I had the opportunity to talk with “Big Chef” Tom Pizzica.

We chatted about why he tried out for Next Food Network Star (NFNS), his new show on Food Network, and what he likes to cook at home…

Tom’s wife, Rachel, encouraged him to try out for NFNS. “On a whim” he decided to go to the audition “and the rest is history” says Tom.

Pizzica became one of three finalists on season six of NFNS.  His near win was a blessing in disguise because he is now the host of Outrageous Food which premieres on Food Netwrok this Friday, November 5, at 10p/9c.

Pictures Courtesy of Food Network

Pizzica is on a quest to unearth the most jaw-dropping, eye-popping, occasionally heart-stopping foods in the country — dishes that give “outrageous” a whole new meaning

The people who make this type of food have “no fear…and they just go for it” says Pizzica.

He learns how to make every recipe that is featured on the show by working with the restaurant owners, chefs, and creators of these mass proportions.

Tom admitted to tasting all of the Outrageous Food he encountered while filming the show, and also touted “everyplace we’ve gone these people have had such a passion.”

This show is about “good food, not gimmicky food” says Pizzica.

Tom’s own passion for food stretches beyond the TV lens to his home kitchen where he admits to creating simple meals that are “outrageously good.”

“She loves my meatloaf and she absolutely loves my chicken cutlets” Tom proudly told me when I inquired about Rachel’s favorite home cooked meal.

Tom surprised me when he chose Mighty Mouse after I asked him which cartoon character he would like to be for a day.

But it made complete sense after Tom excitedly explained that he ”always, always loved Mighty Mouse” and he joked about flying around all day picking up outrageously big stuff for fun…

I also watched the sneak peek of Outrageous Food last night on Food Network.

It started out with Tom learning how to create an awesome 105 pound cheeseburger which he helped carry to a group of hungry but overly ambitious college students.

They did not come anywhere close to finishing the behemoth burger during the hour time limit, but they had a lot of fun attempting the belly busting challenge while Tom and the crowd cheered them on.

A mighty big thank you to Tom Pizzica for answering all of my questions, I can’t wait to see more Outrageous Food.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Brad