Russell Jackson is a finalist on Season 9 of Food Network Star.

Russell Jackson, 49 (San Francisco), takes risks in and out of the kitchen. Recognized most recently for his underground supper club in San Francisco, Russell takes local, fresh ingredients and gives them a whimsical twist — creating food that's anything but ordinary. After graduating from the California Culinary Academy, he dove into the culinary scene in Los Angeles and later in San Francisco, owning and running restaurants for more than 10 years. Russell began cooking at 3 years old with applesauce as his first dish. Since then, the kitchen has been home to this Mohawked chef.