In the Know SEEING STARS Meet the 2016 Star hopefuls—and try to spot the winner! Havird Usry MELISSA PFEISTER Augusta, GA Los Angeles Chef–owner at Fat Man’s mill Cafe CEO of Naked Feast Foods and Enterprise Mill Events Dream show: She’d put a healthy Dream show: He’d plan parties spin on everyday food. and events (menu and decor). In her fan club: “My 91-year-old When he’s not in the kitchen: grandma. We talk twice a day.” He’s training for triathlons. Craziest thing in her fridge: Funniest fail: Three cases of red Green juice. “My family doesn’t wine spilled right before an event. get the garden-in-a-glass trend.” He had to have the rug replaced! Competitive edge: “Food Competitive edge: “I’ve been in Network is about the home cook, the kitchen since I was 7.” and that’s me.”

ERIN CAMPBELL JERNARD WELLS Woodbury, MN Grayson, GA general manager at Nadia Cakes Manager at Suwanee Park Tavern Dream show: She’d make comfort Dream show: He’d help families food with kids and friends. and friends whip up party meals. When she’s not in the kitchen: In his fan club: There are nearly She’s walking or kayaking 700 people in his extended with her German shepherd, family—including his nine kids. Maxdon. Funniest fail: He put a frozen Guilty-pleasure food: Chocolate turkey in the deep fryer and it pot de crème exploded across the yard. Competitive edge: “I’ll kill them Competitive edge: “I have a with kindness.” natural charisma.”

DAMIANO CARRARA Moorpark, CA Atlanta Chef-owner of Carrara Pastries Chef at Chef Tregaye N Company Dream show: He’d revamp Dream show: She’d do school struggling bakeries. cafeteria takeovers for a day. When he’s not in the kitchen: When she’s not in the kitchen: He’s playing soccer. She’s with her sons or at her nonprofit for young chefs. Guilty-pleasure food: Tartare or carpaccio: “I love something raw.” Guilty-pleasure food: “Give me 20 hot wings. I’d put those down, Competitive edge: “I’ve been then eat 20 more!” cooking since I was a kid—much longer than I’ve Competitive edge: “The food I been baking.” cook is out of the box.”

JUNE 2016 l FOOD NETWORK MAGAZINE 37 In the Know ANA QUINCOCES YAKU MOTON-SPRUILL

Miami San Francisco Owner of Skinny Latina Chef-owner of D.O.P.E. Chef Society Dream show: She’d visit Latin Dream show: He’d cook with mom-and-pop spots. celebrities. In her fan club: “My social- When he’s not in the kitchen: media following—I was on The He’s singing Queen and Lynyrd Real Housewives of Miami.” Skynyrd at karaoke. Craziest thing in her fridge: Funniest fail: “I’m tall and hit my Collagen. “It’s an anti-ager, but I head on range hoods.” just can’t bring myself to drink it.” Competitive edge: “I don’t Competitive edge: “My age [50]. crack under pressure; it’s my Viewers will trust me.” X-Men ability.” AARON CRUMBAUGH JOY THOMPSON

Spokane Lexington, NC caterer at Inland Pacific Kitchen Chef-owner of Southern Sisters Restaurant Dream show: He’d trace what’s on the table back to the farm. Dream show: She’d offer a peek into her work and home life. In his fan club: His daughter, Kaiya, 7. “When I call home, I hear Guilty-pleasure food: Popcorn: her yelling, ‘How’s Daddy doing?’” “I pour on melted butter, then put parmesan cheese on top.” Guilty-pleasure food: Foie gras: “My wife doesn’t eat it, but if it’s Funniest fail: She turned on the menu, I order it.” botched pralines into turtles. Competitive edge: “I’m going to Competitive edge: “I have no have fun.” preconceived notions.”

MONTEREY SALKA ROB BURMEISTER

Nashville Staten Island, NY lead line cook at Butcher & Bee Owner of The Culinary Renegade Dream show: She’d travel and Dream show: He’d find inventive discover foreign ingredients. uses for leftovers. Funniest fail: She ruined three In his fan club: “I have a lot of batches of caramel, “so now listeners on my podcast, ‘Chewing my coworkers say you ‘pulled a the Fat with Big and Beefy.’” Monterey’ when you screw up.” Craziest thing in his freezer: Craziest thing in her fridge: “Pig heads—for head cheese.” Beef tongue Competitive edge: “I’m fun-loving Competitive edge: “I’ve acted; on the outside and all business on I’m used to cameras.” the inside.”

Tune in to the premiere of on May 22 at 9 p.m. ET—and see which of these Comeback Kitchen competitors will return.

Brianna Jenkins Chris Kyler Dominick Tesoriero Martita Jara Matthew Grunwald Penny Davidi Season 6 Season 10 Season 11 Season 8 Season 11 Season 8 Season 7

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