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.
I’m glad to see Teddy gone. Sorry Jeffry didn’t do better this week, but he is still fun to watch.
I would like to add a comment about the perceived homophobia directed at Michael. I don’t like him, I don’t like his ‘in your face’ behaviour. He isn’t the first personality on FN who is gay, but he is the one who is offensive about it. I would be just as offended by overtly sexual bahaviour that was as obviously hetero. I’m watching a cooking show, not a gay show or a sexual orientation show. I am not watching to see a chef make passes at or make sexual comments about another chef, regardless of whether it is homosexual or heterosexual. I am just not interested is watching a show that makes a big deal about ANYone’s sexuality whether it is hetro or homo. Thanks for allowing me to comment.
I agree completely with Linda’s comment re: Michael. He is completely off-putting to me. So he’s gay, that is great for him. More power to him, hooray! I’m fine with watching a gay host, but NOT a gay host who can’t talk for 30 seconds without telling me how gay he is and how happy he is about it. His every action, accent, word-choice, everything about him screams out his gay sexuality. Offensive in him, just as offensive it would be in a hetero host who was constantly and unceasingly sexual.
I agree with many of the comments about the sexual innuendos made on the show. I remember back a few years Alton Brown made one of the contestants “cover” herself up because her sweater was too “low” ( not as low as Giada’s, by the way). This is a food show which I truly enjoy watching, but there should not be a double standard as far as allowing homosexual comments and not heterosexual suggestive comments. Neither one is appropriate. There is a time and a place for everything, and food network is not the place for the sex comments or show.
I agree with these sexual innuendos as well. This Network is supposed to be rated “G”. My goodness what is becoming of FoodNetwork? Althought I enjoy watching Emeril Lagasse but he can imply some serious sexual content.
why is katie still there? love michael; i would definitely tune into a show featuring him just for his personality.
I agree with most posters–Teddy and Eddie are gone and thank goodness. I love Michael and Jeffrey but Melissa is way over the top and just too perky for me. I could never watch a show full of her–she plays too cutesy innocent for me when she is complimented.
I need to get this off my chest…..: Michael give it a break, your not the only gay guy in the world, We’re here to watch a cooking show, not a clown. Debbie, Can you cook anything else? Melessa, lighten up on the tears, I’m not seeing any talent, or anyone that I could believe in. And as far as Bobby Flay, his ego is getting on my nerves. I’m enjoying FLN and the BBC, And PBS, alot more. I even enjoy Gordon Ramsey cusing and cooking, alot more that what I’m seeing coming out of the foodnetwork, However, the boob shots are nice, but not for a cooking show, It cheapens the whole thing. Kinda like standing on your cutting board. The foodnetwork used to be a great place to learn to cook, but it’s just not believable anymore….. Maybe you all should watch bravo and see how they do TOP CHEF.
Just a thought!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think if Michael wants to do “things” with Bobbie Flay he should keep them to himself and not expose it to the camera. I like Michael, I like his personality (usually), but that was over the top and totally not expected on this show or any other food network show. Michael seems like a good cook and a nice guy, but he needs to tone it down. Just my opinion and thanks for letting me voice it. Good luck to Jeffery!
Thank you for canning Teddy. I’m still annoyed with him from last challenge, and it’s clear that he doesn’t trust himself enough to present himself in an honest way. I’m sure he can cook, but we do need more from a Food Network Star.
In terms of Michael, I think he normally channels his flamboyant personality into PG rated territory, but yes that Bobby Flay comment was borderline (although technically “off stage”). We all voted for Dan and Steve in Season 1 who were definitely open…so it’s not a gay thing, but a behavior thing.
I’m surprised at all the Debbie hostility because I do like her, but tastes do differ. This season seems more open to me than a lot, although Melissa seems to be the one taking the most of her opportunities right now. At least the guys will have learned that Melissa DOES have the cooking chops.
To EJP: RIGHT ON regarding Melissa’s cooking abilities! She is so determined to be the NFNS it isn’t even funny anymore – and for that, I say ROCK ON!! Melissa’s caramel-drizzled tart recipe was enough to make my mouth water – now her skirt steak tostada is close enough to make her even more of a NFNS candidate than ever before. I got a real kick out of her reply to tasting each individual chili first before using it – that vividly reminds me of what happened on Iron Chef America once before – Battle Chilis -Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto never used them before so he did the exact same thing Melissa did – and by the time he got to the real hot ones, his mouth was on fire so much he had to “extinguish” the poor critters! I am now looking forward to seeing Melissa go the required distance to the finish line week after week – she was on my top 3-4 finalist list before but now appears to be ready to leap-frog Jeffrey and Jamika to the # 1 spot – we shall soon see.
