Be the first to watch Melissa on the set of her new show, Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian.
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I can't wait to watch Melissa's new show! Feeding my family quickly and on a budget are very important to me, however, I want the food to taste wonderful. I know Melissa can deliver this!
10 bucks??? not sure she can pull this one through for a whole family. and frankly, not sure if i want to eat a supper that only costs $2.50.
There couldn't be a better time to put this show on! Can't wait
I am so excited she won! I have a family of four and I am a working mom who sometimes doesn't have time to go grocery shopping every week. I can't wait to see what she has in stor for us. I will definately watch her!
I'm the male cook at home in a role reversal due to an economy that is pretty trashed. I have to shop the ingredients and feed three evry day on an extremely limited budget.
This lady Melissa already has given me ideas to use and I have a wife and young daughter that are tough critics and think the inexpensive cooking I do tastes very good.
I already have a lot of chicken recipes, that can be made for $2.50 or less per person, but I'll be curious to see the other inexpensive yet hearty and healthy ingredients she uses. I'm already an olive oil convert and I use it a lot as well as bacon as an accent to other meats and ingredients.
Susie: just wanted to say it must have been a hard decision they were both good.
Congratulations Melissa and will be looking forward to your first show sorry that you both could not have won but, there could only be one and I think you will be great.
We do not know how much time we have left with mom but, we will make the best with what we have and on a good day for her she still tries out your recipes and yes even, some of her babies (the cats) will try it with her. Thank you for your interesting simple home recopies that even someone on a tight budget can do. I think Melissa was a good choice and will have some great tips. God Bless to All the Food Network Staff. I must say I enjoyed watching Duff Ace of Cake and Paula. Duff doing so much mechanical things with his cakes excites me. I was an electrician and mechanic before I got hurt and it excites me, to see what he can do with a cake. Paula is so down home seems so sincere in her life struggles that brought her so far to where she is today.
I am disappointed that they played it safe with another boring girl next door. The viewers in my opinion are hungry for something DIFFERENT and exciting! This was an opportunity to choose something that we have not seen before! Wher e is your vision and edge???
A Mom since 1975, no where near as long as most of our Mother's! I can feed a family of six for under $10 a meal! Do it week after week. So Happy Melessa won!
Susie: PS
Not that my opinion matters I enjoy watching food network and wish I could cook something close to what they do. I do not do much since my disability and now that my best friend that I always did my holiday cooking with my mother had a stroke and has heart problems we tried for a while but now we just do very little for our self. Talked into adopting three stray cats in the winter and to our surprise, they were pregnant. Even with ads, we were only able to give five away the shelter asked please keep them and they would give us a discount fixing them. Well this is the final reason I will not do my holiday cookies.
Susie PS
My mother does not understand at times with because of her stroke and this was the first year, in over 60 years that she has not given our traditional cookies as gifts. Now we cook chicken and fish and sometimes veggies depending on the cat. Unless you are an animal lover, you will not understand it is a responsibility and like a child, they come first. It is too late to give them up now we know them all by name and personality, it has been a year, and my mother will not part with them. So baking is on hold for anyone outside the house. It makes me laugh though because some of them have a sweet tooth others love veggies, fruits, pasta. God Bless to all –good food comes from the hear and soul, looks is only half the battle (Sorry for the long post-pain was high and was just was dong a lot of thinking.
I totally agree with debra! Do we really need another Rachel Ray?!!
I was so looking forward to what ingredient Jeffrey had to offer tomorrow. Guess we'll never know. I really hope FN can find a place for him. he is the guy I would watch, She is the person I would maybe just google her recipe. It's just too hard to watch her, she's just to fake!!
I have watched all 5 seasons of the FN star and will continue to in the future. Except for Guy, who was the best ever, Melissa and Jeffrey were the next best candidates through all 5 seasons. I am happy for Melissa and understand why she was chosen. I will not be watching her show. I feel no connection to her or her point of view. My perception is that Jeffrey was the hands down winner. I would have watched his show. I would love to learn about the new ingredients he would deliver each week. Not only did he make me hungry, but he also made me want to go the kitchen and cook. I can't imagine you turning away such a talent.
I am with you.
I already know how to stretch my food dollars. Bring me someone who will raise my standards.
After seeing the pilot performances I knew Melissa would be the winner. I left feeling like I wanted to know more. I am dissapointed that they changed her show to 4 for $10 or less because I really enjoyed the Survival Guide concept that she presented on the pilot. The $10 or less idea seems done already.
