Damaris Phillips, the winner of "Food Network Star" is gearing up for a whole new life.
The 32-year-old, culinary instructor from Louisville, Ky., topped Russell Jackson and Rodney Henry on the ninth season of "Food Network Star". Phillips won her own show on the Food Network, which will debut this fall.
"Just awesome. I'm a little overwhelmed right now and so excited I can't stand it. And I'm a little shell-shocked," Phillips told U.S. News. "I just cannot believe it. You hope that everybody gets an opportunity like this in life, to have people that excited and cheering for them."
Philips called the victory a dream come true and a gift. But the chef does worry about living up to expectations.
"I'm thankful to everyone who voted and watched, and I hope that I get the opportunity to live up to whatever people are hoping to see from me," Phillips said.
To celebrate the chef made a cornmeal cake. Phillips told U.S. News that her new show will definitely have a touch of the modern South.
"I hope to use food as a way to connect with people," Phillips said. "Really, I hope I get to teach and that people can learn from my show, but also have some fun and entertainment along the way."
Phillips said she pitched the theme, "Eat, Date, Love," which revolves around teaching men how to attract women with Southern cooking. She referred to her special male friend who made her a "potato pie," which includes bread and layers of sweet potatoes, potatoes, hummus and sautéed spinach.
"There's something about someone cooking for you that makes you feel special," she said.
The newest Food Network star said she doesn't think the South is represented well. She referred to the abundance of vegetables and the cheese-making factories. She called the South an artist when it comes to meat and cheese and hopes to drive people away from the thought of South meaning only fried and unhealthy food.
"Growing up, our meals consisted primarily of vegetables, and then we had small amounts of meat," Phillips said. "Once people understand that, I don't think anyone can argue that there's not a real healthful side to Southern food."
