This is it. The moment we’ve been waiting for all summer long. This Sunday is the final showdown between Jeffrey and Melissa in their toughest challenge yet. The winner will be headlining their own show on Food Network next weekend. Jeffrey or Melissa? See ya Sunday at 9pm/8c.
And, if you have missed any episodes, you can catch our all-day Star marathon starting Sunday at 1pm/12c.
I am so thrilled that Melissa won. My husband and I really liked Jeffery (my husband wanted him to win), however, Melissa hits a chord in me because I am a working Mom and I am wanting to learn about meals that are exciting but not too exotic. I know with Melissa I can learn so much … I watch the other food network hosts but I can’t really relate to any of them. Melissa hits the right spot with me and her show is what I’ve been waiting for. I want great meals and I know I will learn so much from Melissa. Thank you, Food Network. Having said that, I think it would be wonderful if you gave Jefferey his own show as well. He did such a great job and he would bring some new and exciting (although probably exotic) food info to us. I think most people would greatly benefit by having BOTH Melissa and Jeffery on the Food Network.
Sorry Judges and Melissa fans…I have to disagree with you all on this one. Melissa is a good home cook, granted. But Rachael Ray already has that “simple home meal” thing locked up, plus we’ve seen that a hundred times! Sandra Lee, Barefoot Contessa, The Neely’s…Where’s the adventure? Where’s the exploration? Guy Fieri took it to a new level, and look at him now, he’s the face of Food Network! He cooks outside of the box, and that’s what made me tune in to his shows. I mean come on, do we REALLY need any more simple-easy-to-prepare-meals in 20 minutes??? Lemon chicken with sauteed onions…really people? Is that what gets you going? Is that what makes you tune in? Not everyone who cooks is a “working mom.” There’s really nothing I can lean from Melissa, as I have been cooking easy “home meals” for years. I was really hoping to see Jeffery bring other cultures into our homes, but I guess you guys haven’t had enough simple and boring. As you can see, I am extremely disappointed, and I will certainly NOT be tuning in to watch Melissa’s show. Meals under 10 bucks…wow…
I like Melissa and enjoy her tips and tricks…it’s a shame The Food Network thinks cooking on a budget is more important than surviving in the kitchen…I personally don’t find this idea appealing. The way Melissa cooks you can cook on a budget anyway. I hope they are not sabotaging her.
I would hope the Network is smart enough not to let Jeffrey go and offer him a show down the road as well. He seems like a natural and definitely has experience and knowledge that many would enjoy..
WOW!
Mimi & Margo’s has a little present for Melissa and her girls!
Please, Please incorporate them in the show!! Make some of the shows a mommy and me in the kitchen!
I saw that Jeffrey was making appearances and so was Melissa!
FN…You need Adam Gertler always! Maybe he can do a FN DISH on the other Chefs…or better yet, how about Iron Chef or Chopped!!! That would be funny to hear his take in the professionals! He He He He
Okay! Melissa…you go girl and I now we will be seeing Jeffrey soon. He just didn’t win the Next FN Star!
Both Jeffrey and Melissa are incredibly talented, but I found Jeffrey’s recipes truly inspirational and exciting. I also believe he was the more engaging of the two. I hope the network finds a way to bring in back on a regular basis.
(1) They should have dumped Debbie the same episode that she decided in Whole Foods that it would be acceptable to serve store-bought angel food cake to the top-tier chefs and guests at the FN celebration. It was an insult to their intelligence, and their palates. (If anyone ate it.) On top of that she was self-centered by not helping her teammates on more than one occasion when it would have been appropriate. (Help prepare that angel food cake dessert? Not her!) Bob commented that integrity was important to the network, and Debbie was lacking in this quality as she couldn’t own up to her mistakes. (Among other things, not buying the ingredients that her group specifically asked for and needed for their dishes.) Kept her around so long due to demographics? (2) I’m so glad that they featured the Barefoot Contessa in one episode. I haven’t watched her yet, but I will be sure to! Very impressive. (3) Either Melissa or Jeffrey would have been fun to watch in their own show. And both have good personal qualities. (I’ll bet he gets other offers.)
I can not imagine how the judges came to a decision on the finale. I am glad Melissa won, but would have been happy with Jeffery too. Hopefully, like last year, FN will make a place for Jeffrey. I believe his show concept is unique and I would definately watch.
