It was a week of surprises and turnarounds. Jamika and Jeffrey tumble. Debbie gets whacked. Cameras scare Michael. Katie shows some spunk. Melissa shines through. Here’s where my mind is at after this week:
Melissa: Momma Mia! What a week – in both food and camera. In Bobby’s Burger Challenge, Chef Flay was torn between putting her burger and Michael’s on his menu. On the Intrepid Challenge, her Skirt Steak Tostada was my favorite and the crowd’s: richly flavored, tender steak with an expertly sweet/hot/ smoky mango salsa. Impressive. Equally, she finally found the right energy for TV: genuine, bright, and warm. The soldiers loved her. I’m hoping all that mommy mayhem stuff is a thing of the past.
Michael: Cameras and Crowds. They’re different. The crowds love Michael – the soldiers were tickled by his bold, funny personality. The camera – not so much. If he can’t make friends with the lens, this ain’t gonna work. No such issues with food. His culinary talent shines brightly. Bobby, Susie and I have loved feasting on his skillful and creative Asian-influenced dishes. But that makes a restaurant star, not a television star. If he can master the camera, he’s got the personality and the food chops to have a shot.
Jeffrey: The runner stumbles. No doubt Jeffrey is one of the strongest cooks in the crew. Mostly, his dishes have been beautifully executed. In presentations, he’s been Prince Charming. And yet, his Lobster Pot Pie with Blueberry Infusion is among the worst dishes I’ve eaten. The soldiers take on Jeffrey? “Bland.” Just an off week? No one can describe food poetically like Jeffrey. But no one is having a harder time sharing anything personal about himself, his life, his world. Plus there’s a predictable evenness I want him to break out of. It’s what will determine if he’s an outstanding cooking teacher or a true Food Network star.
Jamika: Breakin’ My Heart. So far, she’s been a standout in my book for her effervescence, sweet strength and cooking skills. But this week, her culinary savvy was nowhere in sight. Unimpressive burger. Inedibly gluey potatoes. It’s like some of the magic dust that coated both her and Jeffrey wore off this week. Still, her presentation on the Intrepid was funny, sassy and memorable. And she glows on camera. So I’m hoping it was just a bad week.
Katie: Signs of life. The soldiers enjoyed her personality – they found her “cute” “relatable” and “down-to-earth.” She’s been struggling to find her food voice and to translate her spunky personality to the screen. Best week so far for the latter. But once again, meat and heat are doing her in (more raw food). Her almond cornmeal catfish finally showed off some cooking skills. I feel for this lovely young pro. So I’m really hoping she can get it together, really fast.
Debbie: Rough Week. We covered her swollen purple bruise with makeup, and I wish you could have seen it. Painful just to look at, so I give her points for soldiering on (no pun intended). Still, her chicken dish was mediocre at best. Covered in long chives, it looked like she had just mown the grass. But her warmth and humor came through to the crowd. OK, the pity party is over. I hope she can quickly get past this incident and regain her footing.
That’s the view from where I sit. Why do I know you’re not going to be shy about disagreeing with me?
Hello-everyone—
Bob,I-have-two-words-for-you-on-last-night'-elimination—
THANK-YOU!!!
That-being-said,you-will-never-convince-us-that-Debbie-deserves-to-be-around-any-longer.Much-as-something-is-clearly-going-on-with-her-being-favored-by-the-judges,the-network,whatever….if-you-have-already-made-her-a-finalist-and-somehow-she-wins,look-out!
Giving-her-a-show-would-be-an-insult-to-your-audience.And-a-huge-waste-of-time-energy-and-resources-of-the-FN.For-me,dead-air-or-another-infomercial-would-be-more-entertaining-and-informative.
Just-my-opinion.
the racism and homophobia in these comments are really revealing. And yes, the judges will pick who they want. It's their network!
Why is Melissa not listed in the the list of finalists? IMO she has something to offer to the TV audience. I think she is capable of showing families with children how to create food that is good and fun for kids as well as appealing to adults. Her personality is engaging. She is my pic.
