Debbie
I’ve never met a more polarizing finalist, or, a more confusing one. She had so much going both for and against her. Some viewers were up in arms about her from episode 1. And yes, sometimes the truth seemed to shift underneath her feet like quicksand. Who can guess why she chose to slide into spin-mode on so many occasions? It was so counterproductive, unnecessary and, ultimately, a factor in the viewers and judges never totally trusting her.
On the other hand, she had innate TV skills, a unique culinary point-of-view and the cooking chops to pull it off. When Debbie auditioned in our kitchens for the very first time, I remember thinking that she could really have a shot at this: a natural on camera who could really cook.
So I was as puzzled as anybody by all of her misstatements and missteps. But, interestingly, every guest chef who met Debbie was as impressed by her as we were initially. The dream team of celeb chefs this week was all mesmerized by her natural communication gifts – even if her food fell short this week in almost everyone’s eyes (or mouths).
She admitted this week that she had “lapses in judgment” and learned from them. I’d like to think that’s true. She’ll have plenty of time to reflect on them now.
The Final Two
I couldn’t be happier with our final two. Jeffrey and Melissa have both earned their spots at the very top. They’ve displayed integrity, talent, skill and heart. What I love most is how evenly matched they are. In fact, I’d use the exact same words to describe them both: Smart. Talented. Warm. Generous. Expert. Creative. Likeable.
What I’m going to be looking for:
Melissa: Can she maintain the calm, breezy air and expert authority she’s finally found? No doubt she’s bright, charismatic and warm. And she’s a fountain of recipes, tips, techniques, and practical info. But she’s doubted herself along the way, and came across early on as a “harried housewife”. Has Julia Child finally inspired her to be totally fearless? She seemed to truly believe, at last, that she belonged in a room with some of the nation’s top celeb chefs. Can she consistently radiate star confidence and command?
Jeffrey: Can he maintain the energy and passion that excited the table of star chefs in Miami? He has sometimes covered over his low key delivery with false energy. But in Miami he seemed to find just the right balance of sweet and heat, just like his cooking style. His food has been mostly outstanding, but when he failed, he failed big. (Will I ever forget Marcus Samuelsson’s rip that his risotto was “an insult to Italy?”). Missteps aside, I think the guy’s a talented cook, a great communicator, and is devoted to food. Can he exude the star quality I’m looking for?
I am very excited about the final challenge. This will determine once and for all who will join the likes of Paula, Giada, Ina, Rachael and Bobby on our air. Who are you rooting for?
OK -WHY are people picking on Debbie???? She was entertaining, a great cook and made unique food (for the Food Network). She made a mistake with the capers – SO WHAT? She wanted to plate up HER food – SO WHAT??? it is a competition – her food was consisently the best food. Again, the food network needs some more diversity!!! No, I am not Asain, I am Jewish – we are kind of like the Koreans! Debbie – if you are reading these blogs, don’t get down because all these people want to gang up on you. You ROCK – I loved you – hopefully the FN will get smart and give you your own show – call is Korean girl gets real – forget Soul to Seoul – that name sucks – and for that matter – so does “The ingredient smuggler”.
You missed the boat, big time. It is very apparent that you were looking for a working mom slot to fill your programming. She can cook, but after losing Emeril, Jeff could have been your ticket. I find your programming very lacking these days and watch Food Tv far less. If nothing else, maybe you should offer Jeff something that would not demean your reputations ????????
Don’t miss the chance to add 2 excellent stars. Jeffrey and Melissa both would be great additions to Food Network!
I applaud Food Network for not including Debbie as one of the two finalists and for not giving her a show. I found her lack of honesty appalling and, had Food Network chosen her as the “next FN star”, would have doubted the honesty and integrity of everyone associated with the Network. After the Miami cocktail party debacle, when Debbie claimed to have been slaving away in the kitchen (while Jamica and Melissa were double and triple-lating, while Debbie only tended to her dishes), I doubt that Deb had a true friend among her castmates. She certainly lost me as a fan.
Message from my mother: I am a 72 year old women hanicapped and almost completely bedfast…the only enjoyment I get out of life anymore is watching television…I am very disappointed in your selection on Melissa as being the next Food Network Star…Jeffrey should have won…when Melissa appears on Food Network I will be turning the channel…I have been a faithful watcher of the food network for many years…for myself and my friends we believe Jeffrey should have won…..
