Follow Good Bite's exit interviews each Monday as we track the progress of The Next Food Network Star! Last night we said goodbye to Paul Young.

1. Before being cast on TNFNS, did you watch the show?
Yes I did, I was a fan of many past seasons.

2. Was this your first time auditioning?
Yes
.

3. What was your favorite memory from being on TNFNS?
Hanging out with Tommy and Brad who have become good friends.

4. If you were to describe your personal style of cooking, what would that be?
Simple yet deliciously appealing to anyone especially those on a budget. 

5. What is one kitchen gadget you can't live without?
A sharp, French knife
.

6. Favorite meal to cook a date/boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?
Beef tenderloin and garlic roasted potatoes with an herb buerre blanc sauce.

7. Who inspired your love for food?
My mom and dad who both had diverse backgrounds and did time in restaurants so I was exposed to different kinds of food growing up.

8. First kitchen memory?
Making bread when I was 11,  by myself. The kitchen was a wreck but the bread tasted great.

9. If you could meet any chef alive or dead, who would it be?
Anthony Bourdain.

10. If you were to describe the whole TNFNS experience in one word what would 
that be?
CRAZY .

11. Can you explain your "blue collar" food philosophy?

The philosophy is cooking for the every man / woman. Using inexpensive ingredients and making it taste great by simple means (e.g. marinating your steaks first, or making a delicious complimentary sauce).

12. The judges didn't seem to understand your food point of view. Why do you think that was and what would you do differently if you were still on the show?

Perhaps the judges didn't understand my new culinary point of view because I waited five episodes to change it.  I would have been more tenacious on the show and a little bit more clear of my culinary point of view if I had the chance to do things differently. 

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