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?
I picked Jeffrey to win this thing from the very first episode. And he may very well get the job done, but I'm rooting for Melissa. Her life story comes out in bits and pieces as we move along and she has become more interesting to watch each week. I see her as the "mommy" version of Rachael. I would definitely watch her show. While I like Jeffrey, I'm beginning to think he's just a bit too glib.
The only thing that could have endeared Debbie to me in her final moments: when she told the panel of chefs that she was going to show them how to make an egg roll, she really should have placed an egg on the table and given it a push. That would have been a great yolk….I mean, joke.
AGREED with Dawn – I miss Michael too – glad to see him and Jamika this ep. GOOD BYE DEBBIE!!!!! I hope Jeffrey wins…
Obviously I met "Debbie, who could only say the whole world will want to knowher." Sorry, readers.
Poor upbringing? Obviously her single mom did well enough to raise three kids, put Melissa through Georgetown, etc.
Linda on July 27, 2009 at 8:28 am
Linda, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. According to her bio, when she was younger (baby-8th grade) it sounds like they may have been struggling as a family while her mother went to medical school. And her mother didn't pay for her to go to Georgetown…Georgetown is where she got her MBA so she would have been 22-25 when she was there. Her mother died when she was 20. So Melissa paid herself to go to G-town…that was also around the time she was a personal chef to a family in that area..to help her pay for school.
Go Melissa. I agree with the person that said Jeffrey seems nice but would not watch his show. Despite everything, he comes off a little non-interesting so I would probably skip any show he had. Melissa is someone I can relate to and would enjoy watching. I already enjoy watching her. Who cares what skills Jeffrey has if he is boring to watch.
Unfortunately, I was unable to watch the show last evening, so when I read Bob's Blog this morning I was relieved to hear that Debbie was sent home. However, since Debbie has left, it seems the naysayers out there need someone to launch their less than complimentary comments on, they have chosen both of the final constestants, Melissa more so than Jeffrey, to fill this void. This is a direct violiation on the rules of good sportsmanship, Melissa is a many faceted individual as is Jeffrey. I realize that everyone out there is entitled to their opinion, but to opine just to say something degrading is poor ettiquette. Both of them could teach us a lot about cooking, while learning about the individual. According to the judges, who are be very knowledgeble, Melissa and Jeffrey are the most qualified to be in the final episode. I am positive these two will provide a memorable program with respect for each other, the judges, and the viewers.
Melissa and Jeffrey have been favorites of mine from the beginning. Melissa, with all of her energy, has totally captivated my family and I with her cooking tips and easy recipes. Jeffrey's laid back style and references to his love for cooking with his children are point getters from me. Also, who can forget the poached egg bruschetta in the Miami Vice Challenge, wonderful. I wish both of them the best, whoever wins will certainly have deserved it. I am looking forward to the next show.
so happy that debbie got the boot last night. i like melissa, she's got great ideas in the kitchen and i think she could be a star, i just don't know if i would be a regular watching her show. on the other hand, i would love to watch jeffrey. his cooking knowledge and passion is very appealing to me. i actually love his 'zen calm'…we don't need another over the top, hyper active personality on the Food Network. definately want him to win. i guess whoever you choose you will be pleasing certain groups of people who watch food network. if you choose melissa, her viewers will most likely be mothers who just want to make it happen, and probably beginner cooks. should you choose jeffrey, (and i hope you do), he will most likely be watched by 'advanced foodies', people who've been watching FN and know whats going on in a kitchen.
super excited for next sunday!
PhillyHeather – I keep wondering the same thing, but none of the ones making the comparison seem to want to answer.
I applaud your choices for the final two. I think Melissa is amazing. She became my favorite, because it was truly exciting watching her progress. I think she has star power, and I can only imagine what she would deliver as she grows into her new show.
Hi Bob,
I have a couple of minor cavils about Melissa. First, her revelation that her mom committed suicide was a bit too stark for me, though I’m very sorry that it happened to her. I question whether the occasion (dinner) and the format (on-camera) was appropriate.
Bob L. on July 27, 2009 at 8:50 am
–
You know, this has been said many times already, so let me see if I can explain it, the way I took it.
I think Melissa shared that, not for sympathy, but to help the judges really understand why she developed a passion for food. To say her mother 'passed away' when she was 20, while a very painful thing, it's not nearly as painful as having her commit suicide. People who have had loved ones commit suicide are always left to wonder if they played a part, or would there have been anything they could have done to prevent it. It's much more hurtful than just having someone either be killed, or dying of natural causes.