BTW luvcooking. I don't think the disgust with Michael is over. Not by a long shot. Go watch the preview for next week, and pay attention to the Michael part. Really sleezy if you ask me, and innapropriate. I'm sure it will be laughed off by the judges, just like everything else he says/does.
Lynne on June 29, 2009 at 11:50 am
It’s a shame that people can’t openly dislike other people/types of people without it being seen as racism, or disctimination, etc.
————————————————————————
It's not that it's so much a "shame" as "openly dislike other people/types of people" is the basic DEFINITION of racism/ageism/homophobia/xenophobia (add in religious preference and level of physical ability), etc.
I understand that you're going to like who you like and think the thoughts you think. No one is going to stop that. Just please understand that so-called "PCism" Isn't the enemy. The "-isms" and "-obias" of the world are.
BTW, I have a spine and I use it to combat ignorance, arrogance and stupidity.
this whole notion by the selection committee that a story is so integral is plain silly….reminds me of porn, you dont NEED a story, just get to the FOOD already!
I agree with you Bob about Melissa and Katie. Melissa has really grown the most of all the contestants and Katie is finally able to present a dish without mentioning anti-oxidents…hooray!!!
I was also disappointed to see Jeffery and Jamika falter…but they are still my favorites. And I am ok if Jeffery doesn’t want to get very personal. I have enough of your FN stars that do that for me, so if I tune into Jeffery for sheer knowledge, I am ok with that.
And you are right, I disagree with you about Debbie. I just wouldn’t watch her show. One style and one style only…I would be bored after 2 episodes. And I still don’t trust her!
Please edit out Michael’s references to his sexuality! Two weeks in a row I’ve had to listen to him. I am not interested in Michael’s sexual preferences, and I resent your allowing him to bring it up each week! One more time, and I’m switching channels!
One more thing…you were on Jeffery a little bit about being the same from week to week. But how come you aren’t on Debbie for the same thing? Jeffery at least cooks a plethora of dishes from all different inspirations. Debbie has one style of cooking at that is to make every dish Korean. As she showed this week, if she can’t impart Korean flavors, she is lost and the food is bland. How does that make for a star…someone who can only cook one way? And then make excuses for why it wasn’t her best.
Don’t give up on Jeffery (or Jamika) Bob!!!!!
Now that the throw-aways are gone – the real competition starts. M&M in the finals, with Mama walking away with the prize
Bob, thank you for your feedback each week; truly appreciated! I was so impressed with Melissa this week. Her handling of the pepper issue is absolutely what I’m looking for when I watch a cooking program, (in my opinion, Emeril and Ina are both exceptional ‘educators’). I want to learn, and that’s what her experience provided for me this week. She wasn’t afraid to look that ingredient in the eye and say “I’m not afraid of you”.
Well done!
Here is a question to the group….what do you think about the cooking conditions on the Intrepid? I know part of this competition is to be able to cook anything anywhere and no excuses but those stove tops looked awful. It seemed as thought, the people who were successful did everything in the oven. Where as Jamika and Jeffery did most of their dishes on the cooktops and because the burners were small, they didn’t heat up the huge All Clad pans.
What do you all think about that? Shouldn’t the FN make sure that where ever they hold off site challenges, that the equipment is up to par with what the contestants need to cook their meals? Just a thought. Wonder what you all think.
I’m sorry I think that Katie should have went home anyone how serves undercooked food two weeks in a row should not be a foodnetwork star.
Well all you judges seem to be leaning more and more toward Debbie, which I think it was slanted that way to begin with. The network needs an Asian cook, and she will fill that roll, even though she cooks southern with an Asian influence. Seems like the past years the network decides what they want and then pick somebody to fill that roll, even if they can not cook very well.
