It’s OUT! It’s been a secret until now. 
I’ve only told a few select people and now, of course, here on my blog and to the rest of the internet world – for those few of you who may be reading this (it’s therapeutic and almost feels like a confession, sharing this sickness I have for all things food). I’m sure there’s thousands of other people sending their applications in and only few will be chosen but I would like to think that I have a fair shot and a good chance at becoming the Next Food Network Star, Season 6.
Checklist: application (chk), headshots (amateur but chk), license (chk), 3-min video(chk – although I may have overprepared since I’m going to the casting call tomorrow)… Now just need to get some sleep and look gorgeous and spunky tomorrow:)
My brand? Umami Zen. Mixing healthy with a little bit of decadence, highlighting ingredients for what they are and keeping it healthy without sacrificing flavor. Corporate job by day, closet cook by night, taught by school of life, not a trained chef but representing a piece of the melting pot that makes America so unique – a mash-up of various cultures and tastes, all the while keeping it healthy. Don’t you want to watch the show already??!@??
Snippet from the application questions (not in order):
? What styles of cooking turns you off and why? Bastardizing food with too many ingredients and too much overpowering spices. Fatty foods and large portions. Let’s admit it – there’s too many overweight peeps and we ALL need to watch what we eat!
? If you were an ingredient, what would you be? Kosher salt. Because it’s the simplest but most important ingredient in almost every dish. And I can bring that healthy dish that doesn’t make you feel deprived.
? What is your all time fav ingredient and why? Garlic (cuz it adds that “umph” to dishes and is so good for you). Runner-ups: mushrooms, tomato, zucchini, cucumber, miso, korean kochu paste, shoy, sake, on and on.
? What ingredient do you absolutely hate and why? (this is like a job interview where they ask you about your biggest failure). Hate is such a harsh word but I really don’t care for some of the Indian spices as they’re too potent. Also don’t like lamb.
? 3 signature dishes? Kalbi-marinated shitake spring rolls, Kimchi bison burger, and Fruit Sushi.
? What is your primary motivation for being on the show? I want to be the next Korean Martha Stewart. Need I say more?
Wish me luck! Casting call in LA tomorrow morning!
chef kelly
