The Brooklyn Eagle first interviewed the colorful and multi-talented Dino Angelo Luciano, who was born in Brooklyn, at the end of June. He was just beginning his journey as a contestant on season eight of “MasterChef,” Fox’s popular weekly television cooking competition hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay with judges Christina Tosi and Chef Aaron Sanchez.

Luciano was a standout contestant then, and has since become a breakout star in the making, thanks to his charming personality, respectful demeanor and thick Brooklyn accent. While he takes his cooking seriously, he has displayed a crackling sense of humor and proven himself to be a true student of the culinary arts. With season eight of the series winding down to the finale this week, Luciano has earned himself a place in the top three in the competition. And now that it’s down to Luciano, Eboni Henry and Jason Wang, you might say the competition has really heated up.