The End. -- Or is it??

This is officially my last blog about Next Food Network Star.  I have loved this season so much and have had the opportunity to truly be involved all along.  But as all good things must come to an end  (including buffets)  this season ended on Sunday night with what I am calling, the Big Bang Let Down.
The viewing party for Herb Mesa was held at Via restaurant and lounge in the heart of Buckhead.  He rented out the entire venue just for his friends and family to watch the very last episode.  The finale!   I was invited to attend - as well as teach a salsa dance class.  Where did that come from???  And the party itself was a smashing success!!  A Big Bang!!  Entirely way too much energetic fun!   (is there really such a thing as 'too much fun'??)  I don't know,  maybe we should ask Herb.

Atlanta finalist, Herb Mesa, during one of his many announcements throughout the night.  (I think he likes the microphone!)

The evening was filled with music and fabulous food . . . . and of course, Food Network. 

Former finalist Brianna Jenkins joins the party!

Yeah, I was rockin' the big hair.

As the big screens were playing the finale of the show,  Via was sitting on pins and needles waiting to see who Food Network would announce as the winner.  Was it going to be Herb??  Did he do it??  I mean,  his adorable little mother flew in all the way from Puerto Rico just for the show, as well as out of town friends.  His wife was on his arm, his 2 little girls were there ready for their own cameo .... everything looked like it was going in Herb's favor.  Even the tv judges were singing his praises!

BUT DID HE WIN THE WHOLE SHA-BANG????

IS HERB THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR????

As Herb was explaining to everybody here in this picture .... despite the fact that he did not win the show, nor his own show, he is still overwhelmed and blessed and grateful to have had this entire experience.  It was bittersweet.  And the fact that Aarti was in fact the winner - that didn't stop Herb from cranking up the salsa music and dancing the night away --- Latin style!!  Before leaving the swanky little shindig,  Herb and I stole a moment outside together for a quick 5 minute on camera interview which should be uploaded on YouTube a little later this week.  Make sure you go and check it out!! 

-- But please excuse the fact that we are both sopping wet from sweat -- we probably put a glare on your screen from it!  But what are ya gonna do!?!?  That's what happens when you get 2 latinos on a dancefloor together . . . the party never ends!  And Herb,  I believe your party is just beginning.  Congratulations.



(hey,  who's brilliant idea was it to do our camera interview at the END of the night anyhow???)