THOMAS GRELLA JR.
Tommy is a food lover trapped in the body of a business man. A self-taught cook who spends his days as a Certified Financial Planner, he loves to expand his culinary knowledge in his free time. Tommy loves serving hearty portions of his food and calls it "Grella size." The father of two girls, he also adores cigars and travels to factories around the world in search of the perfect stogie.
Age: 34
Hometown: Methuen, Mass.
Occupation: Financial planner
Favorite restaurant: Osetra in San Diego
Food specialty: Italian
Interests: Cigars, my family, golf
Favorite Food Network chef: Mario Batali
Favorite Food Network show: Good Eats
Three people, alive or dead, that you'd like to invite to a dinner party: Joe Bastianich, Anthony Bourdain, Henke Kellner
Three foods you can't live without (other than bread or water): Red sauce, pasta, beef
Culinary inspirations: Travel, friends, people
Culinary secret weapon: Grella size excess in quantity and quality
Favorite food: Pasta
Food you won't go near: Entrails and innards
Favorite food destination: New York City
Why you think you should be The Next Food Network Star: I love to cook and entertain. I do a lot of it. My friends and and family find it to be contagious. I think Food Network viewers will too.