SO, by sharing that with them last night, she was showing how devastated her soul was at the time she got really interested in cooking. It showed that she really is passionate about her food, because it was the 'support system' that got her through a very difficult time in her life.
That's how I took it, and I hope I explained my thoughts well. Sometimes, it's just hard to articulate them. But I don't personally think it was for sympathy.
You know what? I love Melissa. I know she has a distinct personality, but she's been doing what the judges have asked. She appeals to me. I think she is fun. I know not everyone here likes the "bubbly" personality, but I do. After being in the trenches as a "mom" all day, I LIKE being able to sit down and see someone who is upbeat and a change of pace away from dirty dishes and arguing children.
I love Jeffrey too. He's cool as a cucumber, which makes it a little bit more difficult for me to relate to him. Still, I think he would be fun to watch. I don't relate to Emeril or Duff any of the Iron Chefs either, but I don't have to in order to enjoy watching them.
I'm glad I'm not the one who has to choose between the two candidates. Both are amazing. I wish they could both have a show. I'd watch them both.
Couldn't agree more with forkready's comment about the Neelys, Anderson & a couple of more of the unworthy judges/critics in this all-important episode. The great & deserving chefs should have been insulted…
As a dedicated viewer of not only the show, but the Food Network, I appreciate and respect your transparency and honesty both in your blog and on-air.
Wow! Go final two! I so glad that you judges made the right choice to send Debbie home; she may have seemed like a likeable person, but those integrity issues are what threw me away from becoming her fan. Anyway, I’m so glad Melissa and Jeffery made it! I can’t wait for Next week’s episode! One of my all time favorite people, Alton Brown, will be delivering the final challenge! Thanks Bob!
Exciting final to come! But I think about 2,000 posters owe Bob an apology!
Thank you, Bob! It was past time for Debbie to go. I am so excited to see Melissa and Jeffrey in the finale. I hope FN has the good sense to put both on FN. I know only one can be the winner, but hopefully, the other will earn a slot. Both are fabulous with quite a good size fan base. That will only help the ratings for FN. Good job.
can only hope they listen to you (and thousands of others if they bother to post) about putting both on air. yes, jeffrey seems laid back, but he is passionate about food and seems to know his stuff. hope he does similar to 'ingredient smuggler' concept.
I’ll be happy with either (or both!) Jeffrey or Melissa winding up on the Food Network. Melissa’s improvement from the first couple of shows has been consistent and really something fun to watch, and she’s ready for the camera. Unlike Debbie, who had tremendous and obvious natural ability for television, when Melissa tells me something, I believe it. Plus she’s just been making great food every episode lately. Jeffrey has the tools, and when he wants to show it, he’s got the personality. If this wasn’t the competition clouding his judgement and just him being allowed to do his thing, I think he’d be hitting culinary home runs every time at bat.
No matter who wins this competition, Food Network wins!!
Thanks, Bob, for repeatedly addressing the show early the next day. You asked who we are voting for. For me, it is Jeffrey and always has been. Melissa is a great cook, but I don’t like watching her. Her Mommy Mayhem is always lurking beneath the surface. I was disappointed that she had to play the sympathy card last night. We all have sad stories, but I’ll watch Oprah, not FN if I feel the need to empathize. I read an article recently on the stay at home dads. There are more now than ever, and the trend will continue. Let Jeffrey address them. We already have enough shows for Moms. Whatever spin you decide to take, Jeffrey DOES have starpower. Go, Jeffrey!
We all know that Debbie is dishonest and phony. However, I also find her culinary point of view unoriginal and one-dimensional. Her Seoul to Soul philosophy is all Seoul and with no Soul. There was nothing southern about the corn salad she made—it looked southwestern to me. I wonder if she has really spent any time in the South.
With so many cuisines to explore, I don’t want to watch any TV chef who is unwilling to cook something outside their “home” cuisine. With Debbie, it would be Korean this and Korean that. Boring.
I really enjoy reading Bob’s blog and though I may not have wanted Debbie to stay, one couldn’t easily dismiss the accuracy of Bob’s thought provoking comments about each contestant. He is definitely on the mark and has an eye for real talent. Aren’t you glad he’s one of the decision makers at FN? I know I am. I have to say that Melissa has come a long way and while at first I wasn’t too sure about her, I’m rooting for her all the way. I think Jeffrey has a lot to offer as well but I’m not too sure he has the personality consistency needed in front of the cameras. I’d hate to see another “struggling” Aaron McCargo Jr. (who still seems to have trouble being himself).
