I was overruled this week by Bobby and Susie. Hate that. As you saw, my vote was for Teddy to go. My reasons were many, and I’m suspecting a lot of you would have voted my way.
Most importantly, I was appalled by, and could barely follow, Teddy’s soviet style re-writing of history. The events of the day were pretty well documented (that whole camera-rolling thing). Debbie made the pasta. He made the dessert. They both made the meatloaf. Not complicated. But once it was clear the dessert was despised and the meatloaf was marvelous, Teddy claimed the meatloaf as all his own and renounced the dessert as Debbie’s.
I know the man has serious cooking chops. But this dessert was junior high school lunch line. Did no one remember the angel food cake debacle from episode one?
As for his on-camera work, he is still struggling to find a natural, relaxed, appealing persona. Too much forced salesmanship. Who is he really when he’s not performing? No clue. I always liked his boyish enthusiasm, but he better figure out a way to get that on camera stat.
As for Eddie, he is still a ramblin’ man. He gets lost in non-stop thickets of words. And I think his cribbing Paula Deen’s recipes showed he just does not have enough culinary experience yet. He’s a smart guy with true food passion. But I feel like he’s learning on our dime – and we’re in a recession. His dismissive treatment of Melissa was not impressive (and by the way, Melissa out-cooked both Eddie and the last guy to try to throw her under the bus, Brett).
So, while they each had good reasons to go, Teddy was still my choice this week. Unfortunately, I think Eddie’s time was up, too, and refused to fall on the sword to save him. If not this week, he would’ve been the next to go in my book.
Since Bobby and Susie saved Teddy, I’m wondering if he can turn it around. He’s got the cooking skills. He’s got charm that hasn’t made it to the screen yet. But he’s got some major repair work to do to stay in the game. Can he do that?
Ina: Just two words: Love her. Funny, warm, gracious – she’s the real deal. After working with her for almost 8 years, I still get excited spending the day with her. Having a long, lazy lunch at Ina’s home – including cocktails in the gazebo – is one of the all time great foodie experiences. It’s like: “OMG, I’m in an episode of Barefoot Contessa!” I’m thrilled she wanted to be on the show this year.
In defense ( which he really doesn’t need) of Bobbie’s Throwdowns. I think he just likes to put his twist on other’s recipes. It wouldn’t be too good of a show if he beat out the favorite in their home town. I enjoy the show. Jeffery is the only contestant that I would watch their show . I don’t care for Debbie because of what I’ve seen on the show. I haven’t liked Melisa from the beginning. I don’t need stories with my cooking. Sometimes Rachael Ray gets on my nerves. Let’s have some good cooking and a casual conversation.
Although Bob is not my favorite judge, I must agree with his assessments thus far. Melissa grows weekly, and is perfectly charming. A wonderful balance to Big Daddy from last year.
I would watch her program on a weekly basis. Debbie should have been eliminated a week ago - doesn’t integrity count any more??
I liked Teddy. Plus, he beat Bobby in a Throwdown - that has to mean something, right? Right!?! Haha. Anyway, in regard to Eddie - wow. A Paula Deen recipe. Wow. To be honest, I’m not positive how horrible that is - okay, I guess that’s pretty bad - it’s like cheating. BUT what really got me this week was his attitude. He came off as abrasive. I don’t know if that’s really how he is, but it’s how he came off - and that was sad - I liked him. Also, SUPER excited to see Ina on NFNS this season; tell her to come back every year!
These judges don’t know anything good for themselves!!!!! If Debbie wins, I will NOT watch her show!! She is a no-good cheat and a lier!!! I can just imagine the name of her show “Because I’m Korean” Maybe she should have a specially made shirt saying exactly that! When Debbie first came out and said shes Korean, I though “Great! I can learn how to cook some Korean food for my friends and family!” And here is what i have learned from her: Put garlic or soy sauce in your food and you will make it Korean. What is that???? I didn’t know I could cook Korean food so well!! And something else, who’s bright idea was it to give the Neely’s a TV show? It is absolutely DISGUSTING to watch!! They can’t even cook! I can’t watch that show for 5 minutes wwithout changing the channel and wanting to scream! Ok going back to FN star. Why haven’t the judges told Michael anything about his fear of the camera? I mean sure Aaron from “Big Daddy’s House” had the same problem last year, but I don’t recall Aaron saying “When I think about the cameras, I think about the depths of hell.” I mean does this guy know he’s auditioning for a TV SHOW?? Helloooooooo wake up and smell the coffee Michael! You may not be afraid of the camera, but apparently that doesn’t stop you from posting videos on youtube! Ok Melissa. Just 2 words. LOVE HER!!! I really hope she wins! She is an inspiration to me!! I really like Jamika too, but she sometimes shuts down and I don’t feel comfortable watching her crash and burn. But just so she gains coffidence, YOUR AWESOME JAMIKA! KEEP ON PUSHING FORWARD!!! Brett. Didn’t really like him before he threw Melissa under the buss, didn’t really like after. I’m glad he went home early. Eddy. He reminds me of a rambling babbling cartoon. Well not really a cartoon because he has no personality, but you get the idea. Teddie. I really wish he would calm his voice down. I feel like I’m watching an infomorcial! It is down right ANNOYING! Katie. She is shoving health food down my throat. I love her, and I would like someone on FN to teach me about healthy cooking, but i really really REALLY wish that she would cook with health food, but not overwhlem me with it. Her eyes bug me too, I wish she wouldn’t open them so wide. Jeffery. I ADORE JEFFERY!!!!! He’s calm, he’s fun to watch, and I would watch his show along with Melissa, Jamika, and Katie. Jen. HUUUUUUGE mistake sending Jen home! In my opinion, either Debbie or Eddy should have gone home. The judges are digustingly biased. They only keep Debbie because she’s korean! BLAAH! Well, that being said. Sorry if I typed alot. I just HAD to let it all out!!!
Oh and something else. I don’t agree with giving Adam a show. “Will Work For Food.” Sounds like he is a starving child and I don’t appreciate the way his eyes bug out either
Maybe it’s just me, maybe it was the way the segment was edited… Tyler came across so poorly! The contestants approach him and his greeting is “Settle down.” I didn’t notice enough excitement to warrant that. And during the tapings, I know he was trying to get them to focus on the task, but he seemed like he was participating in this show by force. He was not remotely charming, and was not the Tyler I’ve seen on his own show. Maybe it’s like the How to Boil Water - he doesn’t like to share the spotlight. I’ve never met him, but I was very disappointed in his appearance on TNFNS. Meanwhile Bobby Flay - who’s all over the network and working like crazy, stays charming and helpful. He offers criticism that comes across as wanting to help them improve, not tear them down. Tyler should take notes.