Hi Bob, I am admittantly very addicted to FN and will watch reruns over and over so I am always looking forward to Sunday night! I was wondering if comments were edited out from the presentation on the Intrepid? Why didn’t anyone say “Welcome home”? Even though he is my favorite I found Jeffrey’s handling of the lobster to be bizarre. Michael did a good job. I loved Debbie in the beginning but am finding it difficult to stay in her court as the show progresses. Not sure if I will ever forget Ina’s comment about “Glow in the Dark” but Debbie is coming along. Please don’t forget…you ask them to share and Debbie is a mom first and foremost…maybe a show about moms and kids in the kitchen. I teach preschool and am shocked to learn what people actually feed their children…Last of all…happy to see Teddy go.
Two things about Debbie. Her bland chicken dish was in the oven at the time of the mishap..so she can’t blame her poor cooking on the injury. Also, any chef knows that you do NOT step behind another chef, especially near an oven, without saying “behind you”. I know she’s riding this injury for all it’s worth, but considering her past lying, what else would anyone expect. As for Katie, how much raw food can she get away with serving? Teddy was a better chef, and Katie should have gone before he did.
I dislike Debbie because I have not seen anything I can trust. I will not watch a show with Michael because the comments about his sexuality are totally inappropriate. Frankly, the only ones I would watch a show from would be Melissa, Jeffery, or Jamika. The others are just annoying: Debbie lies, Katie cries, Michael is too “out there” and Teddy is gone.
To BostonDan,
Rhiannon is a great song, but its by fleetwood mac, not stevie's solo career, just wanted to put that out
Heather, I understand what you’re saying abt finalists having professional equipment to work with versus having lower quality equipment to work with. Myabe FN believes that if a FN start can get great culinary food from equipment that is sub-par, then there is a better likelihood that given the best professinal cooking equipment there is guarentees a fabulous food product every time. When FN stars gather in Miami every year for the South Beach Wine & Food Expo and they are cooking for the crowds, they are not cooking in lavishly large or lavishly equippped kitchens. They are cooking in “makeshift” kitchens, so challenges like the Intrepid for the TNFNS finalists are good preparation. And to hose who feel Chef Michael Symon is “among the lowest form” pls be advised that he won a James Beard Award even though FN hasn ot yet updated his Bio. Not even Bobby Flay, not Tyler, nor Giada, nor Ms. Party Girl Paula Deen has won a coveted James Beard Award. Not even Mr. Dishonesty himself, Robert irvine, has won a James Beard Award. Even with Mr. Bob T’s new post today (6-29), I still wonder if FN execs are reading the many comments from the FN posters and if what we as a community think and feel matters to them?
Why don’t you just declare debbie the winner now! Either that or find yourself a new editor who is better able to tell a story. Because it is coming across as blatant favoritism towards her. She can seemingly get away with anything she likes. It seems like the biggest problem you have with her is not being able to heap enough praise on her.
this is the same route you went down last year with Aaron . It became clear very early one that he was getting special treatment and what do you know? He won such a surprise…
I agree with this week’s elimination. I believe that at this point in the competition, a contestant should be able to stand before a camera, or a group, and present themself in an honest and genuine manner. I just don’t think Teddy was ever going to get there. As for Jeffrey being a one note, impersonal kinda guy, I think the judges are correct for expecting him to show a bit more personality. Watching all the chefs on TV now, they all impart very real bits of themselves, Ina and Jeffrey and all her friends, Sandra and her grandmother’s guidance as she was growing up, the Neeley’s and their plethora of friends and family, Guy Fieri (sp) who has friends around often as well as his son at times, etc. so it is important that we know something about the TV chef otherwise, we will simply not remember them or identify with them, or find them terribly important.
What Heather said. You can’t expect people to cook like pros in a kitchen worse than the one in my first apartment, while handing them professional equipment requiring at least a decent stove. And as for the sharing of personal information: don’t we have enough of that in our culture? Total strangers come up and tell me their life stories. And trust me, a genuine Zen master is anything but bland. What do you want, the whole kitchen sink of grandma to third cousin? I want someone who lights up the room, is a skilled chef, and recovers quickly from a bad day. In other words, Jeffery. Or Jamika.