Please at least let your analysis bemore objective in describing the “flubs” and “growth” of both contestants. Really…Melissa…another show that addresses time and cost-saving meals which more than adequately addressed by Rachel Ray/Sandra Dee and even Paula Deen addresses ways to stretch your food dollar! I realize you were pulling for Melissa, but really was ready to place the Kleenex box by our chair each Sunday night to give to her for her emotional breakdowns. As a business woman, she was very strategic in her approach to market herself as the housewife who could cook as well as the “chefs” in the show. For someone who struggled during so many competitions…. Jeffery was committed and kept the focus on the show versus so much personal strife shared for the sympathy vote. Needless to say I am disappointed and hope that Jeffery lands a network that will embrace the “Zen” quality of calmness, skills, knowledge, and appeal. Can’t figure out what is wrong with those attributes. I would assume that he would have been open to constructive feedback in his selection of recipes for mass appeal. Bottom-line, I am glad to know you have other personalities to enjoy on your network. Who knows, Discovery Channel may be looking for a great tv-show host.
All the best!
Are you kidding me!! What would BRIAN BOTANO MAKE!!! OMG… you’ve officially turned into FOX!
I am floored at the comments from those wishing Debbie had won. I can only be relieved that she did not make it to the final two. Lies and deceit can only be tolerated for so long – and were for far too long in my opinion. I am happy to see that Melissa won and I will be watching for her show. Kudos to the selection committee for this choice – keep up the good work!
I love Melissa and was puling for her all the way so I am very excited and can’t wait to Tivo every episode of her show! When I saw the finale and learned taht she is a breastfeeding mom I was so impressed. I would love to know more about what foods help boost milk production. And talking about lactation isn’t wierd! As a stay-at-home breastfeeding mom, I can totally relate to Melissa and am excited to see FN embrace this down-to-earth home-cook!
This show is weird ! I will never watch it again…I feel that Bobby Flay is conceited and he did not know who to pick!
1. In the beginning I was for Debbie, but I soon lost respect when ‘the ‘blaming others for her mistakes became her ‘way of life’
2. The ‘I AM KOREAN’ syndrome drove me NUTS!! and I think it eventually did her in…. she did not appear to be flexiable in her cooking skills…could only excel in Korean dishes…
Debbie was a liar from the start. But, as with last season with the man who lied about his background, I feel the Food network takes dishonesty too lightly.
I congratulate Melissa. I liked her tips that include kids helping mom cook!
My only gripe with Jeffrey was, the last thing I need is to clutter up my cabinets with a bunch of exotic ingredients that are probably expensive and found only in specialty stores and that I end up using only once or twice. That said, I’d love to pull up a chair at Jeffrey’s or Melissa’s table anyday!
I liked both Jeffrey and Melissa from the start and was very impressed with Melissa’s growth. While I find Jeffrey interesting, and I would watch his show (hint, hint), I would be more likely to cook Melissa’s dishes – and I love her tips! They arethe kind of tips that help the average cook get a recipe to the table.
Actually, you couldn’t have gone wrong with any of the final four, but I have to admit Debbie’s character issues bothered me from the beginning.
Are you kidding me!! What would BRIAN BOTANO MAKE!!! OMG… you’ve officially turned into FOX! Sally on August 3, 2009 at 8:51 pm
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I watched Brian skate his way to gold but I’d rather watch Jeffrey COOK his way to gold.
Is he someone’s relative? Frankly, I’ve never heard of him as a cook but I was a PBS watcher for years and maybe I missed all the news. I’m still scratching my head over this one.
Since the beginning, I could not put my finger on who Melissa reminded me of. Then, the final show—-did anyone ever see the old Bette Davis movie “All About Eve”? Bingo!!!!! Melissa is the Ann Baxter character. To paraphrase Bette in the movie, “Fasten your seatbelts, Food Network. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
I’m sure this has been said, but Melissa really reminds me of Sarah Moulton, who I miss! Great choice, I am trying the 4-step chicken dinner tonight, and will DVR her show regularly.
Melissa deserved to win.. She had a lot of great food and a couple of so-so items but no true failures.. Jeffery had some great dishes but he also had some bombs the Lobster and blueberry pot-pie. And the Risotto. With a seriously ill daughter I have to be a stay-at-home mom. As much as I love being with my children money is always tight. Good food on a budget inspires me and my children we love to cook together.
I only caught the last 5 shows but have to say, this show left a bad taste in my mouth with Food Network. I felt like it was very contrived and and Bobby Flay and Susie went over the top with their condescending attitude just for effect. At least I hope they did. They both can’t be that full of themselves, can they? I felt the show over played the sympathy card for any hint of sad story the contestants had. I found myself really not caring anymore about Melissa’s family and how great they were by the end. Again, I think because it was over played.
I don’t think I will be watching Melissa’s show. I found her too hyper and in your face happy where it didn’t seem natural. But those in the know seem to thinks she has the “it” factor so maybe i just couldnt get past the hype of the show to see the real Melissa and her wealth of culinary skills.
