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Rocco's Dinner Party: Exclusive Interview with Vicki Ferentinos

Posted on 08/11/2011 by Gina in Rocco's Dinner Party and Cast Interviews

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Vicki Ferentinos from Rocco's Dinner Party

 

by Gina Scarpa

 

On last night's episode of Rocco's Dinner Party, caterer Vicki Ferentinos was able to take down experienced chef (and food truck owner) Chris Thompson. He thought he had the competition in the bag but Vicki proved to be worth competitor, with strong dishes such as a deconstructed Cuban sandwich and carrot ginger soup with coconut shrimp. Today, we talked to Vicki in an exclusive interview to learn more about her win at Rocco's Dinner Party.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When did you first get involved in the catering business?
A. Vicki: It was the day after 9/11, actually. I always cooked for comfort and I always cooked since I was a kid. Every few years of my life, I would say, "I'm going to open a restaurant." After 9/11, I started selling jams and chutneys and I don't know why. I started to do that, I started to cater parties, and I started doing what I wanted to be passionate about.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to do Rocco's Dinner Party?
A. Vicki: I reached a point in my life where I was just like, "I am who I am," and I felt comfortable. I didn't feel like I had to be anybody else. Somebody sent me an email and I thoguht, "Well this sounds fun," and it went from there.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Rocco is notoriously tough on his contestants. What comment of his got to you the most?
A. Vicki: I wanna admit the whole time, you could tell my face was kinda deer in headlights. The whole time I was like, "Are you breaking up with me?" I didn't know. All of his critiques were really valid. I, by all means, know that I don't know everything. I keep learning.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you intimidated by Chris at all? He seemed to think he had the whole thing locked up.
A. Vicki: I kinda just decided to have fun and do the best I could and don't look to the right or left. I saw his warrior headband the second day. I was like, "I should've worn a cape. He's bringing it." I kind of grew up in all kinds of situations. If this is the toughest I'll face, it's nothing. He made really fancy, beautiful food and I told him that.


Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your Cuban sandwich was a hit and you said you had never made it before. How did it end up being such a successful dish?
A. Vicki: I have no idea! [Laughs] I've had it before and I do remember having that in my head somewhere. I always like a little salty, sweet bite. That was that blend so I thought it would either go really well or really bad. I had no idea they would like it so much.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you cope with the pressure of being timed?
A. Vicki: In catering I'm used to cooking for 10 or 600 people. I've literally had people take food out of my pan. My number one thing was like: get food on the table immediately. I'm used to cooking for people who are hungry.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you think gave you the edge over Chris to win this week?
A. Vicki: I just had fun. I think if you have fun, it works out. And I had fun the whole time. Everyone was nice, the crew was great, and I had a good time. It ended up working out.


Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What does winning the $20,000 do for you, personally and professionally?
A. Vicki: Going to Disney World! No, just kidding. I'm going to keep pushing forward. I have my catering business, Soulfully Good, and people can check me out on my website.

 


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

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 


Follow Gina @ginascarpa and "Like" her on Facebook!


  


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