by Gina Scarpa and Kylene Hamulak

With just one week until the finale, John Vermiglio's elimination from Around the World In 80 Plates is among the more dramatic ends to a chef's run. Though he leaves with several "Most Valuable Chef" titles and weeks of successful dishes, his time was cut short before the final destination. We talked to him today in an exclusive interview about what drew him to the show, his bromance with Nookie, and the highlights of his time on Around The World In 80 Plates.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did you feel you would gain the most from auditioning for 80 Plates?
A. John: Travel and experience, for sure. It's something that I haven't really gotten to do internationally anyway. I think that anytime, as a chef, you're able to be exposed to such a broad spectrum, it's helpful.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It took a while for you to be on a winning team in the competition, but once you made it there, you had a run of impressive dishes. What impact, if any, did that have on your confidence in the kitchen?
A. John: I can't say I truthfully lack any confidence in the kitchen but as far as the game's point of view, it was exhausting to continuously lose. To keep having one loss after the other becomes a little taxing. Once I got that win, I was in a whole other game.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You were obviously friendly with both Nookie and Avery and aware of their alliance, but was there any surprise when Avery voted for you?
A. John: No. I knew I was done. It was unfortunate and maybe I could have convinced them otherwise. She didn't hesitate to let me know. No hard feeling at all. Somebody had to lose and somebody has to win. It was amazing to meet both of them. I'm upset that I didn't win $150,000 but there are no hard feelings.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your banter with Nookie in the kitchen was a highlight of the show - any plans for you guys to work together in the future?
A. John: I would absolutely love it. Nookie and I remain close, we talk all the time, and we had a great rapport. We kept trying to convince people that they should give us our own show. We don't know what we would do but we know it would be entertaining.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which city on the tour was your favorite?
A. John: My favorite episode was Thailand. Chiang Mi was awesome. I've been to China and to Shanghai but never to southeast Asia. It's such a stark contrast to the U.S. The challenge itself was my favorite. We really had a good time. I felt I came out very authentic in that episode.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was one thing you learned from this experience that you will take back to your kitchen?
A. John: I'm certainly learning to appreciate the comforts of my own kitchen in the U.S. You get so used to it so anytime you're put into a kitchen you're not familiar with it's tough. to do that in another country is harder. Morocco was really tough to adapt to. I've come to have even more appreciation for the comforts of my own kitchen.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you? Any big plans?
A. John: Hopefully, I'll have a restaurant of my own. I work at a new restaurant that opened in Chicago called Graham Elliot Bistro. It's been a privilege to be a part of it but tough for sure.

Around The World In 80 Plates airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)