OK, Bob, since you didn’t list the contestants alphabetically I can only assume you listed then in the order of their success. Besides the view from where you sit I think you are right. I just hate to see Michael in front of Jeffrey. If only Michael could have gotten the lobster and berries. All the others are in the right order with Debbie being last. I predict Debbie or Katie will leave next week. I predict the final two will be Melissa and Jeffrey, or Melissa and Michael, or Melissa and Jamika.
WOW! Amazing that Debbie can still lie and gets commended. Her subpar dish WAS already cooking when the incident occured. I’m surprised she didn’t come out covered in band-aids! Please stop setting this up as a competition when CLEARLY Debbie was chosen from the get go. EEWWW! No way are we watching her. I can’t believe Katie cries and gets to stay. She is consistently poor at presentation AND can’t get anything to turn out in a commercial kitchen or anywhere else! Teddy may have been the underdog, but Katie should have gone first ’cause she ain’t got the chops! Katie is dull, Michael is obnoxious. Melissa is the only one left who’d garner my attention on a show. Good Luck Melissa!
Bob, unless I missed it, you had no comments about Teddy and why he went home. Katie served raw food but still managed to stay in the competition? You already have the healthy food TV star in Ellie Krieger– just put her show on a better spot on your schedule.
I would also like to add that since many of us who watch FN are ordinary cooks, who hope to glean a bit of knowledge watching FN and enjoy watching the competition, I personally do not want to see a live animal slaughtered on TV. Jeffrey could have prepared the lobster off camera. It wasn’t necessary to see how he actually handled them. Again, I would not want to see them immersed in boiling water either. Execpt for Emeril Lagasse, I have yet to see a FN chef cook something live. And I don’t think I’m being a weenie here. I don’t cook lobster, or crab myself; however, I do eat it. I eat beef too but I don’t watch the slaughter process, nor do I want to. Just please keep those of us in mind who are just more touchy about the process. It doesn’t mean we don’t know how the food gets from living to on our plates, it just means we don’t really need to be involved in the process. If I were interested in cooking lobster, crab, etc., I would be able to, but since I’m not, please don’t make me watch, and no, I wasn’t expecting to see Jeffrey weild the cleaver like that or yes, I would have turned away.
Bob, first of all, love the show and Food Network! I’m a little concerned about these challenges, though, The burger challenge seemed somewhat realistic, but how can presenting the contestants with an odd mix of ingredients to prepare a dish on the fly show how a contestant will fare on their own show? The only time a food celebrity may actually have to do something like this is if they’re competing on a show like Top Chef, Iron Chef, or Chopped. How about allowing the contestants to prepare a 3 course meal or a sequence of dishes of their own choosing, using any ingredients they choose, and giving them ample time to prepare? Isn’t this what the current crop of celebrities do?
Bobby Flay hit it right on the head, someone needs to step up & so far no one really has done it. Some clearly have the cooking skills like Jeffrey but has not wowed me in the presentation depatment. Others like Jamika have the personality but the cooking sills have not eally shined yet. Meliisa definitely stepped up her game. I have no problem with Teddy going but I have to think Katie is on very thin ice
I really wished you would have sent Katie home last night. Cooking aptitude should come before TV persona. With practice, an awkward television personality will come into its own and shine but they should have to be able to cook first. Teddy, based upon your comments, made better food.
I am not at all offended by Michael’s comments.They seem minor compared to what is already on the network. For those that are I would ask how you feel about : 1) Paula’s come-ons, 2) Giada’s cleavage and 3) The Neeley’s suck-facing over their food.