I just wanted to point out two things. One when Jamica suggested to ruduce the leftover marinade and use it as a sauce Tyler made her look like she had no idea what she was saying and the “Is that before or after you make some one sick” comment was uncalled for and inacurate. I recently watched an episode on Food Network from Alton Browns Good Eats where he did just that, marinated pork chops boiled the marinade and serverd as a sauce. Does Tyler want to tell Alton the same thing? Also you give Katie a hard time about healthy food, Hello obesity is at an all time High in US maybe Food Network could use a show about healthier choices. One of my favorite cooking shows right now is “Cook yourself thin” not might I add a food network show.
ok deb need to learn to use her voice!! you can’t blame mike for hitting her when she tried to sneek by him w/out warning!! then to play it up like she did!! if you were in a real resturant you don’t have time to play it like that!!! hey deb suck it up!!
For me and I’m sure for some other posters, it’s not a homophobia thing. It’s the IN YOUR FACE thing. The winners of the first season of TNFNS were openly gay and I loved watching them. But, they were not so in my face. Wish they were back but understand they’ve chosen to stay home and raise a family.
This year the show just is not as exciting as years before. I think it is because of the “in you face” I am gay, and the remarks about Bobby and others. PLEASE this is a cooking show and I don’t think this type of behavior is suitable AT ALL!. Melissa is just to perky. Right now I don’t anyone is Foodnetwork Star quality and I hope the judges can/will see this!!
I can’t let it go unremarked that Michael is *not* the only finalist to make sexual innuendos on-air (Eddie and Jamika have both wandered into that territory, too), but he is the only one to draw so much board commentary about it. People, you’re playing a double standard here. I have no idea whether Michael can beat Jeffrey and Melissa for the ultimate win (and I think those three are the strongest contenders so far), but I will surely have a good time watching him go for it. Keep being yourself, Michael!
I am not a closed minded person, but I watch TNFNS with my young daughter and now I’m wondering whether I’ll have to preview each episode before she can watch it to make sure it’s appropriate. Michael has just gone too far. I can assure you I would not watch any show of his because his behavior is not what I watch FN for. I would also like to say, this season of TNFNS has been a dissapointment. Melissa is a bright spot. Also, in Katie’s defense, I realize she has served raw food twice that I know of, (I missed the first episode, so I don’t know what happened. If my comment is incorrect, forgive me.) She didn’t serve it as a mistake, she just ran out ot time. So should her culinary skills be questioned or just her time management? Thank you.
Michael’s comment about Bobby Flay was disgusting; so he’s gay, so what. That remark was totally uncalled for. He needs to concentrate on cooking, this is not a gay pick-up show
Wow! Vindication! Even though Eddie should have been gone last week, I was surprised, given that he had a very good dish by Bobby’s standards, that Katie didn’t leave with another unacceptable uncooked meat. Ether one could have gone, Katie is not far behind. She doesn’t WOW you.
Linda coudn’t have said it better about Michael. He’s trying to represent a whole sexual orientation community on a stage about cooking! DON’T CARE! IT’S FOOD!No one else is flaunting which gender they prefer! COOK!
I agree, John, and I often find Michael’s energy to be very positive and rather infectious despite his struggle in dealing with the camera. Also, I usually find his turns of phrase to be very funny, and I really appreciate that Michael has no trouble putting himself out there and being true to that self. Given some of the straight (and gay) people I’ve met who are much more unreserved with their sexuality, for me he doesn’t even begin to lap the shores of “in-your-face” nor obnoxiousness.
In short, let me first say that I respect the opinions of the viewers/commenters here, but in Michael’s defense, I would say “lighten up, folks!”
Just a thought- Why not do an “Extreme Chefs” cooking show. (late night, of course) Michael would be a candidate.
