RSS
Home
Exclusive exit interview with Debbie Lee from the Next Food Network Star: from Oprah to Julia!
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Debbie Lee, West Hollywood, CA finalist
The final three battled it out last night in The Next Food Network Star, and although it was a close one, Debbie Lee was asked to pack her bags. I was lucky enough to get an interview with Debbie about her experiences on the show and what she is planning for the future. You may be surprised!
On the Food Network Web site, you were dubbed as the “controversial” contestant. Were you surprised by this labeling? Do you think it was a factor in your elimination?
Yes, I was surprised, but not. I believe it was a clarity issue that had to do with a few misunderstandings. But overall, I don’t think it contributed to my elimination.
Was theJulie & Julia challenge the toughest? Did the movie inspire you?
It was definitely one of the toughest. There was a lot of pressure, but I felt comfortable and proud of what I accomplished. I was in my niche doing things the way I like to do them.
The movie Julie & Julia was incredible. I could just sit down and watch it over and over! It is so motivational for any food lover, aspiring cook, or chef. The best thing is, it not only inspires the food lovers, but anyone who feels they are lacking something in their lives. The movie teaches us to celebrate when we are happy!
Being Korean and growing up Southern—how long have you been cooking and what was the first Korean dish you prepared?
The first dish I made was with my mother and grandmother—it was Mandoo Dumplings. I was about seven or eight years old. Of course they turned out pretty well because Mom or grandma were coaching me the entire time! I do remember kind of going off to myself and making the dumplings into different shapes of my own! They were saying things like “you can’t do that, Debbie!”--such a funny memory.
I read that you are a huge fan of Oprah. If you could have her over for dinner, what would you prepare?
Oh, wow! Well, I would want to represent myself, so I would have to say Kimchee rice and a big batch of fried chicken. That is me on a plate!
Looks like you made some good friends on the show, if you had to collaborate and do a show with one of them, who would it be and what would the theme be?
It would have to be Jamika. I think we would have excellent chemistry because we are from different backgrounds yet similar. We are all about good comfort food. We have both done celebrity catering, and we like to make things for people that at the end of the day, they just want to lay back and pat their bellies in satisfaction!
Out of all of the chefs you met, who left you most star struck?
Definitely Marcus Samuelsson! He is such an artist, and a really nice guy.
Who are you rooting for in the Next Food Network finale? Jeffrey or Melissa?
I am up in the air about that one. I mean, the chef in me really likes Jeffrey’s food. He always made me want to try it and he has amazing culinary talent. Melissa is the every day woman. She is not trying to make something really complicated, just delicious and accessible food!
What are your future plans? Will we see a "Seoul to Seoul" cookbook?
I would love to do a cookbook if the opportunity arises. Right now, I am working on opening my own restaurant: Hot Dog Debbie’s! We will serve Southern-inspired hot dogs with a Korean kick! We will open in a few months, and don’t be surprised to see Kimchee on your hot dog!
If you had to eat one thing the rest of your life, what would it be?
That is easy… potato chips! Michael Proietto and I used to joke that we were emotional eaters. I would be looking for the chips and he would be looking for his M&Ms!
Final comments?
Just that I am so grateful to be given the chance to be where I am today. It was the wildest journey of my life. Thank you so much to all of my family, friends, and fans. Sharing my food and my story was a very powerful thing.
Follow Debbie on Twitter!
Hot Dog Debbie's!
Related Articles:
Comments