I call “bs” about Debbie’s makeup-covered bruise. Should have left the makeup off because all I kep thinking was, “she’s milking this injury of which I see no mark”. And I was trying to root for Debbie because she’s good in front of the camera, but really, I’m sick of hearing “with an Asian twist” after every dish she makes. As for Jamika and Katie not getting their food to cook right, I don’t blame them so much as I blame the way the challenges are setup. For Katie, did they really only have 20 min. to both conceptualize AND execute a regional burger? That’s really ridiculous if so. None of the FN hosts have to cook a burger in less than 20 min on their shows. And Jamika, she was screwed by the crappy kitchen you stuck them in. Come on, that’s so unfair and biased. And what’s worse is that you have Susie saying crap about how she doubts these people’s culinary abilities, because they have to cook their food in ridiculous time windows on subpar kitchen equipment? And that makes their culinary skills the blame? Really? Same goes for Jeffrey and the gross combinations of ingredients he was given. On the flip, Jamika’s ingredients all had a fusion, and Melissa…if she didn’t do a good job after getting skirt steak, peppers, and honey I would have wanted to hit her through my tv! This show is very frustrating to watch, yet I tune in every week. Darn you FN!
@ Frenchie714 you make a good point. But with the exception of Flay no one you mentioned is a true chef or even remotely for a James Beard Award for cooking. Maybe a cookbook but never for cooking.
Bottom line is I have to think about who I would watch and which one would I look up for recipes. In my book, it is either Melissa or Jeffrey…both very pleasing and good recipes. SO glad Eddie and Teddy are gone!! What mean spirited people.
I’m really disappointed in the challenge this week. I really enjoy wataching Jeffery, and I felt that he was off his usual mode because of the unfamiliar ingredients and time allowed to come up with a dish using them. Let’s face it, if any of these people get a show of their own, they will use ingredients they are comfortable with, and make their own style of dishes. I don’t see the point in throwing unfamiliar things at them to watch them fail. I don’t see the emphasis on personal stuff that you keep hitting Jeffery with. I don’t particularly care about his personal life, and that is something he will share with his audience as he gets more comfortable. On the other hand, I agree with one post-I’m tired of hearing about Michael’s sexual preferences. That is way too much info for me. I’m also way tired of Debbie. I know she may have been in pain, but she only too-readily used that as an excuse for mediocre food. She talked about Teddy and his credibility-I don’t think much of hers, either. If she wins, and she appears to be a favorite with the judges, because they keep making excuses for her, I know I for one won’t watch her show. I care more about genuine people, and I feel Jeffery is one. His cooking ability also appears to be top knotch, when he’s in his element. Quit riding him to be so personal-that will come with time!
Both Tyler and Giada are classically trained. Just because they are not currently chef’s, outside of TV, they still qualify.
I will post again as my comment posted early this morning was in last weeks section. It may not be word for word but my views will be shared. Bob, thank you again for allowing viewers such as myself to share comments.
I wanted to cry for Jeffrey and Jamika, they both had a bad week. They have been so bright, I hope they can show us who they really are next week before it is too late. Melissa was the shining star, her spunk and determination was impressive. Poor Katie and Teddy, they consistently try too hard.
With Debbie, my husband made the comment that she was milking her injury. Each week it is someone else fault, enough already.
Micheal’s comment about wanting to make out with Bobby Flay made me want to puke. When Brett called the women sweetie, he was called a pig by so many viewers. What is with this double standard for a gay man? People were upset by the Neelys sugar and this is okay? Not for me. I will not watch his show no matter how good his cooking is. Those are not appropriate comments. I did notice some in the audience were looking uncomfortable and looking down while Michael was presenting. My Food Network addiction will be cured cold turkey by a Michael or Debbie show. They appear to be the chosen darlings which is frustrating. Oh well, just my opinion.
Michael and Melissa proved that they can stand the heat – literally and figuratively. I felt for Jeffrey – he does know how to cook.
I thought that while Jamika has done some great cooking – her two strikes this week were first week mistakes, not deep into the competition mistakes. C’mon beer, cheddar cheese and sausage – take the sausage out of the casing and make a Cheddar Cheese soup ….