L
I watched the first “next food network star” last season and this one is kind of a disapointment. I used to really like Bobby Flay and now think he is a jerk. Almost like it all went to his head or something. I used to watch his show now I won’t. (thanks to the way he acts on “the next food network star” also Giada’s clothes are WAY to low and I refuse to put her on with my kids in the room, What is happening to food network? With this season it seems like all of them really can’t cook. (not to be mean) and they are all “out to get each other.” I was just kind of shocked to see it happening. Oh just a thought, I cook for 5 kids, and there really needs to be some home cooking. We all don’t want to cook like we are at a 5 star resturant. (JMHO)
Ok so you were overruled – guess now the next food network star – will be….the unethical, throw everyone under the bus – Teddy. If that is the case, I think new judges are needed on the show or this stupid excuse for a reality show needs to go into the dumpster like all the wasted food
When it came down to a choice between Teddy and Katie, while I’m not a fan of Teddy’s, camera personality is something that can be learned, but it’s too late to be learning cooking skills and because of that, I can’t for the life of me understand why Katie didn’t go home. Week after week of truly uimaginative, in several cases even inedible food, and in truth, her personality isn’t that sparkling. She always looks like that proverbial deer on the headlights.
Good heavens, when did everyone watching the food network suddenly become a prude? This isn’t sesame street, it’s an adult reality show, with adult content.
I am so glad Teddy and Eddie are now gone. Neither one of them did anything for me. Eddie lacked cooking chops and Teddy is a no integrity used car salesman.
As for Michael, I too feel he is too overtly GAY and in your face about it. The remark he made about “making out with Bobby” quite frankly embarassed me and was disgusting and inappropriate. Theres a time and a place and national TV isnt the place.
As for the remaining contenders, questionable at best. Dont see any real “Star” quality from any of the others. Debbie is Asian, asian , asian…can she do anything else? Melissa is a home cook but not a very experienced one…has an excuse every time something goes wrong. The one who rams healthy down our throats(cant remember her name….hmmm, maybe that is how she comes across the screen, unmemorable)I have yet to see a single dish that the judges LOVE.
Overall, very disappointing this season…Aaron McCargo is one of the best things to happen to FN. These contestants lack enthusiasm,experience and integrity. Maybe next year will be better
First off—Shockingly, why is Katie still there?!?Why? Is it just me or not only does she sound annoying when all she constantly talks about are “anti-oxidants” in her dishes and supper enriched fiber meals–in reality, no one wants to watch or cook that every single day (mix it up a little). Especially with her personality and evidently her questionable culinary skills. Also, why is it that everytime she’s talking in front of a camera she completely looks like someones flashing her eyes with a flashlight…..Seriously, what will it take for her to finally be kicked off this show?
I really liked Jeffrey, I don’t care if he doesn’t tell us much about his life. The camera loves him, he’s very “Michael Chiarelli” – charming, good looking and a good cook. All of this drama gets really old. And as far as the “boob” shots with Giada, I am tired of them shoving African American shows down our throats. Last year Food Network added several shows, the majority of which were African Americans cooking barbecue. BORING. I like Sunny, but I HATE the Neelys. I don’t care about their marriage, I find her voice absolutely grating. I find the Food Network pandering by their choices.
Kate the cryer needs to go. She’s annoying.
I’m just getting caught up on this season, so I just saw this ep today. I was shocked to see Tyler Florence claim that Jamika’s sauce tip was dangerous. Anyone who can explain how COOKING the marinade is any more dangerous than COOKING the meat, please step up. I wouldn’t want to see it used as a salad dressing, but cooking it is perfectly safe. And I agree with the comment above about Alton Brown. He might not win a cage match, but he clearly knows more about food and food safety than Florence.
In reference to Michael, lighten up. What did he say, “I could kiss Bobby.” He was happy and surprised. And there have been a couple of times in my life where I’ve made similar comments — granted I’m a woman and I’ve told them to a man. We’re all individuals and express ourselves differently. I like him, I also like Melissa, Jeffrey and Jamika. They all have positives and negatives. If you focus on the positives, you’ll be much happier.
