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.
Ina was fantastic, very classy and had helpful comments on the food/contestants.
Debbie railroaded Teddy, and he unfortunately played right into her trap. He should have asserted himself more with her, though I'm sure she still would have found a way to pretend to be on the verge of tears and opine about his supposed lack of integrity come elimination time.
Katie is soo boring and can't slide under the radar for much longer. I don't know why FN simply does not market Ellie Krieger more aggressively… she is far more engaging with her healthy/organic POV.
Jeffrey and Jamika are still my faves. It was unfortunate to see Michael so scattered.
Debbie is setting traps at every turn. How could Teddy be blamed for store bought pudding? She is a vulture. But, I do believe the judges think that is a wonderful quality.
I agreed with Susie. I voted Eddie being eliminated because I do not disagree with that decision, but I would have been fine with either. They both had attitude problems that I have no interest or time to watch. I'd watch the Jerry Springer show if I were interested in that kind of nonsense.
Teddy was reprehensible, in his lying, although I found it an interesting bit of karma that it was Debbie who found herself on the other end of the same thing she did the first week. No matter, she seems to be learning. I still have no idea what is appealing about Teddy. At least he seemed genuinely remorseful…maybe.
Eddie would have thrown someone under the bus given enough time. He was the textbook picture of a disrespectful kid that thinks he can do everything better than other folks who have actually had time to earn a living. He had a snotty look on his face even the whole time the judges were talking that my mother in law would have smacked off his face.
Melissa is very sweet, and handled things well. She didn't break down this week. There was a little more of the strong mom in her.
I love Jeff. I do want to know him more, but I am definitely willing to wait because watching him is like meditating. He is so calm.
I also love Michael and Jamika! Michael is just hilarious, Jamika is interesting. And for sure, I would be able to get great time-saving and money-saving tips from Melissa.
While she has to work on her food appeal, I still like Katie. She's very sweet, and I think that with a little imagination, she could really help lots of people with healthy tips. It's really hard to stop giving advice like she does when that's what she does for a living. It's especially hard in the health professions, because you deal all day every day with people who are there because they don't listen to health advice.
While I personally wished both could have been let go last night, I find Melissa to be as annoying as Kelsey was last year….TOO MUCH….when Ina said Melissa "glowed in the dark" she wasn't kidding…..Melissa is WIRED over the top!
I find it somehwat bizarre that no one has mentioned thhat Eddie intentionally tried to help every candidate with their holiday assignment. He gave Melissa Mother's Day to try to help her. In terms of likability, you have to pick him over Teddy, which is why Teddy should have gone.
Is it just me or is Jeffrey a natural? He just seems like he belongs on TV talking about food. His show, what other than "Cooking without Borders"?
I half expected the judges to shake things up like you did last year in the elimination process. You saved all three going into the finale, and last night I was hoping you would eliminate both. They both deserved to go for the reasons you stated.
Bob: I agree with you 100 percent.
Just wondering: Why couldn’t you kick off both Eddie and Teddy? Both left a bad smell after the last episode? I realize you probably have a commitment to film a certain number of episodes, but sometimes you have to break from routine and improvise. I hate the fact that Teddy still thinks he has a chance. How much more destruction will he be allowed to inflict?
BTW, lucky you! Even my teenage son wants to have lunch with Ina!
Bob, I agree with you wholeheartedly! While I understand Bobby’s point about Eddie being static, Teddy’s display was so reprehensible that in my mind it topped all else–even a poorly executed recipe from Paula.
It could have been so easy. He should have xplained that that wasn’t the desert he intended to put out. He had issues with time management and wound up investing most of the hour on the fabulous meatloaf. That way he could have identified himself with the winning maincourse without LYING boldfacedly. But as we all saw he opted for the least honourable route… the inconceivable route. This far outstrips anything the much maligned Debbie did in week one. Teddy’s intent was ugly ugly ugly. On top of that he is yet to find his groove on camera. I expected that Ms. Antioxidant would be next to go but I hope it’s him instead.
I was having a debate with a friend last night about the role Debbie may or may not have played in saddling Teddy with the store bought ingredients, a third class dessert idea and a course that is not his strength. Look, Debbie may be pushy but it was up to Teddy to negotiate like everybody else during the meal planning stage. He showed weakness of character on this challenge fom beginning to end.
