July 5th, 2012 
I have been a fan of the Food Network Star for years. Perhaps since the season five winner, Melissa D’Arabian, hails from my hometown of Keller. Maybe? Many of us have had dreams of the bright lights of television stardom, but this show reveals that not everyone is cut out for the big city. When offered the chance to pick the brain of Malcolm Mitchell, the cocky chef from Washington D.C. who is a personal friend of Miss A Publisher, Andrea Rodgers, I said,” oh pretty please.”
Team Bobby (Photo Credit: Food Network)
The Food Network Star, now in its eighth season, started out with a bang this year by mixing things up. The 15 contestants were split into three teams, led by personalities Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and Alton Brown. If you are watching the show you already know Malcolm is on Team Bobby and that on this week’s episode he was sent home.
Malcolm made it all the way to Miami and ended up in the bottom, not due to his dish, but his lack of point-of-view. “Your problem is the POV. Do you have a POV?” asked Bobby.
Malcolm faced Michele in a Producers’ Challenge behind the bar, where he attempted to prove his POV through an apple cobbler cocktail inspired by his mom. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to save him in the end.
HOLK Star Challenge-Malcolm Mitchell and Bobby Flay (Photo Credit: Food Network)
On the show he comes off as a bit cocky and a show off, but during our interview his answers reflected a tender, humorous side. Whatever your opinions about Malcolm, he is a star and has a talent for innovative cooking.
I wanted to find out more about how Malcolm got his start and what really matters to him now that he has been eliminated from the show.
Chef Malcolm-finalist on the Next Food Network Star (Photo Credit: Kamau Akabueze)
Q: How did you get the opportunity to appear on the show?
A: I have always been a fan of the show, and then I got a call from a casting director to audition.
Q: What was your biggest inspiration for becoming a chef?
A: My biggest inspiration is my mom, and traveling in the US Navy & the Food Network.
Q: If you were not a “chef” what would you be doing?
A: I would be an underwear model.
Q: Wow, you are not shy at all. What is your greatest attribute?
A: My greatest attribute is the ability to always see the big picture.
Chef Malcolm-Finalist on the Next Food Network Star (Photo Credit: Kamau Akabueze)
Q: What is the best lesson you’ve learned?
A: My best lesson learned from my mom is that good manners and respect will take you places money will not.
Q: What is your greatest fault?
A: Well, I always believe people will do the right thing and that is not always true.
Q: What is your proudest moment?
A: My proudest moment is when my kids do great things.
Q: What is your biggest mistake?
A: My biggest mistake is not learning from any mistake that I have learned in my life.
Chef Malcolm at the Food Network Watch Party at Melba's Harlem (Photo Credit: Kamau Akabueze)
Q: What would your last meal be?
A: Turkey loaf with marinara sauce garlic potatoes & sweet peas.
Q: How do you relax?
A: I decompress by going out to eat with friends and family.
Q: Do you have a favorite place to vacation and any plans this summer?
A: I like to vacation any place where there is hot sun and hot ladies. I will be doing some appearances and demos and spending time with my kids this summer.
Chef Malcolm Mitchell
Q: What are your plans after Food Network Star?
A: I have plans to open up my own restaurant, and I will be awaiting all the opportunities that come with this amazing journey.
Chef Malcolm still needs your votes to become Fan Favorite online. Voting ends on July 15th and you can vote up to ten times a day.
Sunday nights at 9 p.m. /8c on the Food Network
Sounds like someone didn’t forget where he came from or who helped him get where he is today(Mommy).
I do have a question. He was kidding about the underwear comment right? lol_wonderful article!
Great article Brandy! Very exciting.
Thanks Ashley, I do think he’s serious about the model comment