Debbie, 39 (West Hollywood, Calif.), a former Hollywood caterer, now shares her branding and menu-planning expertise as a restaurant consultant. Her Korean heritage and Southern upbringing make a dynamic combination as she uniquely blends Asian and American cuisines. Debbie attributes her cooking chops to her mother, grandmother and notable chefs that she’s worked with.

Food specialty: Korean with a Soulful Edge

Three foods you can’t live without (other than bread or water): Bacon, fried chicken, and kimchee

Favorite food destination: Anywhere in Asia of course. Want to go back this fall and travel through the Far East. I would also love to go to the south of France.

Why do you think you should be The Next Food Network Star? I have the most unique culinary point of view and will rock your taste buds with a taste of “Seoul 2 Soul!” My passion for food is my journey on a plate, and I feel everyone watching will relate to my story and embrace it with some good old seoulful cooking.

Good luck to Debbie Lee on the show. The hot new cuisine now is Korean food. We want to see more Asian Girls and Boys on Food Network. Watch Debbie compete for the biggest prize on TV: their own show on Food Network. Sunday nights at 9pm/8c.

Debbie Lee on The Next Food Network Star Season 5