The clear front runners are Jeff, Jamika, Michael and, suprise surprise, homecook Melissa. But this season is shaping up to be far more thn a cooking competition. It is a cautionary tale against dishonesty, male chauvinism and arrogance. Love it!!!!
I wished both Eddy and Teddy could have been given the boot. They both have serious flaws in the personality department. Melissa seems like she could be last season’s Kelsey’s mother. She’s so over the top in her enthusiasm, it feels forced. In addition, her style of cooking is very old fashioned, matronly.
Katie is dull and dumb, period. My faves are: Jeff, Debby & Jamika. I’m on the fence with Michael.
I think you make an excellent point Bob about Eddie. My vote was for Teddy to go this week, but I was equally satisfied seeing Eddie go. I definitely did not appreciate his treatment of Melissa, especially since he thinks that he is better at what they all do than Melissa. I like to cook too, but that doesn’t make me think I can be on the Food Network with no culinary experience besides my own kitchen.
However, Teddy has proven that he can not be held accountable for his own mistakes. I don’t like his attitude when he is on camera. He seems to me like the polar opposite of Brett who couldn’t even speak intelligently on camera. Teddy simply talks too much and reminds me of a used car salesman in my area.
I also LOVED that it was a challenge featuring Ina Garten. I love to watch her shows not only because of the food but her personality is simply glowing. She is the epitome of what you tell the contestants to be– genuine and authentic.
Just pathetic!
I agree with those who think that character trumps cooking in selecting who continues.
Debbie: A personable, charming liar is still a liar. however, she does not forfeit her right to compalin of mistreatment.
Teddy: He tried to thwart two contestents. Who could possibly want to watch him now? I agree that his tears seemed crocodile.
Eddie: Good riddance, but he should have gonne after some otheres were already eliminated. Last year the judges changed the rules so that Aaron could advance and they asserted that right. Bob, why didn't you change the rules so you could eliminate both Teddy and Eddie.
Michael: He seems silly to no particular purpose.
Katie: She actually seems to be trying to adopt the suggestions she has been given. however, her food has no special interest for me.
Jeff: He seems like a nice giy and a good cook. I would need to see more adventurous dishes from him to want to watch a show. Incidentally, althoug severl people have criticized Melissa for mentioning her children repeatedly, only the judges have complained about Jeff mentioning his daughter repeatedly.
Jamika: Seems okay to me. I need to see more. Food knowledge could be a problem though
Melissa: I have no problem with her so far either. Need to see more.
So, Bob, can you reassure us that the winner was not already selected by this point in the "contest."
Fred
Too bad you couldn’t have done a 2for by eliminating both Eddie and Teddy. There were strong reasons for both to go. I don’t particularly care for Debbi but Teddy sure did an quick turn-about on her by claiming the meat dish and saying the dessert was her’s. He just plain lied to everyone and it was obvious what he had done.
Eddie was just as bad in his treatment of Melissa. It was good to hear that Melissa cooked much better than Eddie. She can go far if she just calms down a bit.
I still don’t like Michael. He drives me nuts when he is on screen. There are enough over-the-top baboons on FN without adding him.
Jamika comes across very nice but to be honest, I am not into the style of food she cooks.
My favorite is Jeffery. He has class and an ease about him that I enjoy. I don’t care how many times he says that he fixes crepes with his daughters. I hope he goes all the way. I could very easily sit back and watch him. I can’t say the same for all the other competitors.
Bob, you've gotta be bored with this process. None of these FNS contestants are bringing anything new. All of them are just wanna be clones of Bobby, Tyler, Rachel, Giada, etc. desperately grabbing at some "culinary point of view" for your benefit. This show has run it's course. What would be cool is a show about an everyday joe with no "chops". It would be fun to watch someone (not an idiot) "learn" some new culinary tricks every week. It'd be so refreshing to watch someone else screw up $100 worth of ingredients and have nothing to show for it!! It happens to everyone except FN hosts….hmmm?
I do agree that Eddie didn’t seem to have the skills, but I cannot rationalize forgiving Teddy either. A lie is a lie, but since evidently “integrity” means something different to the judges, and we let Debbie get away with her lies and evasions, I guess we simply keep them both.