I think Katie is finding her footing – After finding her turkey wasn’t cooking, get out a second skillet and cook from both directions or zap it in the microwave – you can’t serve something inedible and keep expecting 2nd and 3rd chances because the camera loves you …
Heather, your comments echoed my thoughts, so now I can be a bit more succinct in my comments. (“One more thing…you were on Jeffery a little bit about being the same from week to week. But how come you aren’t on Debbie for the same thing? Jeffery at least cooks a plethora of dishes from all different inspirations. Debbie has one style of cooking and that is to make every dish Korean…”)I agree 100% with that! Jeffery did get hit with inspiration about his dish, but the equipment didn’t cooperate. Oh, and he was the only one of the 7 to have incongruous ingredients to work with. Some of the others had logical combinations to draw from, but blueberries and lobster? Come on.
It seems to me you have an obvious affinity toward Debbie. Perhaps you don’t see what many of the viewers do… but honestly, could you be less obvious about your bias for her? If you want an Asian-themed show, hire her already; but give the other contestants an honest shot at winning this competition. Debbie is a conniver and manipulator.
Michael – his food always looks amazing, but the guy is a cartoon. If he gets his own show, you can bet I won’t be watching.
Jeffery – he or Melissa are my pick. Why? Likeability, easiness, “comfortability” and dishes. And no, we don’t have to have personal anecdotes about their life thrown into the mix. I don’t understand why that’s so important to you? There are many popular FN stars I watch regularly who don’t share more than a superficial detail about a dish or life event. (Giada and Ina rarely do. They may have dinner with their friends and family, but we don’t much about them.) Some of the FN stars who do share more stuff are also more “fake and insincere.” (Neelys, Sunny What’s-her-name, and even Paula Deen, who has let it go to her head…)
I wish this was a fan-voted competition again because I fear the wrong contestant will win this thing.
I believe Ina Garten’s observation of Melissa proved correct again this week..Ina said she “shines” in front of the camera and from the very beginning this has been true. While Jamika is darling, she seems to be someone I would love to have as a friend, but I just don’t see star power. Melissa just seems to have that certain “star” quality. Her comments about being raised by a single mom made her more real to me and more compelling to watch; as opposed to just the “mommy” image. Melissa may have the misfortune of being too similar to FN star Sandra Lee. While Debbie probably fits the profile needed to fill in the blanks at FN; I have found her integrity to be lacking. Even though she was injured in the episode; she looked as though she intended to coast on that during the evaluation and her body language indicated surprise that she didn’t get a total pass. There is something vaguely untrustworth about her…
OH! One more thing. You all railed on Jeffery the other week for telling the same “crepe” story about his daughter. Fair enough, but WHY don’t you rail on Debbie for always giving the same spiel about “I’m a Korean who was raised Southern but didn’t cook Korean, blah, blah blah.” Enough. We get it. There is an obvious double-standard you impose with her and it’s coming through loud and clear.
Bob: Once again, I pretty much agree with you.
Teddy is not a loss. Though he probably deserved to be roasted over a hot fire!
My guests cheered when Debbie got whacked. People were hooting and yelling, “Hit her again, harder!” That should tell something about how people here feel about her. When I got back in the room, Debbie was playing the drama queen, which was pretty pathetic, and not an legitimate excuse for her bad cooking. When the going gets tough, the tough thrive. She didn’t. No surprise.
Melissa really surprised me, but I’m not sure I would watch her on a regular show. I like the toned down Michael. The guy can cook!
As for Katie, watching her has become painful. And all that whining is getting to me. Kick her off, already!
Both Jeffrey and Jamika were off, and time will tell if they can
recover. I think this whole process is very hard on everyone,
especially emotionally, and those with families seem to be hit
hardest. I really think the outcome depends on who wants it most.
And again, if Debbie is the winner, I still won’t watch.
Mick said, “with the exception of Flay no one you mentioned is a true chef”
Simply put: A chef is a cook. A cook is a chef when he manages the kitchen. Think chef think manager.
