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

Susie Jimenez made it all the way to the season finale of Food Network Star, only to lose in the end to self-proclaimed sandwich king Jeff Mauro. Her likable personality on camera, and delicious food from her Mexican roots, were consistent throughout the competition. Today, we caught up with Susie to learn more about her time on Food Network Star and if she plans on continuing to pursue a career in television.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Looking back, what, if anything, would you have done differently in this competition?
A. Susie: Nothing, it all needed to happen the way it did

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: This season has been much more dramatic and confrontational than past seasons. Do you feel that being competitive and cutthroat is a viable strategy on Food Network Star?
A. Susie: I don't think you need to be cutthroat at all. Food and personality is what the food network represents and eventually the competitors that play that way will be eliminated because it's unattractive.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which Food Network chef do you admire most, and why?
A. Susie: Bobby Flay has it together. He has his own channel, he's on Iron Chef, owns restaurants, cookbooks, show after show. He is on entourage!! I mean this guy just has it together.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How do you balance taking and applying the judge's criticism with retaining your sense of self?
A. Susie: I think people will always take life as it comes and apply it to their lives. I see this as just that, I can apply it and still keep my sense of self.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How difficult is it to remain true to yourself when you're being critiqued by the likes of Bobby Flay and Susie Fogelson?
A. Susie: It was difficult to take their opinions. Susie made the comment about me always apologizing for what Mexican food is and that I come across like I'm ashamed, that really upset me. The thing is they are the judges but I know who I am and how to stay true to myself and I had to remember that every time I went into elimination.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is your least favorite ingredient to cook with? What is one ingredient you could never do without?
A. Susie: I'm not sure that I have an ingredient I don't like to cook but one I can't do without are limes and cilantro.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: If you were given your own Food Network show, what would it look like?
A. Susie: Bold colors, bright bowls, infused oils, assorted dry chiles hanging, and 3 spots on the bar area on the side to have my guests come eat some food.

(Image courtesy of Food Network)

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