Now, I have to get something off my chest. I think Debbie Lee went a lot further than she should have. Not only was she deliberately untruthful from the beginning, but she blamed everyone else for any criticism she got from the judges. I believe she deliberately set-up her fellow contestants for failure (remember her shopping trip where she only got the ingredients she needed, but left everyone elses dishes short) and never took responsibility for her mistakes (leaving the capers out then lying to BOBBY FLAY!! That’s like lying to God!).
One episode in particular, I was screaming mad. When the finalists had to pair off and make one dish each and make one “joint” dish, she passed off her inferior ingredients (store bought vanilla pudding, angel food cake and strawberries) to Teddy and told him he could do dessert as his dish. Maybe I missed something (when I blinked), but for the meatloaf all she did was combine 2 jars of store bought stuff (apricot preserves and teriaki sauce), while Teddy seasoned the meat, shaped the loaves and monitored them in the oven. All the while she just concentrated on her appetizer. She even commented that she was concerned because Teddy was spending so much time on the meatloaf. She sure didn’t say anything to him with ample time. With about 2 minutes left, she asks Teddy if he made the dessert! Sheesh! Seriously, Teddy’s mistake was not being assertive enough to say he wasn’t going to make the dessert his dish. When they all split into teams, she TOLD him what they would each do and he said nothing. That was his own fault, but I knew where Debbie would lay her blame in front of the judges. She totally took advantage of his inability to assert himself. He needed to go, but I didn’t like that his departure allowed Debbie’s manipulation to win.
I definately got tired of her constantly saying she was Korean and from the south. Every challange, when she would say what she was going to make, I would look into the TV and say “Something Korean maybe?” I was never surprised by something else. Also, I got confused when she said she grew up eating a combination of Korean and Southern cooking fused together. Then, in a later episode, she said that her mother only cooked fried chicken and grits and that she had to learn Korean cooking from her grandmother. Which is it? In addition, her Seoul to Soul concept never had any Soul. Maybe I blinked again.
Another thing that should have eliminated her much sooner was her constant use of bottled marinades and sauces. Every time the contestants had to go grocery shopping, I would nudge my husband and say “Watch Debbie grab bottled sauce” and she never disappointed. I rarely saw the others using anything they did not make themselves.
I know this is much after the fact, but I just had to get rid of some “Debbie Frustration”. Thanks. I feel better now.
I originally posted this on the wrong discussion (in The Caper Caper) but this is where it belongs. Sorry about the double posting… maybe the moderator will delete the other one.
Congratulations to both. I was looking forward to watching a show hosted by Jeffery and learning about new and exciting ingredients. If I want to learn tricks and tips and what to cook as a working mother, i’d watch Rachael Ray. I think Melissa’s show and rachael’s will be to similar.
My husband and I watched this season from the beginning and liked Jeffrey immediately….he was real, down to earth, well spoken and knowledgeable. Melissa did not leave such a favorable impression with us and while she did mature during the course of the show and seemed to learn a great deal, neither of us ever really warmed up to her. Neither of us would consider watching a show with her in it. After seeing the final episode with the two pilots, it seemed clear that Jeffrey would be the clear winner. I am with Susie, I wanted to head for the nearest specialty store to try out harissa for myself. Food Network has enough basic “how to” do it shows; with Jeffrey you could have had something exciting and different. You could have appealed to a larger male population and not just the ones who cook. My husband said he would have tuned into watch the newly smuggled ingredients. I think Melissa will eventually go by the wayside just as Ms.Finley and some of the others have done. I am a full time working professional and I will not watch Melissa….I have every copy of Bon Apetit’ I ever received in the past 30 years and would love to see the whole what’s new and different approach to cooking. I think you missed the mark big time on this one. Melissa is a pleasant although obviously bored “stay at home mom” who has used you as a way to get back out into the work force. She is clever but is she for real…..I don’t think so. With Jeffrey I think you would have gotten what you see and he would have been just as interesting 5 years from now…..just like Guy F. Hurry….before it is too late, give Jeffrey his own show!!!!!
Congratulations Melissa! I agree with some of the comments made here about Jeffery – I wish he could also have his own show. I will definetly watch Melissa and I would like to see more of Jeffery and his ideas on food.
I’m sorry, if I hear Melissa say one more time that she has instant credibility because she is a mom…..I’m not watching. I’ll keep hoping that Jeffrey finds a spot. He’s the one to watch. Maybe Melissa will disappear like what’s her name the gourmet cook ~you don’t always get it right!
