The Next Food Network Star

Where are you living/working now?

The JAG Man is currently living in sunny Tampa, Fla. and is working on his tan.

What have you been up to since NFNS?

I'm loving my Afghan princess/fiancé Layla Ahmad. I'm still turning and burning; spot lighting my signature cooking style, "Latino Fusionè," as Corporate Executive Chef of a dining and nightlife concept called Posh 27! I make the best of local television spots, national food shows and share the culinary heart of my Nuevo Latino caribè cuisine with all who share my love affair with food.

I'm still learning and growing as a chef from some of the best names in the industry.

What did you enjoy most (and least) about being on NFNS?

Most: Living the dream!

Least: Remembering what should have been. Representing the culinary heart of my people is a passion that still keeps me up at night. Time will tell the story folks. Stay tuned!

Do you still keep in touch with other finalists?

Pauley and the fish-man himself, Michael Salmon, are still on the JAG Man's cell phone speed dial. Mikey Mike is even helping me out with his restaurant experience and culinary wisdom! Thanks much Papa Bear!

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

That's between all of us. I will tell you that I never stopped cooking. Even when Pauley wanted take-out! Might as well take advantage with a Latino chef in the house right?

How did being on NFNS affect your culinary career?

It gave me the much deserved opportunity to share my fusion styles and culinary passion with the world; for that I am forever truly grateful!

What advice would you offer the next round of finalists?

Just do your best, be yourself and the rest will take care of itself!

Are you recognized from your time on NFNS?

Yes, especially in the Latin foods section of my local Publix! Funny huh? Still after all this time, I get recognized at church and restaurants.

I always get the, "Don't I know you? Aren't you that JAG guy from Top Chef?" The Lord has truly blessed me with a loyal fan base and I love every single one of you! I am forever humbled by your loyalty and continual loving support!

What was the greatest lesson you learned from your time on NFNS?

Don't let life break you. Let it make you!

Anything else?

To all my fans who never got a chance to find me on MySpace after NFNS 3 ended, get JAGed up all over again at www.Myspace.com/Jagbeyond.

And yes, I will put some new cooking videos on my website soon! Find out what's new and cooking at: www.Posh27.com, www.Chefjag.com and www.Jagmanproductions.com