What did you think of today's challenge?

Definitely stepping up in terms of "cooking under fire" — a good and fair challenge nevertheless.

What did you prepare today?

Goat cheese crostini, sautéed mushrooms, chives; mini pizzas with caramelized pears, grapes, arugula, and asiago cheese; napoleon of portabellas, prosciutto, walnut purée, parm. regiano.

How do you think you did? Is there anything you wish you'd done better?

I did so-so. I keep sliding by. I just need to learn more about food/wine pairing.

What was the highlight of the day's events?

Not starting until almost 11:00 am. And tasting that Latour. Most of the wine was decent, but the Latour was something phenomenal.

Are there any lessons you took away from today?

Study my wine/food paring if I ever want to truly succeed in this industry.

What was the most constructive or interesting piece of feedback you heard from the judges?

My food was almost there for the most part. Our judges were helpful in telling me what I could have added to the dish in order to truly make it a special thing to eat.

How do you think you are doing in relation to your fellow competitors?

Still alive aren't I? Sorry, but this question always gets to me. My performances have been mediocre, just enough to keep me from being 86'd.

Who do you think is faring the best and why (we recognize this changes from day-to-day)?

Katie and Sara rock! They are the toughest chick cooks I've ever known.

What do you think your fellow competitors think of you (we recognize this changes from day-to-day)?

I make them laugh, that's always good. They know I'm strong, but maybe not the strongest. Until then, "I'm gonna party like its 1999, 2000 zero zero zero party over its outta time."