I agree about the finale not living up to its expectations as always. I also agree that Melissa was not the best choice. In my opinion, Jeffrey provided us with unique information, and he also has a true culinary background. Though he might have made a few mistakes, he did win me over especially during the Red Lobster Challenge meal he won. In regards to Melissa, sure she might be a nice person, but I am bummed that again food network chooses someone with no culinary background. I remember the challenge when Melissa couldn’t figure out a standard restaurant-type kitchen and
Brett and Teddy had to help her out. I must have to agree with Brett and Teddy’s point of view on that situation. I also think she is a little phony and not unique with this concept. Furthermore, Food Network should really reconsider their criteria when picking the top ten. It should only have people who have actually worked hard most of their lives to get a career in the culinary field. Overall, I will definitely not watch Melissa’s new show as we already have plenty of these “$10 tips shows”. I also will agree with a viewer that this contradicted her pilot theme “Survival Guide”. Moreover, perhaps you should capitalize on Jeffrey’s expertise. Maybe have him travel around the world to educate us on those uniqueness. He could be the Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods of Travel Channel) to Food Network, and the ratings could be favorable. In the long run, please reconsider the criteria on picking your top ten (no more homemakers), and for now, I will stick to my Iron Chef, Down Home with the Neelys, Mario, and Guy.
i agree that Jeffery should have been the winner. Melissa will be another blah blah like Rachel Ray. And just wait for all the whining once she starts spending too much time away from her family, she’ll play on people’s sympathy again.. Lost me as a viewer.
Nice to see that an untrained person can learn to cook without benefit of cooking school. But I’ve known that for a long time! But that’s nothing special in my book. I loved Jeffery’s approach to cooking, really exciting. Melissa is just ‘more of the same’. But she does fit the ‘reality TV’ mode that FN has seemed to have adopted. I’d like to see less reality based shows and see some more informative shows such as Alton’s Good Eats. I’ve learned so much from his show. Love the humor too!
Bummer. Another Stepford program. Was so hopeful that unique, high-level would win. Continue to be disappointed that I am not the demographic that is driving the content. I guess it is back to Bon Apetit and Gourmet magazine for me. $10.00? Why?
I hope you can give Jeff a show too. His idea of introducing different ingrediants is exciting. I do not need another show on the usual ingrediants or how to cook quickly or economically.
Thanks!
I too was extremely disappointed that Jeffrey lost. His steak sandwich and presentation was spot on, and I wanted to go find some harissa and try it out. I have enough chicken recipes to last a lifetime, and I’m sad we wont see his inventive take on ingredients. Good luck Jeffrey, with whatever you do.
SORRY-BIG MISTAKE!!!!I will not be watching another hum-drum cooking show with the same-ole-same-ole.Jeffrey was interesting and daring -giving great ideas from places I will never go.Loved that idea,not how to make a meal for $10.Most of us already know how to do this-or can have more luck with recipes from a magazine.Will definetly not be watching this show.
Disappointing results. Jeffrey was a breath of fresh air…. an opportunity to spice things up. The FN really needs to give him a show because he’s got alot to offer. Melissa did well, but she is more of the same and we’ve seen enough of the Rachel Ray types. Jeffrey was bold, enthusiastic and a charm to watch. Give the viewers what they want.
Ok, for the Jeffery supporters – yes, he knows how to cook. At some level, all the finalists know how to cook. But I think Melissa’s pilot was much better. She showed how you can make many variations of a simple but good dish. If you think about it, Jeffery just put hot sauce on a steak and made a sandwich out of it. Plus, based on the food that he delivered throughout the other weeks, I am betting that his knowledge of unknown ingredients is fairly limited.
WOW you are a disgrace to food.
I was so torn on who I would rather watch on FN. Melissa or Jeffrey? The answer: BOTH! I think that they are both so talented and bring so much to the viewer. I really, sincerely hope that FN finds a niche for Jeffrey like they have for Adam from last season. On that note, I really despised Adam and was glad he lost last season. But after watching his show on FN and watching his armchair chats after each episode this season, he has definitely won me over. Way to go FN for seeing a star in him. I hope that you can do the same for Jeffrey!!!!
Bob… it’s been an interesting season. Can’t wait for next year!
Melissa is perfect TV material, but the FN already has several shows on saving time/money: 5 ingredient, 30 minute, Good Deal, RR, Sandra, and Sara. ENOUGH ALREADY. How does the busy, working mother make time to watch TV? (Even TiVo will take 20 minutes). The FN quick and easy section of the website is a wonderful asset to the busy mom.