WooHoo! I have never been so excited to see a reality show contestant go home in my life. Thank you, Bob, Suzie and Bobby for making the right decision! I’m happy that the judges realized that Jeffrey’s risotto problems are much easier to fix than Debbie’s credibility/popularity gap. Jeffrey owned up to his mistake. Do you think Debbie would have? Of course not – she would have blamed Michael!
I believed Jeffrey when he was talking about his daughter. I didn’t believe anything Debbie said during the presentation. It’s possible that she was being completely honest (for once) but the fact that I find myself questioning everything she says does not make me want to watch her for a second.
I’m so thankful that I no longer have to worry about it. I’ll watch Jeffrey’s show and I’ll watch Melissa’s show. Here’s hoping they both get one!
Watching these episodes has been fascinating. When the challenge began, Melissa seemed like someone I would have written off as being too blonde, too waspy, and too inexperienced. I’ve done a 180 since then. I’ve come to respect Melissa as both a person and as a cook, and realize there’s much more to her than I’d given her credit for at the beginning- it’s been an interesting life lesson wrapped in a culinary adventure. I happen to be a working professional, yet still relate strongly to Melissa’s message. Why? Because I feel that if she can turn out such amazing pastry and other dishes without the formal training of the FN’s “professional chefs”, without using shortcuts a la Sandra Lee, and without having spent many years operating a food realted business like my favorite FN star Ina Garten, then there’s really hope for me to stretch and try these kinds of dishes. I would love to know more about Melissa’s two pastry recipes, I am curious as all get out about her fish recipe from last week, and I want to know more about the order of the vegetables she cooked for the ratatouille. In short, I’m finding myself really interested in learning from her. Not a stay-at-home Mom, but I might become a stay-at-home cook if Melissa gets her own show.
Great job, Judges! You finally sent Debbie home, and rightly so. You have the best two finalists, and Melissa should win over Jeffrey because she has responded to the critiques better, and she uses better judgement than Jeffrey. Jeffrey made huge mistakes in this episode: risotto was an awful choice, and spending so little on a ‘dream dinner’ showed lack of judgement. I won’t soon forget the “insult to Italy” comment!Melissa has shown true growth, which is needed for the job. Pick her!
I am rooting for Jeffery (have from the beginning), but I really have been impressed with Melissa and like her a lot. I totally agree with other posters who would like to see both of them have a show. This is the best FN challenge in years. And, yes, I was also glad to see Debbie go.
First, add me to the long list of people who is thrilled that Debbie got the boot. I would never have watched her show, and she just seems so manipulative and self-centered.
At this point, we’re rooting for Melissa. She was incredible on last night’s episode and handled two potential disasters with grace, quick thinking, and intelligence. Once again, she took on a difficult challenge; she made two pastries and apparently they were fantastic. She always has great tips (who knew there was an order of ingredients for ratatouille? I loved that!) We also loved her presentation and her line about “I may fail, but at least I’m failing at the right thing.” That’s a philosophy in life we should all follow!
Jeffrey seems like a nice guy, and he’s clearly got talent. I just don’t think that I’d want to watch his show.
Couldn’t be happier about the last two. I would watch both of their show’s. At first my choices were..Jeffrey & Jamica. Melissa has really listened to them and came a long way. She also has a lot of tips and things. Glad I’m not one of the JUDGES !!!!!
Bob
Thank you – that is about all one can say other than why did you wait so long?
SO happy Debbie finally got the boot! Now I don’t care who really wins (ok, pulling for Jeffrey a little!) because we’d watch either Melissa or Jeffrey! We panicked when Jeffrey’s risotto was a fail because we thought that was his ticket home for sure, but the judges finally sent the right person packing! Thank you Bob, Suzy, and Bobby! We couldn’t have taken another night with Debbie. After the first episode she just wasn’t enjoyable to watch no matter how well she cooked and performed!
Although I agree that Debbie could engage an audience and was comfortable in front of the camera, her dishonesty was hard for me to overlook, and she never gave me a reason to want to overlook it. Because of that, I am relieved that she went home. When I consider the current batch of FN chefs, the word “integrity” comes to mind–Debbie lacked that essential quality, and Melissa and Jeffrey have it in abundance.
I am partial to Melissa, but if Jeffrey wins, I will be happy too–they are both winners in my book.
Jeffery is good, but as a working mother with a disabled husband and teenage son, I am rooting for Melissa all the way. How about declaring a tie and giving them both their own shows? A star is a star is a star, and both of them qualify. They both deserve it and it would be good for your ratings! Thanks!