Im just glad Eddie and Teddy are gone. I can deal with other other contestants, I dont think they are horrible cooks or anything of that nature, I think that they are unexperienced in some way or another. I really enjoy Jeffery’s personality. I feel very comfortable watching him, he makes me feel relaxed when he is talking. I enjoy the way he describes the ingredients, he makes me want to eat what he cooks. I really enjoy his persona and charismatic personality.I think and hope he has a good shot of winning. I also enjoy Melissa, I think she is a good heart and if she can harness her energy she would be great. Good heart doesn’t necessarily mean that she is amazing in front of a camera but I feel that it shines through and that watching her I feel that she is inherently a good person with a kind heart. I do like Debbie, however does anyone remember the very first episode where she didn’t purchase the correct ingredients for everyone on her team? I was very disappointed in her behavior and her choice in the store bought angel food cake. I do believe she has slightly redeemed herself in my eyes, she obviously did not deserve to be thrown under the bus by Teddy and I really think that his true character was shown and I once again I’m glad he’s gone. Now Michael, I have mixed feeling about. His comment toward Bobby I found to be inappropriate and should have been edited by editing crew at FN. That could have easily been prevented. I do enjoy his enthusiasm about the food and what he’s doing, however I do think he could benefit from toning it down a little and maybe focusing more on the food. Thank you very much! ~Texas Girl
From my scan of the comments, I must be in the minority. I did not find Michael’s comment about making out with Bobby to be upsetting and he does not deserve to be vilified for it. It was the producer’s who decided to air it. I also find his shyness kind of charming. I really like Jeffrey and Melissa. I am tiring also of the “sweet/heat” comments from Jeffrey but acknowledge that was we see is a produced show. I am not bothered at all by rough criticism by any of the “stars”. I am glad they have a part in this series and I like to know that the person who wins has the solid food knowledge as well be engaging. Recipes are plentiful… what I look for on FN is the opportunity to enhance my skills as well as be entertained.
Did anyone know Debbie is Korean. She told us YET again. Of course, the FN doesn’t care!
wow ..there sure are a lot of homophobes on this site..amazing since the person you are preaching to happens to be a gay man you stupid excuses for human beings!!
I am glad Teddy, Eddie and Brett are gone. All were either just plain unethical or just plain bad mannerer and over the top about themselves. Michael, while having an interesting point of culinary view is WAY to over the top about hix homosexuality. I could no more watch a show featuring him than I could watch a gay parade down main street. I don’t care that he is gay, just don’t flaunt it in my face and expect me to like it. Debbie is the inscrutable Oriental. I don’t think she is purposely sabotaging anyone, but weird results happen when she is teamed with others, never to her detriment. Katie tried her best, and I think has the correct vision for healthy dining, but was just the wrong messanger. With a little experience in camera ‘face time’ and time management, she will be excellent.
Melissa, the unschooled, stay and home mom, is the bright spot in the cast of characters, in my view. She is what most FN viewers like and need. Like Rachel Ray, she takes everyday items that we can AFFORD and use and prepares them in new ways,for a family, without a lot of mess created and time wasted. FN is crowded with “Culinary School Graduates” preparing dishes on camera that requires an unlimited budget and hours to prepare. I feel they are preparing the dishes to impress each other and the Food Critic’s Guild of American. I will not waste my time watching these “Stars.”
Give your viewers what they want in need in these tough economic times. A show with a real person preparing everyday food in new and exciting ways while staying on a budget. If this is not Melissa, so be it. But I suggest you find someone to do so or lose viewers to those fulfill this need.
Thanks for the ability to express my views.
Brett was the one who threw Melissa under the bus, not Teddy. His big mistake was with Debbie, Suzi’s favorite by the way.
Guy is the best star that they have found. He is wonderful, down to earth, and just an overall real guy. No pun intended. I voted for the Finley woman, but didn’t like her show.
Wow!
After reading the blogs today, I don’t even have a comment. I can’t believe how “cut throat” people can be. What a shame.
to Dennis – not homophobes, just people with morals. I have no problem with gay people (my best friend is gay – just kidding) – but Michaels behavior is way over the top, even if he was a woman and made the comments he has made, it would make me sick. I am watching food – I don’t need to have a mental picture of Micheal getting it on with Bobby! (poor Bobby!) there’s a time and a place for comments like his and it’s not on the Next Food Network Star!! besides…he is so over the top – it has to be an act, no one can be that “showy” in real life. Sorry – just my opinion.
Debbie and Jamika are my favorites in the competition with Melissa coming in 3rd. Their shows are the ones I would watch. I’d watch Michael’s show too, but probably not with regularity unless he was allowed a show with a real quirky edge. I don’t have a problem with Debbie stating that she’s Korean. She’s not telling the regular viewers over and over, she’s telling each new audience that she is cooking for. And anyone who is of Asian descent or is close friends with someone who is Asian knows that the (not always unspoken) question in the room is “what are you?” I think it is great that she starts with that and then weaves in a story with her food.
As far as Michael’s comment about Bobby Flay, I am not bothered by it. Thought it was funny. That whole “I could so make out with you right now” is a fairly common saying. I’ve heard my students say it, talk show hosts both gay and straight, and heard it on mainstream television. While it may have been inappropriate, I don’t think it’s over the top gay. If I remember correctly, he didn’t say it directly to Bobby and Bobby ain’t the Pope or the President after all.