My God Bob this is supposed to be reality TV, Not reality. We’ve seen lying, betrayal, and plagiarism. Not to mention stupidity (Eddy admitting he stole from Paula) and whining like a child when caught lying (Teddy). I want to watch a program about people participating in a cooking competition not get a lesson in the decaying moral values. Come on – bring back folks slipping and falling on the butts or performing silly songs and dances. I need a laugh now and then, I already know how sick it is in the real world.
Great comments Bob and I agree with most of what you are saying. It was a great pleasure to see Ina as well and happy to hear that she is the real deal. The “drama” and soap opera antics are a bit surprising and it takes away from the talents the contestants are trying to display. Final comment – Tyler Florence – I was really put off by his persona last night. I love to watch Tyler and he is one of my favorite chefs, however, whether purposeful or not he came across as arrogant and egotistic. I was so disappointed. p.s. I have learned so much from your shows and my family has benefited from my learning by eating healthier and with fresh foods. So I thank you for what you bring to the public!
My first preference would have been to dismiss them both, but barring that I agree that Teddy was the one who should’ve gone. Teddy has far too much expertise in bus throwing for me ever to watch him. An amateur bus thrower would have just blamed Debbie’s ingredients, but Teddy actually tried to hijack the meat loaf. Creepy. Teddy’s crying didn’t move me either – seemed just like crocodile tears.
FWIW – Debbie can be blamed for the pudding, but it’s all Teddy’s fault that he didn’t have enough time to put on the pine nuts. Also Debbie has learned not to do semi-homemade and said she had a plan to massage the pudding to higher level. I think she would have done that.
I’m also disturbed by the Melissa bashing. If Eddie had really been paying attention he would have seen how fast she chopped and picked up a few tips.
On the other hand, I think Melissa may be doing herself a disservice by pretending to be a simple housewife. She is a housewife, but one with some culinary training (since she was a in-house chef) and that is something to be proud of. Not all chefs can transition from the professional to the domestic world.
Again found out this epidsode very boring – should have sent 2 home but then Debbie says something like “integrity and honesty” on the part of someone else. She has a very short memory. Why don’t you just tell us who “won” this “comedy of cooks”. I can’t remember when I have seen so many “disgusted looking” judges. You picked em, enjoy, enjoy. I was and am hoping someone, something would bring some good entertainment and knowledge to the show again. Whoever wins this “standup” comedy will not change what the FN needs to change. Hope you are listening to your audience.
My wife and I love the show. So does my 5-year-old daughter. We’ve been following since season 2 and never miss an episode. Just wanted to thank you guys for doing a bang up job each season.
I find it funny that you would get comments that people don’t care for the way your “stars” dish out critiques. What exactly are they supposed to say if the food is bland?
Also, both should have been shown the exit door last night. Teddy has as much a chance of winning the show as I do.
Keep up the good work.
I think Jeffery is the stand out so far, he seems to be able to handle himself on camera and comes across like he knows what hes doing. I thought Teddy and Eddie should have both been let go for their behavior.
I also felt both should have been eliminated. I also don’t understand why contestants feel they have to trash talk the others. This may spice up other reality shows but I don’t want to watch someone who’s petty and mean. I’m glad you show who they are. I was so disturbed by Teddy’s behavior that I may have to watch it again to see if he’s really that delusional.
Good Morning Bob, First things first…Ina rocks. I fully believe what you see on camera with Ina is what you get in real life! She is so warm, gracious, elegant….a real class act. It was great having her on the show last night.
I was with Bobby & Susie in voting off Eddie (Eddie’s eye roll was too much to take). Although both Eddie & Teddy could have went in my book, but I decided because at least Teddy had the cooking chops (well, except for that dessert) he should stay. So good choice last night. Let’s face it they all will go but one, & Teddy has no chance at this point in going all the way. I’m guessing the final 3 will be Jeffrey, Debbie and the 3rd a toss up between Jamika and Melissa.
I must say though, out of all the thousands of applicants, there would have been better choices than most of the line up this year.
One more thing……why does the dessert not get any respect, it’s the last impression the judges have, so I’m miffed by this.