Wow, I am about fell asleep with Malissa's presentation, she was the only one excited about it. Great - I agree another boring person that I will not watch. For all the Hamburger Helper folks - good luck with your new winner. Gawd she is so-o-o cheesey, she is impossible to watch. She reminds me of the springy haired, needed braces, winner that they picked a few seasons back. Did that first show ever air, did anybody care if it did? Not!!!!
Jeffery was clearly the Winner. I would watch him cook anything. He made it fun, interesting, intelligent, and challenging for those of us that love to cook.
Susie said it - Jeffery was clearly more marketable! Then why did cheesey/hyper/Irritateing Melissa get picked?
Please give us non - hamburger helper cooks a show with Jeffery!!!
I am a homemaker and home cook and I will not watch Melissa's show. She is high strung and talks too fast and I retain nothing from her that I watch. I don't dislike Melissa personally but I think you ASSUME all stay at home mom's are like Melissa when we are clearly NOT. I want interesting and new dishes for my family and I NEVER WATCH FN Daytime!!! The entire line-up of female hosts trying to tell me they are LIKE ME and showing me how to cook boring twists on old dishes is not what I'm about! Jeffrey would have been the better choice! You need a complete overhaul of FN daytime in order to entice me and I thought you almost had it right with Jeffrey. My husband likes to cook too and also does not catch half of what Melissa says. She's already stated she hated working long hours when she worked outside the home in the "corporate world" and we'll have another FN star who QUITS after one season because yeah now we know all her kids are small, twins who are still in high chairs. WRONG CHOICE…I'm glad you are so interested in "dumbing up" stay at home Mom's. Guess I'll switch to BRAVO.
I can say I'm pretty disappointed in the concept of Melissa's new show. I had really high hopes that you'd be raising the bar of who you think the home cook is. I don't want a show teaching me how to cook for under $10, though most of my meals have to be like that. I want a show that can teach me HOW to cook, and how to step up the traditional 'home cook' menu. That's what Melissa was showing the entire season in TNFNS. I do NOT want another Sandra Lee in someone who is obviously much more talented. I love Melissa and was glad that she won (though I like Jeffrey a lot, too, and would love to see a show with him, and hope they do it the way they did Adam, but with a show i'd want to watch), but have to say I'm pretty disappointed in the direction you're taking with her.
I was very excited that Melissa won. I like Jeffrey but his pilot, although well executed, made me think "do I want to see recipes where I will have to run all over town to find exotic ingredients?" At least Melissa cooks with what I already have in my kitchen and she does a great job. I watched the marathon yesterday (even though I've been watching week after week) and the judges were never disappointed in her food. I'm looking forward to seeing what she has to offer.
I was a little disappointed that Kitchen Survival was changed to 4 for 10 but understand in this economy the need to feed the home cook. There are plenty of other shows to watch when I want to pull out the gourmet in me.
I really hope FN can find a place for Jeffrey. His is the show I'd tune in to, preferably on the weekend!
As ridiculous as it sounds, I had a hard time falling asleep after last night's finale, feeling so disppointed Jeffrey didn't win. I can't imagine tuning into a show like Melissa's, watching a woman who reminds me too much of myself, high strung, wound tight, unattended children in the background while she's doing 10 things in fast motion, frantically. I was so hoping I'd continue to see Jeffrey once a week, bringing so much excitement-but-calm while making something delicious. Sigh.
Please give Jeffrey a show. I will watch. If you can give that awful Adam, from last year a show, you can give talented Jeffrey one. Please.
jeannine
I'm so happy Melissa won. I love her personality. Jeffrery reminds me of Guy. I never watch his show. He gives me a headache. I don't want someone shouting at me. What was that stuff in the tube and where would one buy it? No thanks. I spend enough time in the grocery store. I wonder if the local store would even carry it. Good luck Melissa.
Whether I agree with the concept of Melissa's new show or not, whether I agree with Melissa winning or not, whether I agree with the judges or not, I will give this show a chance. I will be open minded enough to allow myself to realize "my opinion" is not the end all and be all of how things should have happened on the "The Next Food Network Star". I know it's a strange concept to accept but apparently the universe does not revolve around me and my personal preferences.
I'll try and be mature enough to not second guess decisions made. And I will certainly not post some nasty unkind remarks intended to insult, or denigrate either the judges or contestants.
You would be amazed at what can be made for under $10 a meal for a family of 4. You have probally already had some meals that are like that and didn't know it.
