The first episode is always the hardest elimination. Though we (judges) don’t have any attachments yet to any finalists, we also are just getting to know them. So figuring out who should stay and who should go is always a combination of intuition, a few pieces of evidence, and a lot of what you think their potential might be. Basically, you’re filling in a lot of blanks on your own.
But sometimes when I watch the final cut of the show as a viewer – out of the heat of battle, and fully edited with all the interviews and behind-the-scenes footage put in – I get a different point of view. In this episode, I’m not sure we sent the right person home.
The Food Network stars agreed that Jen had one of the worst dishes of the day. In both conception and execution, her green bean dish was below par. So I immediately questioned if she had the culinary expertise and technique to pull off her “Housewife 2.0″ conceit. But watching her interviews, I found her funny, bright and tart. Humor is a trump card – anyone who can make an audience laugh instantly hooks them. Jen is funny.
Eddie was the other candidate at the bottom of the pack. His BLAST bowl – inferior ingredients not elevated at all by cooking technique – was one of the other worst received dishes. When I was going through the buffet line I asked him about his culinary POV and got a torrent of words that made no sense. I asked him to say it in one line and he couldn’t. His presentation was earnest, no hint of humor or passion.
If I had it to do again, I probably would have voted to send Eddie home. But I’m hoping that it was just nerves that strangled Eddie into dullness. Otherwise, he’s got a killer combo of intelligence, looks, food passion and rebel personality that could pay off. With Jen on the other hand, I felt like she had already laid all her cards on the table. I liked her. I think both she and Eddie can probably cook better than either did on this one day. But I thought her point of view and culinary command would limit her greatly. Eddie just seemed to have many more possibilities.
I have watched the making of FN star since Guy won. What happened to “Gourmet to Go” contestant (two seasons ago)? I like Aaron (did not appreciate giving Adam a show, he did not win). I do not like the Neely’s approach (it is too mushy and appears unrealistic). I think Jamika can cook and she brings a burst of sunshine to the show.
I watch FN because I have always enjoyed preparing food. In all honesty, there has been moments when there was something of interest or I could convert a recipe to suit a Vegan. However, I am Vegan and there is never anything that fully represents my point of view.
My husband and I are watching the Next Food Network Star re-runs today, and I have enjoyed all seasons of NFNS from the very first season. It seems like we’re always viewing the FN — even though it makes us hungry, even if we’ve just eaten! If I could have 2 wishes for the FN, they would be …1; to keep all finalists of NFNS until the very last show. Use a point system based on their performances each week (because EVERYONE has off days) and we would get a chance to really get to know the contestants — I mean, who’s going to be tuning in to watch them, after all? The winner would be determined through an overall point system from their weekly performances and maybe even factor in viewers comments/online votes. I was sad to see Jen go so soon….didn’t even get a chance to see her. Especially when you see Katy stay week-to-week with bland, barely more than a few fresh ingredients thrown together, undercooked food…..and….my second wish would be to see a vegetarian/vegan show…I mean, c’mon FN! I am lucky to have an amazing husband (he’s the chef at our house) who comes up with some amazing dishes for me and my son, who are recent vegetarians. It would be great to be able to get some amazing, non-animal (animal friendly) dishes being rocked on FN!!!
I think Debbie shoud go, anyone who only gets her items is not in my book an honest person. She blames everyone else. I do like Jamika, I like her personallity and what she cooks, she just needs to relax. I also like Melissa, she reminds me of myself when I was raising my children
I have the show from day 1 and I think Debbie should go ,she is not a honest person,all she thinks about is her self,and all she says is she is Koran,If she wins I will not watch her show.I watch fn all the time I think Jeffery shoud win Thank You for letting me give my feelings
My children 12, 10 and 5 LOVE watching the Next Food Network Star, as do I. It has been a highlight of our summer. They have gotten quite good at imitating the finalists and have memorized their lines, pretty funny. We have been happy with all of the eliminations thus far. We always agree with Bobby Flay’s comments, and were happy to finally have someone comment on Debbie’s over use of talking about being Korean. My kids would love to see a cooking show geared for them. It is the only network we watch at night, we love it!!
After watching the latest show on the 12th I’m outraged!!! Why is Debbie still on this show??? Since the first episode she has been selfish and dishonest. She is only looking out for #1. All she sees is the prize at the end and is willing to step on anyone to get it. Her food was received the best by the judges but did anyone take into consideration that she had more time to cook than anyone else?? She also told yet another lie this week to the judges saying she was plating other peoples dishes which she wasn’t! I thought honesty and integrity would be something important to base a judgement off of?? Also, we know she’s Korean, she knows she’s Korean, but can she make anything not Korean?? Every dish she makes has some sort of Asian background which is great but what will her show be called? Asian cooking 24/7 365 days a year? People like variety therefor chefs should have some variety! I feel the point system mentioned in a previous post was a great idea!!! I also feel if someone is honestly going to attempt to become a tv star they should look into a public speaking class!!
Could you please ask the Neeley’s to stop the huchie cuchie stuff! I’m usually not sure if I’m watching a cooking show or a bedroom scene?
Also, how does Debbie stay? If I don’t do the job I’ve been assigned at my office, they get rid of me! I know Michael hates the camera, and that’s got to come in to play when all’s said and done — but, gee — she actually lied — AGAIN!!! How do you justify that behavoir?
Bob T, you’re a class act!
Well Bob, I actually know Jen and you made a horrible mistake sending her home the first episode.
I don’t know if she would have lasted through to the end – but with Debbie lying 3 times in the first episode there was the contestant to get rid of -
You’re comment about Jen’s green beans was totally uncalled for – they were no better and no worse than other recipes you have in your network repetoire of recipes by your established tv chefs.
In fact her green beans were actually a little better presented and colorful than some of the others –
She definitely should have been around for at least the first few episodes – she is absolutely passionate about cooking and your network – You made a horrible mistake in that move!!!!!!
Dishonest Debbie is making huge fools out of you guys or is it us being made fools of because you’re getting us all to watch to see her get the boot?
First off, keeping Robert Irvine on TFN was a huge no-no. You lost a lot of integrity there because it showed that you’re out for $$$ and not about character or good moral standing. It leads right in to having Debbie on the show lying week after week. She’s lied so many times I wouldn’t believe her if she told me she was Korean (for the millionth time. Seriously, you can turn this into a drinking game.) How many times can a person lie and get away with it on TFN? Quite a few times, apparently. When will you get rid of her? At least the others are trying. Debbie has always been out for herself and I nearly fell out of my chair when she said she was “selfless.” I will tell you one thing: Debbie’s food probably came out the best because she had the most time to work on it while others were being team players and spread more thin. SRSLY.
Jeffrey’s “Ingredient Smuggling” made me want to see his next episode! I have cooked Paula’s, Ina’s and Giada’s recipes because I can taste, smell and enjoy their preparations. You missed with Melissa. I don’t want to “survive”. I WANT TO BE INSPIRED. A FN fan sooo disappointed.
The best two made it to the end…Melissa & Jeffrey. Congratulations, Melissa! This is one time that I did not care who won…even though my heart sunk when they called Melissa’s name. I will watch Melissa’s show, but man I really enjoyed Jeffrey’s pilot and that sandwich looked delicious. I think FOOD NETWORK needs to give Jeffrey a show also. There is room for two there, cut out some of the shows that run and re-run over and over again. Not that I don’t enjoy watching some of them, but they are really overdone. There is audiences for both of these great contestants. Give Jeffrey a show also! Thanks for a great season!