Thanks for listening!
I would agree with most of what has been said. Too bad both of those wanna-be’s did not get the boot. They soon will, but that allows Mrs. Antioxident one or two more weeks. Most of us do not live like that so any show she would do, would most likely fail.
I for the life of me can not understand why every one loves home mom. She may be just perfect for where she lives, but she is a mess in a comercial kitchen. In team pairings, she will bring her team mate down and make them look bad. How in the world can you cook a chicken breast and it have no flavor. She is no chef and hopefully no Food Network Star.
Great job however, on this weeks episode. Ina Garten is pure class. Her guest were what I would say are real food experts, and their comments were insightfull, meaningfull and appreciated. I felt like I could tell from their comments just who the real chefs are which should be 60% of the equasion for winning this competition.
Way to much darkside underhanding and mal-content that in past NFS programs did not have. It is getting tuffer to watch a whole hour of that.
I
Bob , you judges have your hands full this season. These people are behaving like bickering teenagers. I should know; I teach them. I think you made the right call– Eddie had to go.
I sort of understand how Teddy might have felt, having mismanaged his time in the kitchen, but he should said so. Instead, he took the low road and tried to pull some under-handed Survivor trickery. I watch this show because of the interesting competitions and cooking on the fly, not because of the deception, manipulation and fighting. Please don’t let it sink to the level of other reality shows.
It’s really too bad Teddy didn’t assert himself with Debbie. He could have done the meatloaf and Debbie would have had to claim part responsibility for store-bought vanilla pudding and cake. Didn’t she try that in Ep 1? I really don’t like this woman.
Bob,
First of all, I love the show, could not wait for this season to begin…. Second, I love how you choose a variety of backgrounds in these folk.
The show has changed over the years, (I have watched all seasons), and it seems the need to stress these people and put them sometimes in impromptu situations causes "regular" folks to do and say "stupidity". I know it is better to clear the playing field with people who can stand on their own and overcome pressure, but it just seems like this is being done at a much faster pace than usual..
Character and integrity are essential for any FN show host, also the ability to get along, respect and play well with others is an absolute… who of this host of characters has the chops to do that???
Now for the contestants.. even though the "food" is the star of the show, presence and some culinary skill come into play, I love listening to people who are "natural and themselves", I have learned from everyone, something… that I have taken to my kitchen… if they are real..
Teddy- food appears great but integrity in the toilet
Katie- I agree with you I don't want nutrition shoved done my throat, besides (you already have Ellie)
Michael- has the culinary skills but would bore and exhaust me before a show is over
Debbie-I know Asian is missing on FN, but she is not the one to bring that forward…too much "flying under the radar"
Melissa-a true to herself cook, home, kids, juggling, a real possibility here.
Jamika-has culinary as well as a pleasant presentation, has "a point of view"..
Jeffrey-has serious culinary chops, presents well and is also helpful to others (note how he tried to help his teammate Michael when he was having a bad day)
Who would I watch ANY OF THE BOTTOM THREE!!!!!
All "3" show character, integrity, a willingness to play and work well with others and would enhance the Food Network's already talented and generous stars…
Only my opinion… you folks are the judges… you see more than we do….
Hey Bob: It was a toss up for me too, as to whether Eddie or Teddy stay and continue to the next week. I was very disturbed by Teddy’s behavior toward Debbie and felt that was completely unfounded. I guess we will see what happens next week. Ina was such a nice hostess.. as always.. Lover her!
I love the judges they’re feedback and honesty help you see who is FN material! Jeffrey and Jamika stand out the most, I could so cuddle up to my honey on a Sunday to watch them! And I know so many people don’t like Debbie but I like her recipes, she can Cook! I like Melissa enthusiasm, and Michael’s humor when he is being himself! Teddy JUST GO HOME! I cant trust you as an FN Star, as a 13 year fan I just can’t do it he is not FN material, you can’t even trust him! and Katie you don’t convince me to eat healthy Bob’s right you make us run to the opposite direction-pork sausage! lol! oh yeah THANK GOD eddie is GONE! Bobby Love you for putting that kid in his place, acting like he was something in the kitchen, and worst Disrespecting the queen Paula! , aww Glad he is GONE!