I would have liked to watch Jeffrey’s show. I think food tv is missing a more calm presence. Not everyone is a type A. I recently tuned into my local PBS cooking shows and found a refreshing change from Food TV. I still am a fan, but not so devoted as i once was. Especially after this show. I want more than who’s got the saddest story and who can smile the most. Julia Child is still the best and while she did smile a lot, she never felt forced or contrived.
I couldn’t believe Melissa was picked. There is no way I will ever watch her show and I bet I’m not alone. I couldn’t even stand to watch her in the competition and am shocked she was picked over 2 better contestants. She seems spastic and only able to relate to mothers. Very disaapointing.
I was watching Hollywood Squares one night late and who do you think was on there Melissa, it was from 1999. She lost but this time around she won so now. Good LUCK Melissa I really want to know how you can cook a meal for $10.00. Won’t believe it till I see it.
Well it’s over and I’ll tune in to se how Melissa does. She does remind me of Sara Moulton and I hope she is more interesting than Sara, who was very dry and hard to watch.
Too bad Bob was gaga over Melissa! The FN has really done it this time turning our friends and family off to watching this common BORING show! Why do you think your audience needs another cheap and quick ingredient show…….?
Is it Melissa’s depressing stories? Or the way she hypnotized all of you into thinking that this is exactly “the new show” that FN needs??? We were shocked and appalled (yes appalled)
when we heard Bobby’s final statement of your ridiculous wrong choice!
Even the final show format turned into a GAME SHOW finale which cheapened FN ….
Bobby looked like he could have been on the “Price Is Right” which gave us all a good laugh which at that point we needed after you picked Melissa!
Do you want to grow with your audience? or is it now just down to whatever mood Alton is in? Or maybe it’s Bob’s thing for sob stories?? Please stop insulting your audience and give us some great and unusual cooking ideas as Jeffrey was trying to do all along right under your nose!
I was surprised the judges let Debbie get as far as she did. I voted her off weeks ago. I thought her recipes were too ethnic and of course, she was asked to stop saying something about herself being Korean…
I was hoping the judges could have given Jeffrey and Melissa a show together. Im not interested in $10 meals for 4- it would never feed my sons. I think the recipes posted from her new show are not something I care to watch. I like watching Melissa-glad she has slowed down! Jeffrey had great recipes that were also visually appealing, not to say Melissa didn’t. I also like Jeffrey’s wardrobe.
Im so sorry Jeffrey was not chosen…. that man was so easy to watch and learn from.. my word what a show he could put on if he wasnt inhibited by that fake of a cook and it was so obvious she was picked way ahead of the final chosing…..the pity party she put on all the time and i dont like the way she relates to her husband at all…OR always has to say how she is just as good as the other cheffs….. those people studied long and hard to be what theyare…. Big mistake ….Food channel. big mistake… in the long run Jeffrey may be better of f away from you people…… you dont deserve his honest personality and calming essence.
I think FN is making a mistake if they don't try a show with Jamika. I loved her and no I am not black, I am not female and I am wayyyyyyy older than her. So if an old white guy wants to see her in a show, I bet she has GREAT universal appeal. BRING back Jamika!!!!!
Just watched Melissa's new show and I think it is great. I was very glad she won. She has the personality and teachable knowledge that so many people crave. As I sat watching her show I couldn't wait to make all the recipes as I was drooling over the potato tart it looks so good I could even taste it.
Way to go and I look forward to watching many more shows to come.
ok, I watched Mommy Mia today and "ho hum"…………….like I said before, won't be watching, but gave her the benefited 30 or 22 minutes………………waiting for next season
I really enjoyed Melissa's show. She definitely has calmed down alot – way less frenetic than during the competition. She comes across as very authentic, knowledgeable and approachable. I know how to cook, but always welcome new ideas and methods. And it's extra helpful when the cook really explains how to do something that's new to you – that's a big part of what I like about Alton Brown.
I have to say I absolutely loved it when Melissa took the time to explain just how to make the pastry crust – that's something I've never had the nerve to try, but I sure will now!
THANK YOU FN! Finally a show that gives a simple but elegant meal, with ingredients I can have on hand all the time. That's where the real savings are – I really am not interested in shopping at some farflung bazaar for one expensive ingredient I'll use once and shove to the back of the cupboard. And thank you for posting each meal with complete recipes in advance – I plan on trying every single meal at least once a week.
Now, my only real complaint – please put the brakes on "yummy" – at least limit the number of times she says it in one 22 minute show!
Congrats again to Melissa – and thanks again to FN – great show, she's already come a long way. Looking forward to next week.