Jamika is personable and knowledgeable about food. I like that she stood up for Melissa who was having a hard time learning the commercial kitchen. Her food is interesting to me.
So far she is bringing the least amount of drama so I definitely like that.
Melissa is good to watch, I just don’t find her all that interesting. I have no interest in a show geared toward family dining. I watch Food Network – I can feed a family already. Give me something new and different and exciting. I think a lot of the FN shows have dumbed down their message and are mostly geared toward the beginning or the sophomore cook. What I primarily watch now is Good Eats and Chopped. There’s not too much for those of us who have watched FN for the 16 years its been on the air.
I find it interesting that one of the previous posters wanted FN to make sure that Melissa got time to spend with her children so as to help keep her family intact. That same poster did not want the same for Jeffrey who also has children. Do any of the other contestants have kids. Melissa signed up for this show, and one would assume she was conscious enough to examine the pros and the cons. If she wins she will again have to make sacrifices. I don’t think it is the responsibility of the workplace to keep the family unit together. Certainly concessions can be made, but it is the job of the parents to determine if such decisions are beneficial or detrimental to their own families.
I’m fed up with Debbie. She’s such a drama queen about everything! It all has to be about her, poor baby. Also she stated that she was raised Southern, her Mom made fried chicken not Kim Chee, but she proceeds to make all of her dishes with a decidedly Korean bent. I too am a minorit, but prefer to get jobs on my own merit rather than my heritage.
Look some of you need to calm down!We all know that Micheal’s gay and needs to be slapped upside the head! He needs to stop saying such stupid things. Plus, he shouldn’t be on the show if he has such big problems with the camera. Plus you people need to stop saying bad things about Jamika and Melissa. They are good examples for us today. Buy cheap but make a good meal. Jeffrey’s not so bad but he stole Jamika’s thunder on Rachel Ray. And Debbie dont get me started on her! She keeps blabbing about korean, korean, korean! She needs to get a new line!
In this show, Jamika was criticized for her mini challenge tip of reusing a marinade by reducing it down into a dipping sauce. I’m currently watching Giada’s Everyday Italian and she is doing exactly that with chicken drumettes. How is that fair?
Honestly, I don’t think any one of the contestants is a “star”….The ONLY thing I remember about this is episode is Ina Garten. I LOVE her and there will never be a star such as her….
I agree with all of the Michael comments – I really won’t endure 30 minutes of his over the top personality and disgusting comments about how he wants to make out with Bobby Flay. Gross! I am not taking away from the fact that he can cook and he is one of the consistent ones – but his camera presence is terrible. I don’t think he will capture viewers – especially stay at home moms that watch FN with their kids present. I like Jeffrey, Melissa and Jamika – but good luck to all!
Eddie has a lot of nerve calling that mushy slop dessert a “Paula Dean” recipe. Paula would NEVER have presented something or anything like that. NEVER!!!
Im so glad Eddie is gone!!
I totally agree that Eddie had to go after utilizing another chef’s recipes. It should be interesting to see who ends up as the last chef standing in the competition.
I LOVE WATCHING THE NEXT FOOD STAR, BUT THESE ONES NEEDS TO GO HOME, IN MY OPIONING THEY CANT , LOOKS STUPID ON CAMERA.BUT WHAT I REALLY WOOD LIKETO HAPPEN IS SEND ALL THE JUDGES HOME AND GET SOM NEW ONES., SPECIALLY BOBBY FLAY. PEOPLE TALK ABOUT FLAY AS A SAINT, DO NO WRONG, HAS THE BEST HEART, WHERE IS THAT ON THIS SHOW, HIS NOSE IS TO HIGH, HE HAS A ATTITUDE, GET RID OF HIM!!as well as the woman !
What is wrong with Debbie stating that she is Korean? Yes, she’s repeating herself, but each time she is in front of a new audience. Have you noticed that???? I am Italian and proud of it, why shouldn’t she be as proud of her heritage as anyone else? How many times has it been since 30 min meals and Everyday Italian, hear about Rachael Ray & Giada letting us know they are Italian. Or that Paula is from the South, and so on and so forth!
Why is it that Bobby Flay has been losing the Throwdowns so many times. Does he have the right to comment on other peoples cooking knowing this?
Thank you to Tempost. I just read your comment about Debbie. I feel the same way. Although I am Italian, German and French heritage. We live in USA where there is this big melting pot of types of nationalities. Why is it that Debbie can not tell her audiences that she is Korean? Why is it ok for other FN cooks to mention they are Italian every show? Is this an Oxy moron Question?