It’s obvious that the entire program, except (hopefully) the finals has already been taped. God and the panel only knows who the last three are going to be, but I’ll bet Debbie will be one of them. So, the uproar about Eddie and Teddy (to me they’re interchangeable) is not really even all that important to the outcome of the contest. They’re both gone, along with Katie, probably Michael and Melissa. I’ve always thought that shows that have audience voting are kind of popularity contests, but Dancing With The Stars, etc., don’t really involve a viewing audience after the show ends. This contest will result in the viewing public voting each week on whether a chef is worth watching. The panel is obviously knowledgeable about cooking and producing shows, but imo, they have their own level of expectation that is not reality for most of the audience. Most of us are wanting to be taught things we don’t know about cooking. We want great ideas for new recipes. We want someone who is more like us. That’s why Melissa is such a surprise, once she calms down and stops acting like she has ADHD. When Ina complimented her screen persona, that was huge, especially if the panel has so much respect for her opinion. Melissa’s recipes are attainable for most of us, because she’s a “home cook, ” not a professional chef already. The Next FN Star would be a lot better and probably more efficient if it were more dependent on audience voting from week to week. Of course, Bob, Susie and Bob would have to give up some of their control. It’s too bad that they are not better actors. Even the facial expressions they exhibit tell us who they liked from the get go. They have niches to fill and those contestants will be given more slack. On Susie’s “dish” she stated that threatening not to watch FN if certain contestants moved on, would do no good, because the show has already been taped. This formulation shows a lack of respect for any future audience. The panel obviously thinks that they need to just dictate what we should like, according to “their” taste (no pun intended), because “they” have the expertise and sophistication that we lack. So, any opinions that we might express on this “forum” are really a waste of our time, if we expect them to listen to us and change anything for this season. It’s pretty much already done, complete with the Big Brother type lying and intrigue, which has gotten completely out of hand. Debbie was allowed to “set up” her partner and then point the “integrity” gun at someone else. The attempt to turn the negative attention to someone else worked very well with the panel. I don’t think they even consider that there are real people with good brains out here, who see right through it, but that’s the danger in taping the entire show first.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Bob. It sheds some real light on the show, and the decision process.
I’ve been routing for Eddie to be dropped every week now, and from that standpoint, was happy to see him finally go. He had an arrogance that I found especially unappealing, and his treatment of Melissa, who was just trying to get along with a difficult teammate, was unconscionable. I really was pleased to see him go.
However, I found Teddy’s behavior equally appalling, especially after the debacle with Melissa the week before, although to Teddy’s credit, he refused to be drawn any further into Brett’s scheme than making it obvious he agreed with Brett about Melissa. Still, his problems in Ina’s challenge were his fault due to lousy time management skills, and simply forgetting about his responsibility for making the dessert. To try and blame them on Debbie, and take credit for her work was simply unacceptable. You could have eliminated two this week, and given everyone a pass next week, and I don’t think anyone would have minded. At this point, a lot of us are rooting for him to fail.
One word about Debbie, I don’t really understand the dislike of her, either. I didn’t see her actions in the first episode as being so egregious. To me, she came across as having had a problem, having solved it, although in a somewhat careless way, and having gotten past it and put it out of her mind. Unlike Teddy, she actually took accountability for her actions. And I find her delightful on camera.
Looking forward to see what happens next.
Teddy should have been sent home for lying and trying to make Debbie look bad. The videotapes prove it. It was pathetic that as soon as one of the judges said the meatloaf was great, he claimed it was all his, when Debbie made the seasoning and the sauce, then he said the dessert was the collaboration. He should have left out the pudding and just used the cream, cooked the strawberries with some sugar, toasted the pine nuts and made parfaits.
I think Teddy and Eddie should have BOTH been sent home. Eddie stealing a recipe from Paula Deen and Teddy for throwing Debbie under the bus, wait, Debbie did that and she got to stay! Debbie’s attitude last night was upsetting to see when she holding Teddy accountable for his actions, but she did the same thing on the FIRST EPISODE! You watch closely and when Debbie’s name is mentioned their faces light up like Christmas trees! I don’t what they see in her. I thought Ina Garten was right on with Melissa and the selection committee and others were like “she is way too over the top”. Have they seen 30 Minute Meals? It is very obvious who the selection committee wants and Bob wonders why they can’t find contestants for this competition.
