Andres Guillama, Food Network Star Season 9 Finalist

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Andres, 26, grew up in a traditional Cuban family and worked at his father's restaurant. After losing 150 pounds, Andres became a childhood obesity prevention coach, and is now eager to show viewers how deliciously satisfying healthy food can be.

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Meet the Star Finalists 04:35

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A childhood obesity prevention coach, Andres was the second finalist sent home from the competition. His inability to commit to what could have been a successful culinary viewpoint prevented his growth on camera and in front of the focus groups, but he left the show more determined than ever to persevere.

Overcoming Obstacles

In week one, Andres explained that he wanted "to teach young men how to cook" and convince the audience that he's "an average guy who did above-average things." He grew up in a food-focused Cuban home in Miami, and after years of careless eating, he was forced to adopt lifestyle changes to lose nearly 150 pounds.

Acknowledging the Past

"The most-important thing that you can do for the viewers is be inspirational," Bobby advised Andres, who was hesitant to use his past as the crux of his point of view. "I don't want to teach people to lose weight," Andres told the mentors, but Giada reminded him that "that's what makes you unique."

Culinary Roots

Andres embraced his Cuban heritage during the first Star Challenge, making a potato omelet with chorizo for the Selection Committee. Despite the dish's traditional preparation, it "was a little bit bland," according to Bobby.

Initial Review

"You seem a little closed down, a little soft, a little quiet," Bob Tuschman told Andres, who garnered a better-than-average rating from fans. The focus group seemed far more impressed with Andres’ discussion on his battle with weight than with his plans to bring young people into the kitchen.

Burger Bash, Cuban-Style

Week two presented new challenges for Andres and his fellow finalists, who were challenged to present their signature takes on a burger to a live audience. He prepared a Cuban-inspired patty with beef and pork, although he served it on a whole-wheat bun to show off an example of a healthy, "simple substitution."

New Plan Needed

Andres' initial goal for the demonstration was "to show young men that they can cook and it's as manly as growing a beard," but when the mentors visited his station during prep time, Giada encouraged him to dig deeper to offer a more-memorable presentation. "You have to give us a direct story that's going to link you to this burger, or people are just going to pass right by you."

Low, Then Higher

While the crowd wasn't impressed with Andres' talk of men in the kitchen, the dials turned to a positive review when he mentioned his successful weight loss. "I feel a shift in the energy," Andres reflected after, "and it's interesting to me because, before this, I never wanted to play up the weight-loss angle."

Craving Flavor

This is the Cuban Burger that Andres served to three Burger Bash guests, plus the Selection Committee. Unfortunately for him, this dish, like last week's omelet, also fell flat on flavor; Alton commented that there's "no seasoning."

A Captivating Story

"It's as if you are running away from the thing that connects you to so many people," Giada explained to Andres during what would be his final evaluation. "You have a wonderful message, and I think if you go out there, you can really change people's lives."

Greatness Ahead

Despite any potential in Andres' weight-loss point of view, he's ultimately sent home after just two weeks of competition, but he left the competition confident in the future. "I know I can triumph over adversity because I've done it before," Andres reflected afterward. "I'm just going to become better."

One-on-One With Andres

Read Andres' exclusive exit interview to learn his thoughts on the competition and plans for the future.

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