle it out. Today, we caught up with Vic in an exclusive interview to learn a little more about his time on Food Network Star.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you first become interested in cooking?
A. Vic: I was born into cooking, thanks to my mom and grandma.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out for Food Network Star?
A. Vic: It was a burning desire that I had to accomplish in this lifetime.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: In the beginning of the season, you were having some issues in the challenges and didn't have a whole lot of food (or any!) for the judges to try. Were you worried you'd be one of the first ones out?
A. Vic: I really thought I was going home but fate kept me there... and the committee, of course!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Who stood out to you as your biggest competition this season?
A. Vic: I really was competing against myself. I was my own biggest competition

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When do you feel you really started to hit your stride on Food Network Star? Is there a moment that stands out to you?
A. Vic: At the end of episode 3 - the bake off!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You seemed surprised when you were eliminated last night. How did you handle the whole thing?
A. Vic: I wasn't surprised. I was proud that I made it that far. A little bummed, but it was all good

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are your thoughts on Jeff's win?
A. Vic: Jeff is the best in my book. If I wasn't on the show, I'd be rooting for him... then again, I AM rooting for him!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you?
A. Vic: Well now that I have been trained for 12 weeks, I am taking it all in! Then, I am using my experience and will be preparing to make my mark in the food world and continuing to inspire millions like I have been doing.

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

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