I was rooting for Jeffery, and I liked the name “Ingredient Smuggler”. When I travel the US and abroad, I can guarantee you when I return there is some type of food/ingredient/beverage tucked into my luggage. When you go through customs/security you sometimes are made to feel like a smuggler. You are required to declare many edible items (seeds, nuts, spices, herbs, oils, powders). If the officer is unsure of the product, it is their right to confiscate. You quickly realize that item is not worth missing a plane, and embarrassment has set in when they pulled you off to the side for a better inspection. Customs can and will even scrutinize the packaging. I am ok with this, as I know it is for my safety. In the end I have stories that go with a special ingredient, or I have a recipe that would have been better if the special ingredient had made it home, either way it’s a story.
I hope the FN offers Jeffrey a show at a later date. The FN could take his show in several directions. Footage of his travels, a countries culture, History and trade value of the spice, Trivia, online contests to win the ingredient/spice of the day, universal/general uses of spices, and the list goes on. BUT FN missed one huge marketing opportunity. I hope you read this Jeff, on line shopping at the FN website for that hard to find ingredient/spice. However, Jeffrey’s lack of explaining of what the Harissa really was, or offering an example of a flavor to compare it to, was disappointing. Saying he got the spice in Africa, is like saying he got it in the USA. He should have expanded on the details, but it was a promo spot for his cooking skills and he executed that beautifully when he stirred the bowl, and commented on the color, texture, and aroma. The FN is ignoring a concept/show that could be fun, adventurous, disastrous, and educational, all while opening our taste buds beyond the border!
Would have loved either contestant, but was really excited about the survival guide concept in Melissa's pilot. I Just saw commercial for…please say it aint so…$10.00 meals, yuk. Where did that come from? Takes away from the compexity that Melissa can bring. Bad Choice!
Jeffery and Melissa both did a fine job! However, I was really looking forward to learning new and different things from Jeffery! Darn! I don’t want a mom teaching me about cooking, I wanted a real chef so I can learn to cook like a real chef!
I was rooting for both Melissa and Jeffrey till the end but hoped that Jeffrey would win. Especially the last episode I agreed with many judges comments that she is too spastic. I would suggest to the FN that you ask Melissa to have one or two glasses of wine before each show or to remove all caffine products prior to any taping (maybe even a day or two prior
).
I think her original surviour show would have been great. Agree with other comments that the $10.00 meal thing is ok, and may seem timely but thought her tips might be more helpful.
Would have loved Jeffrey's show. I can only assume the network is working on something with him. Since Bob was not crazy about his zen sense.
Did the network ever consider giving Jeffrey a show and in the middle of it having Melissa provide a tip? Kind of the Mellissa's surviour comment is the cream filling in between Jeffrey's Oreo cookie show?
One final comment…
Agree with all of the comments about Debbie. Granted the judges do not get to see (initially I assume) all that we see I assume. Please FN do not EVER offer her a show. She has little to no integrity… I hope she is reading these blogs and comments to learn a lesson. I thought at first some of it was editing it, then again she did say those words and behave in a selfish manor. In seeing some of the repeats the irony is that she did not trust Teddy… if that isn't a very large pot calling a kettle black don't know what is. Kind of wondered if she made such a big issue of it to deflect her behaviour.
Congrats to both of them. I agree with other viewers that both of them should have their own show. Jefferey worked so well during the competition. He makes me want to get excited about cooking and using things I would never think of. I still want to find that chili paste he used on the steak sandwich.. lol Though Melissa is wonderful, Jefferey would have been my choice. However I would be excited to know he was used someway also at food network. He is just that good. there would be no losing. Good Luck Jefferey you are a winner in my book and should continue in whatever and wherever your food, and heart takes you.
While I agree that “mommy” meals are important, I also agree with a change of pace. I watch B. Flay and Good Eats because it’s a break from the women. Here’s a fact. women are your main viewers. We like to watch someone other than ourselves doing things in the kitchen. We all now how to make chicken dishes. We’ve been watching from day 1. Although Melissa is a nice person, we all know nice people. We have Rachel, Southern cooking, down home cooking, every day meals, meals with 5 ingredients, you name the show we are watching ourxelves. A new male persona would have been most welcomed. Perhaps you will offer Jeffrey a program as well to balance out all the estrogen on the food Network. A little testerone would have welcomed. both were good cooks, perhaps both will deserve a place on our viewing plate.