SEE YA DEBBIE LEE!!!
luvincookin – lol… when I think about it though, Debbie did say raised in the south and her ancestors came her 50 yrs ago. so I guess she did not actually say she was from Korea but that she was Koren… BUT she did say she was from the south! Her new Hot dog shop is in LA… if she is so southern why not in the south?
I know that this show is taped way back in, probably April..??..but still, the judges did see her for what she was,and did the right thing. I was very happy with last nights choice of Debbie going. . Jeffery & Melissa are BOTH fine choices. I will have a hard time deciding. But think I am for Jeffery, as I think his show would be better, and I would watch it more.
I agree with the judges on all counts. I was troubled with Debbie’s lack of integrity from the start. However, I don’t think she ever drove home her culinary point of view with her cooking. She basically told the same story over and over again. I like both Jeffrey and Melissa because they have produced some awesome dishes. I think that next weeks competition will be great because each brings something different to the table as far as personality.
I’m sick of hearing the phrases “I’m an underdog,” “They underestimated me,” and “Cooking Without Borders.” Both finalists can be packaged, but I’m not buying into Melissa’s overselling of “I’d be instant credibility for working moms” like it’s some sort of vast, untapped market. There are PLENTY of people who do simple food on a budget (which is what she’d be most marketable as), so it’s not like she’d be anything original. I’d probably be more likely to watch Jeffrey’s show, if he actually would do a variety of foods well. But out of this very weak cast, these two seem to be the best choice – overall I’d say Jeffrey is the best overall cook, but Melissa is probably a bit more marketable.
Buh Bye, Debbie Lee! I had to laugh when she made that proposterous statement that she understood not only southern and Korean culture but practically every culture in the universe. This is when I realized just how delusional and desperate Debbie had become. I still love and miss Jamika, but will be perfectly happy with either Jeffrey or Melissa winning. Good luck to both
Melissa is too intense. Jeffery is an excellent cook & won many mini challenges. Even with his big risotto mistake, he is still a finalist. That shows how good he is. He is sweet & charismatic. He doen’t need a big personality like Guy & Rachael Ray. Bobby & Giada don’t have big personalities, but they are very likeable just like Jeffery
Hi Bob, I live on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean and I am a dedicated fan of the Food Network and watch at least one show every day, of course it’s more on other days! I enjoy the variety of the culinary perspectives that are presented on the Network and I have even tried several recipes on the website. I am not going to go on ad verbatim about the Next Food Network Star but what I will say is that I believe you guys have what it takes to choose the person most suited for the role! I will say however that so far my choices for eliminations have been more or less synced with yours, at the end of each show I would try to predict who will be next given the previous shows and what has transpired. I am really looking forward to next week’s final episode….may the best person win! I would however like to see Jeffery take it though, as I am more drawn to watching him churn out those mouthwatering recipes (with the exception of risotto…smile). So keep up the good work guys and next week it is!
Melissa is THE ONE. She is the one I would watch and the one that I think could teach me things without intimidating me. She’s right when she says she has the “moms” out there. With a 6 year old daughter and 4 1/2 year old twin= boys I don’t try a lot of new recipes. I stick with tried and true! Melissa is the one Food Network Star that could inspire me to actually TRY to cook something I’ve seen on TV. She has completely won me over.
Glad to see that Debbie was finally sent home. Her lies, excuses and behavior were difficult to watch. I’d loved the week when Melissa challenged Debbie’s account of what happened in the kitchen. Have liked Melissa for several weeks now. I would enjoy watching her show. I thought her story last night was a good addition. I don’t think I’d watch Jeffrey – just don’t like his personality. I hope the judges make the right choice and don’t choose another Aaron – he always sounds like he’s talking with a mouth full of food – really garbled!
I know it’s popular to land on Debbie with both feet right now, but just to put things in perspective, once the uproar dies down, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Debbie with her own show, either on the Food Network or one of the other cable networks that feature cooking shows. No one is more delighted than I that Melissa and Jeffrey are the final two; I am thrilled for them, and will be content whichever one is picked. Still, Debbie has intuitive presence, and now that she’s had a taste of this, I don’t see her giving up. One more thought: let him who is without sin cast the first stone. Every human being has moments in which we panic and set aside our best selves; if there were time to think, maybe we’d take the high road, but often there IS no time to think, and say or do the wrong thing. Debbie seemed to have two moments of panic, once in the kitchen and then once in the evaluation room. Nevertheless, she’s a gifted talent and a skillful cook, and though she was the right one to send home this week, she will probably rise to the top once again.
I, too, am happy that Debbie was let go. Her foods were not something I would ever cook in my home. Melissa’s dishes, on the other hand, seem like something I would want to cook all the time. I hope she gets her own show. I’ll be sure to watch!!!
