Star Scrapbook: Whitney Chen

Flip through a Food Network Star finalist's scrapbook for an up-close-and-personal look at journal entries and snapshots taken inside the Star house.

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Four-Star Finalist

Whitney Chen, an engineer-turned-professional-chef from New York City, almost always served up stellar food. She made it to New York, but was sent home after an emotional roast.

Star Journals

Upon arrival in L.A., the finalists were given Food Network journals. Whitney filled hers with reflections and challenge prep notes complete with detailed sketches.

Welcome to the Star House

The finalists were also given digital cameras to document life behind the scenes. A fellow finalist snapped this shot of Whitney showing off the decor of the Hollywood mansion they called home.

Point of View

Whitney stuck to her Four Star Flair POV throughout her nine-episode run in the competition.

Focused

Always comfortable and focused in the kitchen, Whitney produced many memorable dishes. Her camera presentations were not quite as consistent.

Defining and Refining

Whitney outlined her Four Star Flair concept in her journal, reminding herself of what to focus on in challenges.

On Camera

In the very first Star Challenge — show promos at the L.A. Farmers' Market — Whitney seemed comfortable and confident. She didn't need much direction from Alton.

Cooking for the Press

For the STK dinner, Whitney made a sophisticated carrot salad that earned raves from the selection committee and special media guests at the table.

In the Zone

Comfortable in a restaurant kitchen, Whitney keeps her head down and plates her carrot salad at STK.

What's for Breakfast?

Whitney sketched out a fancied-up eggs Benedict dish with lobster for the breakfast Camera Challenge.

Beauty Shot

The finished plate looks pretty close to Whitney's journal sketch.

People Person

"The Cougar Town challenge was fun," Whitney wrote in her journal. "Always great to be around and talking to peeps."

Making Friends

Whitney poses for a snapshot with Jyll, Chris and Penny.

Triple-D

Meeting Guy Fieri during the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Camera Challenge was a highlight for Whitney: "He was fantastic in explaining what I needed to do."

Game Plan

Whitney and Chris converse about their ideas for interviewing a cook at Mel's Diner.

Pep Talk

Feeling a little defeated after mushy falafel landed her in the bottom of the Food Trucks challenge, Whitney wrote down some words of encouragement to get her confidence back.

Top Six

The six finalists remaining posed by the Hollywood sign before taking off for the next leg of their journey: Whitney's home base of New York City.

I Heart New York

Whitney was thrilled to bring Four Star Flair to the city where she lives and works as a cook.

Meeting an Icon

When Ina Garten entered Food Network kitchens, Whitney burst into tears. "That woman is almost wholly responsible for getting me into cooking," she wrote in her journal.

Cupcakes for Ina

Fortunately, Ina loved Whitney's cupcakes, which were inspired by the Barefoot Contessa herself.

Fond Farewell

Whitney's impressive culinary chops couldn't carry her to the final four. "This competition is life-changing," she said. "It has lit a fire under me. This is my passion. I'm going to relentlessly go after it."

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Whitney Chen