by Chandra Clewley

Brianna Jenkins comes from a long line of chefs and was inspired by her aunt's cooking when she was a child. After her parents moved out of the US because of their jobs, Brianna visited them in Paris and decided to stay and go to culinary school. She worked in several different restaurants, boulangeries and patisseries’ before moving back stateside to open a catering company and teach at the Viking Institute. Last night, Brianna was eliminated from The Next Food Network Star, after repeatedly receiving the highest accolades for her classy and delicious recipes. Brianna spoke with Reality Wanted today and let us know what happened to result in being eliminated last night.

Q. Chandra, Reality Wanted:  What inspired you to audition for The Next Food Network Star?

A. Brianna:  For years my friends had been trying to get me to go out for one of these reality shows. I never felt like it was the time, but I always knew that I would audition for The Next Food Network Star in particular, because I loved Food Network and the actual winnings of this show. With the economy,the timing was right for me, and I was looking for something. I was a little bored. I think all chefs are a little ADD and I needed some spice. I definitely got it!

Q. Chandra, Reality Wanted: What was your experience with the other cast mates, in particular Serena, who you bumped heads with a little bit in the beginning of this season?

A. Brianna: Serena and I have a lot in common, we are both only children, we have traveled extensively throughout the world, we are both really strong, independent women so it was no big surprise that we would bump heads a little bit. It was two really big personalities, and the same gender. Because I am the way I am, the issues I had with her, I just went straight to her and said “this is my problem”. It didn’t go over so well in the beginning, but after talking it out and saying “sometimes you talk over me, sometimes you do this or that” after 24 hours, we had totally hugged it out, worked it out, by the time we went on to the challenge we were okay with each other. When we got thrown in the situation that we were both in the bottom, it brought us together even more with an instant bond (to win the challenge). Today we are still buddies; we talk on the phone and go out to dinner together when I am in New York. 

Q. Chandra, Reality Wanted:  Is there anything that, looking back, you might change?

A. Brianna: As far as my performance, I would definitely try to open up a bit more. That was one of the main problems the judges had with me, that I wasn’t giving them the whole Brianna.  As far as my food, I don’t think I would change anything; I was surprised that my problem was the camera and not my food. It was really a validation for me that I was an amazing chef; I knew I could cook but not like that. 

Q. Chandra, Reality Wanted:  What did you think of the judging? Did you feel that you were getting different advice at different times?

A. Brianna: Well, it is real time, and the judges are tying to get to know you as you are building your brand. Judging might have been a little different and off at times but I think that is natural in a competition where people are changing on a daily basis, they are changing their ideas and their brand. It is a constant moving engine and it is very difficult in a situation like that with only a few weeks. I am sure it is just as hard for the committee and the judges, as it was for us. They have a lot of pressure to pick the right person.

Q. Chandra, Reality Wanted:  What is next for you?

A. Brianna: I am writing a book right now with a girlfriend that is a designer, about entertaining and style. I am doing some consulting for different restaurants in Atlanta, still teaching, catering and pitching shows. 

Follow Brianna Jenkins at  http://twitter.com/BriannaJenkins 

Catch an all new episode of The Next Food Network Star this Sunday at 9/8 c on Food Network.

(Image Courtesy of Food Network)

Follow Chandra at http://twitter.com/ChandraClewley

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