Melissa did grow on me and I’m happy for her (although I was leaning more in Jeffrey’s direction.) Although I’m not unhappy with her win, her new show’s concept sounds so bland. The short promo I’ve seen for her new show just looks like a rehash of Paula, Rachel, Sandra Lee and others in that vein. Jeffrey’s concept was fresher. $10 meals: been there, done that. You can find it anywhere: “Parade”, “Womens Day” “Family Circle”, etc.
I hope someone picks up Jamica or Debbie as I watch Food Network all most all day and I would never watch Melissa’s program I do not feel she is that interesting for the real people watching I am so sorry but that was the only one I did not see as the next TV Net Work Star.
Bummer that Jeffrey lost. The premise of Melissa’s show, and her hyper strident personality adds up to a pass for us.Kind of like a blonder Rachel Ray, no? Please give Jeffrey a show. I agree with someone else who said her husband said he would watch Jeffrey, mine said that as well.
I definately disagree with the judges choice. Jeffery had a great idea for a show and Melissa was exactly like Lisa Garza last year. I hope Jeffery gets a show like Adam Gertler.
Yikes!! There were kids watching the episodes! Am I the only one who thinks that Michael should have kept his libido in check with his cute little sexual-innuendo comments? (And I’d have the same reaction if the comments came from any finalist.) FN hello!
I have been reading some of the comments, and frankly I am dissapointed that some are being so harsh! I will admit that in the beginning Melissa was very scattered, and seemed to rush through things, but her food was interesting. When she and Jeffrey ended up as the final 2 I was happy because either in my opinion deserved to be there. I was actually hoping that there would be a tie of sorts and that both would be given their own show. That would have been wonderful in my opinion. I would still love to see Jeffrey get his own show, because I found him very soothing (like Ida), and very passionate about food. You have to hand it to Melissa though….the night that she poured her heart out to that panel was very touching. She became someone real at that point. It takes guts to put your life history out there like that, and I will watch her show each and every episode. I will also be looking for Jeffrey on the Network…hint hint!! : ) Congratulations to Melissa for her win, and to Jeffrey because he is also a winner in my eyes.
P.S. I will admit that if Debbie had won, I would not have watched. Each week she gave the viewers, judges, and other contestants reason to doubt her.
FN robbed Jeffery of this title. He is a great cook and brings something different & exciting to the table. I’m not sure what were you guys thinking. His show was gonna be a hit. Melissa is a very very nice person but I’d rather watch something different since there are already so many shows like the one she’ll be in. Please give Jefferey his show and let him show ud how to use different ingredients from all over the world.
As we were watching the finale (Love the series!), I told my husband, “There are two kinds of people who watch the Food Network: People who cook, and people who don’t.” A lot of viewers simply don’t cook, and watch as a form of entertainment similar to those, I suppose, who watch football but don’t play. Those people would probably be more apt to watch Jeffrey. People who cook on a daily basis (not as a “fun thing” every once in a while) would, I think, be more likely to watch Melissa. In Jeffrey’s final recipe he used an ingredient that no one had ever heard of as the centerpiece of his dish. I would be so frustrated as a cook if I watched a terrific episode but couldn’t duplicate it because of esoteric ingredients.
That said, I was a fan of Jeffrey the entire series up until the last episode. I found Melissa had a little too much frantic and nervous energy, thinly disguised as “perkiness”, and it was a turn-off. However as weeks went on, she seemed more and more sincere and comfortable with being on-screen. By the time the winner was announced, my husband and I were both thrilled!
I’ll be watching her show, and have already started collecting the recipes posted on this site.
God luck, Melissa and congratulations on your win! And Jeffrey, great job!
I just love food network because I cook and because I love to see beautiful things and this channel knows how to deliver. I am so happy for melissa but I really feel I would have loved to watch jeffery begin different spices and favors each week. Melissa is go bubbly and can handle almost anything and she looks wonderful after having 4 children. Please figure out a way to get Jeffery a show that all of us would love to watch.
Congratulation’s Melissa!
Good luck to Jeffery you were wonderful!
I am looking for Melissa’s two pastrys that she made on the next food network star. I can’t seem to find them? Can anyone help me ?????Thanks.
I really hope they don’t let Jeffery go and give him a chance down the road a way. My other question is what ever happened to the lady who won the last food network star????
Lainey,
Been there, done that. I also like “ingriendts smuggler”. Have been doing that for years, and like you sometimes don’t get them all the way home. Have some good stories, too. The funniest was taking “low carb” tortillas to Mexico (for my brother-in-lw)! Mexico Customs asked if I knew they had tortillas in Mexico! We all had a good laugh, and no, they did not confiscate them.
