VIVIEN CUNHA
Vivien hails from Brazil and likes to fuse different cuisines with Latin flavors. A former model, the mother of two is currently working as a private chef and actress.
Age: 40
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Occupation: Chef/caterer
Favorite restaurant: Chez Panisse (Berkeley, Calif.) and Spago (Los Angeles)
Food specialty: ETMC with a Brazilian twist
Interests: Traveling, dancing, reading, exercising
Favorite Food Network chef: Emeril
Favorite Food Network show: Emeril Live
Three people, alive or dead, that you'd like to invite to a dinner party: My mother, Mother Theresa, Oprah
Three foods you can't live without (other than bread or water): Figs, cheese, prosciutto
Culinary inspirations: Learn more
Favorite food: Japanese
Food you won't go near: Pork belly
Weirdest thing you've ever eaten: Pork belly
Favorite food destination: Japanese restaurants
Why you think you should be The Next Food Network Star: I know I have a gift of making people happy by feeding them. I'm creative, I love to cook and I'm very passionate about it. And I have a great sense of humor.