Today is the last day you can vote for Derby native and accomplished chef Michele Ragussis, who is one of the four finalists to be the next “Food Network Star.”
Ragussis, 42, a graduate of Derby High School, has been appearing on the popular Food Network television program since May.
“Food Network Star” is a reality-competition show in which chefs undergo weekly challenges in a quest to become a TV food personality in the vein of Bobby Flay or Emeril.
The show is different in that the viewing public gets to decide the winner.
Derby residents — both former and current — have been busy using Facebook to get people to vote for Ragussis.
Click here to vote for Ragussis — but HURRY, as the polls close at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, July 17).
Tune into the Food Network Sunday at 9 p.m. to find out whether Ragussis takes the prize.
Here is a commercial for Sunday’s finale (note — the video was posted yesterday):
Ragussis, who now calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home, took a few minutes Tuesday morning to answer questions from the Valley Indy via e‑mail.
Valley Indy: What’s your fondest memory of growing up in Derby?
Ragussis: “Great sense of community and the football games.”
Valley Indy: Did you have a favorite restaurant in Derby growing up?
Ragussis: “Roseland!”
Valley Indy: How stressful is it to be involved in a reality show?
Ragussis: “Very stressful but worth every minute of it!”
Valley Indy: What memory or incident from this season would you like to erase?
Ragussis: “Crab shells! Ha ha!”
Valley Indy: If you win, what do you plan to do the very next day?
Ragussis: “Sleep.”
Valley Indy: If you had to cook a meal for Katie Holmes post-divorce, what would it be?
Ragussis: “Sexy mussels, of course!”
