Orchid Paulmeier: Still a Hot Mama After Food Network

Orchid Rabe Paulmeier, former Orland Park resident and Sandburg High School alum, may have been eliminated from this season’s Next Food Network Star reality series, but it’s hardly the end of the road for this talented chef and restauranteur.

Patch caught up with Orchid in between cooking, restaurant planning, Facebooking and getting used to her newfound fame.

Were you surprised to be eliminated?

Yes, at least for that particular week/episode considering my team won the team challenge. I was in the bottom three that week and prior, but was always a winning contender in the other weeks. Bob Tuschman commented he thought my adobo tacos were too vinegary, but actually Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay loved them. In fact Giada said it tasted just like the adobo prepared by her Filipino friends. But, unfortunately, their comments weren’t edited into the show!

What, if anything, would you have done differently?

I would have spoken up more. I appeared on the show to be uncharacteristically quiet, but I think I was edited that way. But if I would have kept on talking, maybe I would have been edited as always interrupting others—who knows how it would appear!

What was your overall experience being a Food Network contestant?

I really enjoyed my time on the series. If I could change one thing? Perhaps I would have spoken up a little more—but I still pass on the drama! Seriously, my experience on the Food Network provides a great launching pad for my food projects in the future.

What are you working on right now? Does it involve your restaurant, One Hot Mama’s?

Actually, I’m working on another restaurant concept for the SERG Restaurant Group. It’s still in the development stage, but we’re leaning towards a craft beer theme, including food pairings. Cross your fingers. It’s slated to open some time in September. Also, I’m still in the running for the other part of the Food Network contest—a web cooking show.

Things are really crazy at One Hot Mama’s. We’re in the middle of tourist season, so we’re always getting people who have, and are still, watching the show, coming in to dine with us and say hello. I’ve gotten so many requests from diners to take a picture with me, that I’ve resorted to always wearing makeup when I go to work!

Did you learn any new cooking techniques while on the show?

Well, the show wasn’t really about teaching us how to cook, but rather what it takes to be a Food Network Star. We had to show them as much personality, and how to relate to people—whether it was a weekly guest judge or to the audience.

Any advice for your fellow contestants still vying for the title?

I would tell them to keep being who they are…and keep bringing out their real personality. I think that’s key for whoever comes out as the winner. The great thing is that I’m still really good friends with many of the other contestants. I’m always on Facebook with Jyll and Suzie.

Any advice for those interested in entering future Food Network competitions?

It’s really important to bring out your personality. If you don’t do so from the onset—really from the first 45 seconds—it’s hard to make a lasting impression. When you first audition for a show, you only have one and a half minutes to show producers who and what you are about. You really need to win them over in that time frame in order to be considered for the next call back. You want producers to think, “Wow—I really want to see this person back tomorrow!”

How has life since the show changed for you?

I’m as busy as I expected to be, but the restaurant is a different story. It’s been crazy. I think everyone at One Hot Mama’s is surprised at the popularity we’re experiencing. We’ve had to create about 20 new jobs at the restaurant in order to accommodate the number of diners coming in.

Your Facebook fan page is just as busy. Are you surprised at this?

We’re at over 3,000 likes! I try to get on the page as much as I can and either post or respond to comments.

The competition is still heated for the web show. In the event you win the web show, what slant will you take?

I’m leaning towards “Mama Orchid”—scrumptious low country favorites or “Asian Persuasion”—accessible Asian flavors and ingredients.

Last question. Was Penny really that much of a drama queen?

Well, let’s just say Penny gave the show a lot to work with.

Don't forget to cast your vote for Orchid to win the Food Network web cooking show. "Asian Persuasion" or "Mama Orchid"--which show would you prefer to watch?