My picks are Jeffrey and Jamika…I think they both could represent Food Network well.
Next week looks to be interesting with Debbie falling….wonder what happens.
Brian from St. Joseph, MO
I love Ina Garten and was thrilled that she was on last night! I wish we could have seen more of her and her beautiful new barn.
I could not believe Teddy was left standing at the end…WHY?
I absolutely agree with you on Teddy being sent home, he reminds me of a spoiled child who did not get his way. My six year old grandson has better manners then he does. Unfortunately, Bobby and Suzie did not think that way. Debbie is not perfect, as was shown in the first episode, but she really did try to work with him to make a good impression on the judges and Ina’s guests. I believe he has the cooking skills needed, but as a person he needs a make over. As for Eddie and Melissa, Eddie needs to grow up. I would have never behaved like he did in my grandmother’s kitchen where I learned to cook basics. I can identify with Melissa, being a mother and trying to find good tasting nutritional food on a budget. It is more difficult than one thinks to feed a family with flair. She was cooking her heart out with no support from her team mate. As a member of the military, Air Force Reserve, I know how important teamwork is with any project. That sucked.
I am delighted that Ina Garten decided to guest host this year, I love her shows and several of her recipies are staples in my kitchen. I look to her when I want to serve something special to my family and friends. Thanks again for including her in your line up. She is great.
Teddy or Eddy, I have to agree with you Bob, Teddy would be gone and Eddy should be packed and ready to go. Oh well – Teddy shouldn’t make any long term plans IMHO. He should be the next to go.
My best guesses – finalsts are Debby, Jeffery and Jamika.
At the start of the NFNS series audiences voted between the last two finalists. I suspect that the policy was eventually changed because most of the winners from those early episodes did not work out. I trust the expertise of the panel in terms of identifying talent, niche and ability to work with the FN team. And really, as a couple people pointed out, the order in which the weakest finalists exit is moot. Ultimately we all know who the strongets sontenders are and I’m confident that they will make it to the end.
I’ve been enjoying watching the show so far, but I think that the contestants this time lack the personality shown in the last few seasons. Hopefully they get some more energy. Michael is the only one I think is “different” and he seems to fit more on “The Fashion Show” or some other reality show than this one.
I find it interesting that you harkened back to the angel food cake debacle of Episone One since both that and the premade vanilla pudding in this episode were Debbie’s ideas. It will be interesting to see if she continues to cop out with store-made goods or if she tries something fresh. While Eddie’s lying about the meatloaf is unconscionable (did he not learn anything about the way Debbie was called out for lying, again in Episode One? Frankly, I hope they both go before the finals) I would have given him props if he’d pointed out the nasty pudding was all Debbie’s plan. Serve her right, no pun intended, for being known as the cause of two nasty desserts that should not have been served.
I agree about Teddy going home. It’s not just the painted-on eyebrows, but his attitude of “I am a sous-chef, I have training, I am better than anybody.” The food he has produced, while I can’t taste it, seems to have been very amateurish and not at all what one would expect of someone with his background. He could talk, but he couldn’t walk. While I’m a bit more sanguine about him borrowing a recipe from someone, he needs to learn that if you do that, you have to do it right (don’t mess up the flavour profile), and you have to make it your own. So many dishes start out with someone’s recipe and then get tweaked, I think his real failure was bad food, not borrowing. If the salad had been tasty, nobody would have asked from where he received the inspiration.
hello Bob, first of all, all the comments are bias. Teddy did not do melissa anything at all (and for your info i am a stay at home mom and i discussed this with other moms before posting). Debbie is a faker, user, and liar–get rid of her AND by the way i am an ASIAN woman whose last name is also LEE. Debbie is a disgrace to asain women. She is a user who tricked Teddy who is to quiet and sensitive. This is for Teddy step up as a MAN dont let any woman fool you and use you. This is for the JUDGES i am watching you all carefully last year you were ALL unfair using ethnicity and being bias towards ADAM
Both Eddie and Teddy should have been sent home. Teddy has to go next week. It should be clear to FN that anyone who watching NFNS is not going to watch a show starring Teddy. If by some chance he were to win his show would be “Teddy takes Credit” Each week he would have on a differant FN Star. He would then spend the entire show explaining how he made them what they are today.
Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? Are you effin’ kidding me? You kept Teddy over Eddie after he lied thru his teeth? I’m no fan of Eddie. For the first few episodes all I’ve wanted to do is take a lawn mower to his faux-hawk and sculpted eyebrows. But his sins pale in comparison to Teddy’s. At the very least, they both should have been dumped.
Other comments on the episode. Ina, Ina, Ina. She looked great and was as gracious as ever. A true class act. Although I love his recipes, Tyler came off as an a-hole. (I have always suspected as much.) He needs to amp down on the caffeine, especially on his show. He’s always rushing and out of breath and it makes me tense. And on last night’s episode he was a complete jerk. First thing out of his mouth as the contestants entered the super market – “calm down everyone”. Excuse me? Sorry Tyler, but I didn’t see anyone mobbing you or acting all fanboy or fangirl. Did you imagine in your head that they were all ready to pass out from the excitement of seeing you? Legend in your own mind, I suspect. One more FN “star” who had his show handed to him and now makes a mission of condescending to all newcomers. Jerk!
I’ll say it again. Although this show is supposed to be open to all potential contestants with a passion for food, I think it discriminates strongly against those who did not graduate from culinary school. The comments from the judges about those from non-traditional backgrounds make me furious. If you’re going to crucify and make fun of people who didn’t graduate from culinary school, why make them contestants in the first place??? Your current TV lineup is full of people from non-traditional backgrounds.
The latest example of this is Katie. She’s been villified for being the healthy anti-oxidant champion. In the first two episodes, I thought she needed to dial that way back and focus on the food and said so. On last night’s episode, I though she showed a lot of progress. She did dial it way back. During her presentation, she mentioned nothing about health until the end, when she pointed out that chicken sausage was a lower fat alternative to pork sausage. That was it. She didn’t lecture. She took everyone’s advice and dialed it back and still got drawn and quartered by the judges for mentioning the fact that chicken was healthier than pork sausages, at the very end of her presentation. Quite unfairly, I don’t think she’s ever going to live down her healthy gal image. The judges won’t let her. She’s been permanently pigeon-holed.
Save your crocodile tears, Teddy. You’re going to need them when you are sent packing.
Bob should take Teddy out to the woodshed and give him 10 swats. Teddy’s behavior was ungentlemanly and showed no respect for team spirit and sportsmanship.
I have huge respect for The FoodNetwork but I am shocked that Susie & Bobby did not take Teddy off last night. If he wins he contest which I believe and hope he does not, I will not and my family will not watch any shows he is in. I can not trust anything he does when he threw Debbie under the bus.
Everyone is saying Teddy. First of all it was stupid really stupid putting them to cook together, this is a competition,is FN trying something new. Teddy never did melissa anything from what i saw in the episodes(taped and watch over). Debbie fooled him silly. why are not people seeing it?. last night everyone made comments about Teddy outburst, debbie used him b
You didn’t seem to notice that the dessert was Debbie’s idea – just like the awful angel food cake the week before. Teddy didn’t behave well but it was clear Debbie was out to get HIM by her comments during the show. He praised her meatloaf sauce, she constantly put him down. Teddy may not be “Star” material but Debbie is so unlikeable I’d never watch a show of hers.
ughhhh i really feel that BOTH Teddy and Eddie should have been eliminated. Its probably no surprise who’s going to be eliminated next week.
First, I love the Food Network and this show. That said, I am disappointed to see that time and time again the Network choses cooking talent over ethics. Cooking talent is important — it is a network all about food — I get that. But if one does not have ethics — does and should talent in anything else matter? I think that is how we got ourselves into this recession — talent and enthusiasm was more important than ethics. You would have thought we would have all learned our lessons by now.
I agree Eddie is unimpressed and should be an early departure but what he was lacking was cooking talent — that can be learned. What Teddy is lacking — character — is too late to teach.
I wonder if Teddy was kept to keep everyone on edge and add some drama to the show — frankly — I don’t think that is necessary — the drama is already there with ethical people remaining.
