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Exclusive exit interview with Jamika Pessoa of The Next Food Network Star: from cooking to fashion!
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Jamika Pessoa, Next Food Network Star Contestant
I had the pleasure of interviewing Jamika Pessoa of The Next Food Network Star. She is known as the Caribbean Queen of Cuisine with a winning smile and delicious recipes to boot. Check out what she has to say about being on the show and her plans for the future!
Were you surprised to get eliminated this week? Do you think your frustration in the Red Lobster challenge may have contributed to your leaving?
No, I was not really surprised when I was eliminated. Somebody’s gotta go—so it was no shocker to me. As far as the comments I made, I tend to come off that way when I am focused—that does not mean I was upset. Also, I am the type of woman that if you ask me how I am feeling, I will tell you flat out! And if I love something, I will let you know ten-fold!
Who was the toughest judge?
Had to be Susie—she was riding me during the taping because she saw something in me that was not coming out on camera. She was always saying things like “Bring it, girl! We know you got it!” She saw the star power in me and tried to get me to let it shine.
You met a lot of Food Network stars. Were you intimidated by any of them?
No, I was not intimidated at all. These are all people we see all the time on television. I felt like I already knew them. When we walked into Ina Garten’s house she was so welcoming that I just wanted to give her a hug! She just has a glow about her! I felt like I could tell Ina anything.
Giada was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. But I have to say, Guy Fieri was amazing. He is the genuine thing. No phoniness and we all loved talking with him. He had been where we were and understood. He really hit home for me.
Make any good friends on the show?
Oh yeah… I felt comfortable with everybody. I talk to Debbie every day. We are actually in Los Angeles together now. I am also close with Michael and Katie—my Facebook buddies!
I know you have Jamaican roots—how long have you been cooking and what was the first dish Caribbean style dish you prepared?
I learned to cook from my grandmother when I was little. I liked it, then would get interested in something else and move on. But I always came back to the cooking and realized, “Hey, this is what I want to do with my life!” I have been working and cooking professionally for seven years.
The first Caribbean dish I ever made was chicken curry, of course, my grandmother’s recipe! I make a mean curry, although when I made it on the show it did not turn out like it usually does. So, I want everyone to know… I CAN make a great curry! I don’t want my Grandma to be disappointed in me! I can do it!
I saw that you called yourself the “ultimate bachelorette.” What would you prepare for a perfect date night meal?
Well, I do have a boyfriend, but no ring on the finger! I prepare for a date night by first choosing the meal, then I pick out my outfit, and the scene for the date. You want to make something hearty but simple. Let me tell you, give a man, especially from the South, a good meat and potatoes meal and you have sealed the deal, ladies!
You said in your exit interview that you have the TV bug. So what are your future plans?
Oh, I have definitely been bitten by the TV bug. I love to entertain, make people laugh. I have not given up on having my own show. I am just getting started! I would love for the show to focus on not only cooking, but fashion and lifestyle.
OK, if you had to eat one food the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chocolate chip cookies and ice cold milk! I love cookies! I am trying to watch what I eat, so I will actually go up to people eating cookies and take a big smell of the goodness. Helps my craving!
What closing comments do you have for your fans?
Thank you so much for the support and love! I have had so many people tell me how much they love me and that they are praying for me. All I have to say is don’t give up on me! This is just the beginning—get ready for a great Jamika ride! Thanks again to all the fans!
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