Q&A With Mac Truck, Food Network Star's Dom Tesoriero

Dom Tesoriero's Mac Truck is a Saratoga staple, and he recently appeared on Food Network's Food Network Star. (Photo courtesy of Dom Tesoriero)
Dom Tesoriero is the proprietor of Mac Truck, a food truck specializing in macaroni-and-cheese that racing fans can find at Saratoga all summer long. The truck operates in the greater New York City area the rest of the year. Dom also recently appeared on Food Network Star, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. on Food Network. He's currently competing to return to the series on Food Network's Star Salvation. Read on to learn more about the shows, his food truck and his love for Saratoga.
1. How were you introduced to Thoroughbred racing? 
The first time I was really introduced to Thoroughbred racing was in the summer of 2011 when I was invited to be the "chowder man" at Saratoga Race Course. I was affectionately dubbed "chowder boy." I guess I looked like a kid at the time. Seven weeks of total immersion in the racing culture ... And I fell in love with it. 
2. When and where did you start Mac Truck?
The Mac Truck was launched at Saratoga in the summer of 2012.
3. What is your favorite part about having your truck at Saratoga? 
The whole package; the races, the town, being a part of the traditions ... It’s a unique place. Unlike any other experience in my life.
4. Now that you’ve had a presence at Saratoga for a few years, do you have a favorite part of the Saratoga meet?
Opening day!!! There’s a level of anticipation leading up to it that is tangible. Seeing the excitement of all the people who waited all year to get there.
DOM ON FOOD NETWORK STAR

Photo courtesy of Food Network
5. How did you get to be on Food Network Star?
It’s hard to explain exactly how I got here, but the exposure from the Mac Truck had a big part to do with it. Which is directly related to Saratoga. If I didn’t get the opportunity to start this business here, I may have never started it at all!!! It put my foot in the door. I got involved with FNS specifically by going through the casting process like everyone else.
6. What’s it like being on a reality TV show?
TV in general is a whole new world for me; the entire experience can only be described as surreal. 
7. Have you learned anything from the shows that you’ve brought back to your Mac Truck business and Saratoga? 
I think that question works best for me the other way around. I used my experiences from working at the track, and being around so many people, to excel on the show.
8. Racing fans are passionate, but so are foodies. Do you notice any difference between your regular New York City patrons and the Saratoga racing crowd? 
There’s a huge difference. The same hustle and bustle in both circumstances, but a completely different atmosphere. I love them both equally. That’s the allure of owning a food truck - being able to move around to different places and experience new things.
DOM AND HIS TRUCK AT SARATOGA

Photo courtesy of Dom Tesoriero
Fast Facts
Favorite racetrack: Saratoga
Favorite Thoroughbred racing event: Travers day
Other sports/teams I follow: The New York Yankees
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me: Excitement, tradition, unpredictability 
My personal best moment in the sport of Thoroughbred racing: Getting to see a Triple Crown winner ... I wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen again.
Favorite quote or motto: If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.
Favorite vacation spot: Italy
Favorite city: New York
DOM AT WORK

Photo courtesy of Food Network
Alma Mater: Institute of Culinary Education​
Favorite food:  Pasta ... all kinds
Favorite dessert: Ice cream
Favorite drink: Gin and tonic
Twitter Handle: @chefdomtes
People I follow on Twitter: Jonathan Benno, Bobby Flay
No. 1 Bucket-List item: Own a racehorse ... Or two lol