Go Jeffery!
Food Network needs a Jeffery, not a 300 ways to cook chicken. And I know there are many people that can’t afford $10 a day, let alone for 1 meal.
very boring selection. Melissa’s show has been done 1000 times. Jeffrey was fresh and new. Read your own surveys. More people watching less people cooking. Means people want entertainment not Melissa’s brand of “NANNY STATE COOKING”. GIVE JEFFREY A SHOW.
I am thrilled that Melissa won because I relate to her-but I would loved for Jeffery to have a show too. I would have felt either one was robbed not to win. Up to the end, I was hoping they would find a way for them to tie or something. Or cohost. I don’t know, but they both had a great appeal. Both attractive and personable and great with the camera and food.
I still think Jamika did so well throughout that it was a shame she left when she did. I wish she was at least in the final 3. If anyone was robbed of something, I kind of think it was her.
We will see Jeffery again!
I like Melissa and I wish her all the best with her new show. Her recipes look very tasty. I’ll just say that had it been my decision, I liked the premise of Jeffrey’s pilot and found “Ingredient Smuggler” a more interesting show idea than “Kitchen Survival Guide.”
I clicked on post before I was ready. I want to end by saying “Give Jeffery a show too!” Adam Gertler is amusing to me in five minute increments, but I’d enjoy watching half an hour of Jeffrey, more. I really liked Jeffrey’s calm energy on camera. It’s part of the same quality that attracts me to Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa. “Ingredient Smuggler” is an idea whose time has come!
Disappointed Jeff didn’t win, but if he would be forced into a $10 show, he probably really “won”. Melissa is OK, but, yikes to much Cotten Candy will make anybody sick in a short time. She comes across and to much goody two shoes, dripping in sugar …yuck …… and besides who wants to cook for $10 …….not me. I won’ t be watching.
What in the world were the judges thinking when they chose Melissa over Jeffrey? Just what we need, another show on how to cook chicken and prepare meals for $10. Semi-Homemade has that down to a science(excellent show). At least Jeffrey would have brought something new and different. The world does not need another “I want to be like Rachael Ray” (way over-the-top) cook.
At least be fair and give Jeffrey a show of his own.
It was no unfair what happen to Jeffrey on finale of this show. There is no way in this world that Melissa won over Jeffrey. What in the world were the judges thinking. I for one will not tune in to see another host cooking chicken and telling you how to prepare a meal for under $10. Semi-Homemade has mastered that (excellent show). Food Network should be fair and give Jeffrey his rightly deserved show.
Jeffery is talented performer and chef. Melissa is a real person and practical cook. Melissa grew as person and cook as the season progressed and I was impressed that Melissa was able to remain in the competition beating experienced chefs and cooks. In the last two weeks, Melissa won me over as someone I would watch and her pilot show was superb. I think Jeffery lost his edge with the risotto and Jeffery’s pilot was very good, but it didn’t hold my interest.
I want to thank the Food Network for this show! I really enjoyed watching it this summer. The challenges were pretty tough, and although I consider myself a good cook, I could never do what these chefs were asked to do. It was inspiring to see what they could come up with. From the beginning, I liked Melissa the most. She always came off as being genuine and a hard worker. She never seemed afraid to take chances. I especially liked when she tasted each of the peppers that she had as her ingredients to decide which to use. Some of the other contestants seem to have one face they showed to each other and another they showed to the judges and more of an eye on celebrity rather than what they could contribute to the people who watch FN. And let’s face it – most, if not nearly all of your viewers are HOME cooks, not chefs. While I may enjoy watching some of the “celebrity” chefs, I also like to learn cooking techniques and ideas from people just like me – which is exactly how I see Melissa. I think you made the best choice. Thank you – I will be sure to watch her show.
I am not so sure that Melissa rings true any more than Debbie did…worried about eating from the pantry since she overspent on her daughters' Easter dresses and yet she spends ALL of her anniversaries in Paris celebrating? Spanish speaking until age 3 because she "grew up in a spanish-speaking household because her nanny spoke it"…did her mother never talk to her? She "invented" four step chicken…I can name about 10 people off the top of my head who have used that process – including my grandmother 40 years ago. On top of all of that – her voice grates and the show sounds like it will be incredibly boring. Ah, well.
Was hoping Jeffrey would have won and brought some new exciting international ideas to the table.