I am so thrilled that Debbie is gone, I can’t even explain it thoroughly. So FINALLY, kudos to the judges for eliminating her!
Thank you for acknowledging our outright anger re: Debbie. You did it in a much classier way than at least one of your co-workers.
I still miss Michael a great deal, because I don’t see his combination of energy and enthusiasm in either Jeffrey or Melissa. Jeffrey’s enthusiastic, but very mellow. Melissa’s energetic and knowledgeable, but I’m not feeling any love from her re: the food. I’d be quite happy to have them do a show together.
If I have to make a choice, I pick Jeffrey. Enthusiasm for the food, PLUS his willingness to do all he can to be the best he can be (I LOVE that he mentioned teamwork in his final plea) makes him the winner for me.
I don’t understand these comments. uh.. how is Debbie’s culinary niche unoriginal? I sure haven’t seen it before. The truth is, I would love to watch any three of these over some of the current newbies on the food network. Some of the current shows offer nothing but greasy, oily, fattulcuent food. Like the ask aishia, aida, what not – she is a hot explosive like Fieri, and in both cases, its irritating and down right annoying. I generally watch food network, but everytime his darn diners drivers and dive into a porkful of fatulicious food, it repulses me. Maybe it is the way he goes and devours it. It’s disgusting to say the least. Put on someone who actually can speak normally, who can tell me a story, who captivates me. Put on someone who can match the quality of Barefoot contessa and giada de laurentis (which is probably very impossible but…) Good food network stars are like good professors- a good one prepares and is very thoughtful in their words, and the way they lead the lecture. They tell a story in sequence. Some of these current hosts seem to say anything that comes to mind.
All in all, I am glad about these final two picks. Melissa, is someone I’d love to learn from – she is full of rich applicable ideas that you probably couldn’t find in a culinary cook book. That “easy pot” acronym for the ratatouille was again, one of the many cute, quirky, never heard before tidbits she gave throughout the comeptititon. I’m eh about Jeffrey – to me, he’s like any other male host on that show. I’m upset that Debbie had to go, and I do hope she returns to do a segment. She is someone I would be downright excited to watch. Go Debbie! Everytime she speaks about food, I feel like I’m smelling and tasting the same thing. You must keep her on, instead of these other hosts, namely Guy fieri. All he does is bite into the food, doesn’t really describe it, except to say “OH! that tastes good!, OH! OH! OH!” Im sure thats the way many people would describe food, but somehow, the other show hosts say it in a way which pulls me to try it.
We all did a squeal of delight when Melissa & Jeffrey were made the finalist last night! Thank you for great judgement & a great show! Even my budding, 11 year old culinary artist, daughter saw Debbie’s lack of integrity and declared “I would never watch her!”.We are excited to see both winners and are hoping that BOTH get a show! We would happily watch both of them!
My top three from day one were Jeffrey, Melissa and Jamika. Jeffrey is my favorite but Melissa would be a close second. Please don’t find some Food Network show for Debbie.
susie YOU seem to be fake!! you should have opened your eyes much earlier,why did’nt you?????
I like Melissa, but I disagree with her opinion that she serves a market which is not addressed right now. I always got a “Rachel Ray” vibe from her, and I mean that as a compliment! But I think that Jeffery has a lot we don’t see much of on cooking shows, and I would be more interested in his show than hers.
I am thrilled with the last finalist, this is the very first time I have read any blogs about the show and I am a first time season viewer. I am absolutely hooked, I now have my family, co workers and friends watching with me.
First of all, I have loved to cook since I can remember. My grandmother and mother were and still are my inspirational idols as they were my very first teachers. I married a frenchman and lived in a small town of the Pyrenees and learned the true old form of Country French cooking. Pure, fresh and refined methods of the culinary world from again, my mother-in-law. I always heard from all the veteran che
Bob, Thank you.
When it comes to the finale winner I really feel I could watch either in a show. Both Melissa and Jeffrey have had food that I wish I could have tasted right then (Jeffrey describing the ‘creeping heat’ in a dish he made, I was thinking I want that!!) and Melissa’s marinade of habaneros (wish I had the recipe for that) to name just two.
I like Jeffrey on camera and don’t find him vanilla or boring, just as I like Melissa (out of her harried housewife freak out mode)and don’t find her fake or over the top. They both have a command of ingredients that I lack and a TV presence I find honest and compelling. They both have kitchen expertise and cooking knowledge I could learn from. Both cook for and with children and can handle spicy food which I love. Alright, put them both in a show, ok?