Wantagh Resident to Compete on Food Network Show

Wantagh resident Cara Thompson, a former executive chef at in Bellmore, will be competing on a Food Network reality show this Thursday night.

Thompson will be vying to be the next executive chef of a new restaurant located in prime Chicago real estate. She competes in Thursday's episode of "Chef Hunters" against Dan Marquis and has planned a viewing party with friends at the , a new Brazilian restaurant in Long Beach.

Thursday will mark the second Food Network appearance for Thompson. The Alabama native, who moved to Wantagh six years ago, has previously appeared on the show "Chopped" where she was a finalist.

Thompson left her role as executive chef at Bayou on 2823 Jerusalem Ave., Bellmore in July. She began working at the Bellmore cajun-style restaraunt soon after graduating from the Florida Culinary Institute in 2005.

"I figured it was time for me to really push myself," said Thompson, who applied to be on "Chef Hunters" in September and filmed for the show a month later. "I wanted to really try and spread my wings."

Thompson's appearance on Food Network's "Chef Hunters" is scheduled to air on Thursday at 10 p.m. For further information on "Chef Hunters, click on the show's website.