After the Robert Irvine Issue and the Josh Garcia issue where the network clearly failed to vet the backgrounds of their stars or contestants, you would have thought your associates would have place more emphasis on character — and less on the obvious cooking skills.
Oh well, keep plugging and by the way — I hope Jamika and Jeffery wind up as the last two and I hope Jamika makes it in the end because you don’t have a Jamika type personality and you have several Jeffery’s — nice, warm, personable guys who can cook. Jamika is different — you need different.
Thanks again Bob!! I love the show and love reading your blog…
When Teddy first said he felt like the meatloaf was his dish… I thought he simply mis-spoke, and meant that he put his best effort into the meatloaf and (oops) neglected the dessert. I seemed to be mistaken! I don’t think Teddy has what it takes to be a star on your network, whether or not he can improve his performance in this competition.
Katie sems not to be a “foodie” at all… she is a “healthie”. Her venue would be better excuted, perhaps, on the discovery health network. Her message is “here is some healthFUL food that also might taste good to you”. I’m not sure she has any real place on the Food Network.
Contrast her with Elie Kreiger for a moment: Even though I am idealogically opposed to the low-fat-based nutrition, I find Elie to be entertaining and fun to watch. She is very energetic and sparkly, and yet she has a natural calmness that is very appealing. She seems to genuinely love food, and all types of foods.
She is also extrememly kind on those shows where she helps people with weight problems. I have never seen her treat an overweight person like they should be ashamed of their weight, she only tries to help them make better food and lifestyle choices. I really like her spirit. I can learn something about the ingredients from Elie – which is actually similar to what Katie is trying to do, I think, but executed more eloquently – and I can even eat a few of her fresh, whole food-based dishes without blowing my blood sugar too high.
Anyway, Katie has to go before the end.
Please, please, please – Get rid of Katie. Who cares about all her medical and health info? Force her to cook with BUTTER. Who cares! This season so far is getting off to a boring start. Personally I don’t think I would watch any of these people if they had a show.
Getting rid of Eddie, big mistake.
you should have gotten rid of them both. I find it interesting that it’s the guys that are complaining about Mellisa.. And yet, they are the ones that had to help her in the first two competitions. The girls says she should be respected and yet you never see the girls assisting her..
that being said. I like Melissa better than several of the other cooks/chefs.
My favorite is still Jeffrey. He is so comfortable in front of the camera and gracefully accepted critiques of his soup not having enough heat (which he knew and tried to correct) and the comment about telling the same story. In the peek at the next show, when he made the comment that he wasn’t sure if he would continue, I thought “Oh no!” He is probably the only one I would truly watch each week. Michael would have to tone down but then he wouldn’t be true to himself so… I wouldn’t watch. Jamika does also shine on camera, so maybe I would watch her show. I am uncertain about a Melissa show (poor woman is in tears each show), wouldn’t watch a Debbie show (can’t say why, she just makes me uncomfortable and I have put the angel food cake behind) , Katie would do fine on an educational show but the poor girl seems so uncomfortable, Eddie seemed too sure of himself from the start, and Teddy, what happened to Teddy? He is nothing like he was during his Throwdown. Is he trying too hard?
Again, Jeffrey’s food and personality made me pay attention where the others did not.
Teddy really got a bad edit on this one. He clearly was just trying to say he felt the meatloaf represented him better than the dessert did. He wasn’t saying Debbie didn’t do the sauce, just that he put his time, skill and heart into the main course and not the dessert. The poor guy got flustered and it came out wrong.
The fact that he was immediately repentant ought to count for more. Haven’t you ever said the wrong thing at the wrong moment? Are we all so far above that we can’t forgive, and give an obviously-talented chef a chance to redeem himself?
Those who know Teddy personally know there is nothing mean-spirited or underhanded about him. He is a warm, kind-hearted, funny and charming young man, and if he had his own show instead of this pretentious, edited-for-drama, dime-a-dozen mock-competition, I have no doubt that the best in him would come through and people would tune in, in droves.
But the bottom line is…he’s in it another week. Let’s try to keep an open mind and not rule him out yet, okay? He doesn’t deserve that.