So, Mick, What is a true chef?
I agree with Heather that the Intrepid kitchen was awful. That combined with Jeffrey’s ingredients of lobster and blueberries doomed him. First, what the hell do you do with lobster and blueberries? Second, there was no way he would be able to boil all those lobsters on a four burner electric stove in the time allotted. So he probably needed to go the baked/stuffed route, but were there enough lobsters for that? Jeffrey got royally screwed in this challenge and I think he deserved a mulligan.
Instead of putting these people thru these stupid, unrealistic challenges, why not let them prepare something in a reasonable amount of time that will show their chops as opposed to doing the best they can on a culinary obstacle course? Do Giada, Rachel or Guy have to shell and cook snails, blindfolded with one hand tied behind their back? No!
I saw the comment regarding the dissection of the live lobsters. Food Network, expect to hear from PETA about that. Remember the lobster and Katie Couric on the today show a couple of years back?
I’ve fallen for Melissa (in a motherly kinda way), I want her to cook my friends and me a snack when we get home from school every day. Seriously, she’s the heiress to the Sara Moulton (one of my all time favorites, fyi) crown.
Interesting that you mention you covered up Debbie’s bruise, I think that made us all find her less sympathetic, and that she was really ‘milking it’. That said, as another commenter pointed out, her food was already in the oven when she got hit, so its hard to tell how much of the blandness was a result of her injury…
I would like to point out that last night, you kept saying Jeffrey was saying the same thing, same thing, over and over again. I think he was describing his food well. However, DEBBIE is great! Please. She says the same thing OVER and OVER again- “I am Southern, but Korean by birth.” Okay, we get it! She is Korean! I want to hear something more. And why was she ranked ABOVE Teddy, Jamika, and Jeffrey? Her speech was bad, her food horrible. At least Teddy had good food, if not a good speech. I’m no big fan of his, but I think he was the wrong choice to go home last night. I think the real reason you sent him home was because of last week, which isn’t fair. In all fairness, Jeffrey should have gone home last night. I like him alot, but his performance was horrible.
Thank you Bob! You guys rock!
Joyce, chill out. This is a competition and Michael is trying to stand out, so yes, he is going over the top. If he got his own show, do you think they would let him say “I’m running around the kitchen like a mad woman with mascara running down my face. I’m a mess.” His “makeout” comment was obviously meant for comic effect. If that was enough to make you want to puke, I guess you didn’t see Brokeback Mountain. Or if you did you wound up in the emergency room.
Valerie said, “I wish this was a fan-voted competition again because I fear the wrong contestant will win this thing.”
Do they really “win?” If so why is the judging panel called a “selection committee?”
I was happy to hear Bobby chastise Debbie about not rising above her injury. Anybody who watched last season’s NFNS has to remember Lisa falling down in her heels and covering herself in sauce. She came out and did her presentation with no excuses. Just laughed and rose above it.
BostonDan said, “I saw the comment regarding the dissection of the live lobsters. Food Network, expect to hear from PETA about that. Remember the lobster and Katie Couric on the today show a couple of years back?”
It was cruelty to animals, no doubt about it. Even Bobby Flay commented he should have knocked them in the head first (slaughter). It was sickening to watch.
I am so dissapointed that Teddy has gone. Skills wise– he was one of the best chefs on the show. Katie has served raw food twice, how does that make one a star for food network? I would not watch her show. I love Melissa. She is my favorite to win this thing. She is warm, funny and she has shown she can serve it up, no matter the conditions. Debbie–hope to see her gone soon, since the first episode it’s been the same schpeal, southern, Korean, yadda, yadda, yadda. Not so interested.
There should be a way to boot people for integrity, that way Teddy wouldn't have wasted our time this week. Didn't we already lose a great show host (think Dinner Impossible..which was fizzled without him by the way), because of integrity issues? Jefferey-BORING! no personality, Katie-ridiculous, Michael-calm down, but good cook, Melissa-actually learning, Jamika-trying too hard