Evette Rodriguez

Where are you living/working now?

I still live in Port St. Lucie, FL. I'm currently working part time for the community college in my area in the minority affairs office.

What have you been up to since NFNS?

Immediately after the show I began working on developing a food product called sofrito and I'm still working on that. I'm also attending the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, FL. I'm taking the evening courses working towards an AS in Culinary Arts and an AS in International Baking and Pastry.

What did you enjoy most about being on NFNS?

For me, the experience was an eye opener. I came in completely green; riding the cute bubbly personality thing but lacking the actual skills of a true chef. It is through this experience that I decided to obtain formal education in the field.

Do you still keep in touch with other contestants?

Yes, but not like when we first finished the show. Now the contact is more sporadic and mostly via email.

Any behind-the-scene happenings from NFNS you can tell us about?

It was all very hard work. Imagine learning something new in one instance and then having to apply it while being judged by individuals who are experts in the field. It was all very stressful. We were all sleep deprived and the whole getting permission to use the restroom thing was tough. After eating the less than exciting lunch provided, going to the restroom to let it all out, while someone stood outside the door waiting, was not an option. I think I was the only one who had a problem with the situation or maybe I was the only one who had the nerve to speak up. Who knows?

How did being on NFNS affect your culinary career?

It made me want one.

What advice would you offer the next round of contestants?

Have the skills you need in a commercial kitchen. This endeavor is not for the typical home cook foodie. It is for someone who has either taken technical classes, obtained a degree in the culinary arts or has experience working in some form of the food industry. Basically, someone who truly knows what they're doing. Don't get me wrong, the personality thing is also key, but without the skills, you're just cute.

When you look back, would you have done anything differently?

Yes, I probably would not have done the show without first going to culinary school or taking some classes at the local culinary school such as knife skills.

Are you recognized from your time on NFNS?

After the show, I was recognized all of the time, but now, not as often. There are still instances in the grocery store where someone will give me that funny look like "hey...I know that lady."