I am disappointed Jeffrey didn't win. I like the idea of learning how to use new ingredients. I'm suprised Susie didn't pick him because I think it's a great marketing tool. I never heard of harissa until last night and I will be going out today to buy a tube and make a new dish in my kitchen. I'm sure sales are going to shoot way up. Anyone can assemble chicken and a boring sauce of onions, had a squirt of harissa and you've made a sale!
Boy, this looks SO boring. Will never watch. Hello RR #2..
I agree. I feel FN is not given the experienced cook, mother and/or grandmother something new and exciting. I was looking forward to learning from Jeffrey. Personal issues aside, Melissa ok, but just ok.
It was disappointing that Melissa won, as Jeffrey brought a new and different concept. There have been more than enough programs featuring housewives preparing simple chicken meals. It would be good to see FN broadcasting programs for the more accomplished home or gourmet chef using advanced techniques and ingredients.
Could not agree more! I don't need to spend 30 minutes of my life watching someone make chicken.
I was cheering for Melissa since I found most of her recipes to be things I could see making, and that looked good. I'm very disappointed to see that it has become a show with a $10 limit though. Seems like her food won't be nearly as interesting as it was during the show.
Part One
I have been a food network fan since "How to Boil Water", "The Essence of Emeril" and "Two Fat Ladies", ect. But with last year's Next Food Network Star pass to Aaron in the second to the last round I became a skeptic. Now with Melissa winning, I am beginning to believe that I am not representative of their target audience. I am a so called foodie. I am a physician and my wife is my office manager. We both work 60 plus hours per week and at home I do all of the cooking. It is something that I am passionate about. We also enjoy dining out at ethnically diverse restaurants and have traveled the world as much for the food as for the sites. Melissa talks only about her four children aged 1 through 4 who "love" to help her in the kitchen. Anyone with children knows that at these ages, these kids are more interested in the wrapping paper than the toy inside of a Christmas present. She is bogus and a bore to watch.
Part Two
Melissa's show should be called 101 ways to cook the most boring of all proteins, the chicken breast, which she seems to always be using as a theme ingredient. Here concept of a "survial guide for the kitchen", well this was a good idea when Rachael Ray did it with 30 minute meals. I was truely excited with Jeffrey's concept of introducing obscure and ethnic ingredients to American cuisine and I am greatly disappointed that I will be unable to enjoy his show. With "home cooks" such as Giada, Ina Garten, Paula Deen, Sandra Lee and Rachael Ray, I suppose the target audience of TFN must be the Opra crowd. In any event, TFN has lost Mario, Emeril and is losing me to the Fine Living Network and Bravo's Top Chef.
I'm afraid that the real talent that is lacking may be on the selection committee because they don't seem to recognize talent.
P.S. I wish they would have edited out Melissa's Lactation discussions, this was truely inappropriate and frankly unappetizing.
I am so excited that Melissa won! She's already shared so many invaluable tips and tricks with the viewers of NFNS. Can't wait to see her on her own show. Although I'm a little disappointed that you didn't stick with the Kitchen Survival Guide concept, I understand that this is a more time-sensitive concept.
I liked Jeffrey give him a show where he travels around tasting new ingredients. Like the Rachel Ray show she did traveling, too much of her on t.v. now.
I will watch Melissa's show, she has lots of tips and idea's. What she cooked, we have in our kitchen's. Money is tight with the economy.
Talks to fast have you ever watched Rachel's show if you can keep up with her, Melissa will not be a problem. "Dumbing Up" stay at home Mom's where did that come from, can you not see that Melissa is not only a very good cook, but also a well educated and traveled woman
FN is really turning into the "Main Street" network…..Can't wait to see how Melissa cooks chicken 101 different ways, adds veggies stretch pasta sauce, etc…..Reminds me of the movie "Vacation"…and Randy Quaid….Hamburger Helper…it's so good you don't need the meat!
I give this show less than 6 mos……
Guess what, some of us are on a tight budget and for your information, I've made dinners that cost $10 for a family of 4 (2 of which are teenagers) and EVERONE has loved it.
I wanted Melissa all along, but surpisingly found Jeffrey's pilot very interesting. If he had the concept of new ingredients all along, I think I would have been a bigger fan. Enjoyed the show and will watch Melissa's new show, though cooking a breaded chicken breast was not all that inspiring. I most enjoy Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence and Ina Garten. She really seems like an expert in so many different cooking methods and her food looks awesome. I wish there was a Barefoot Contessa deli near me! I like Paula Deen but I'm tired of Rachel Ray. Don't care to watch Guy Fiera cook, but I LOVE "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives". Thanks for it all.
GOODBYE! SEE YAH!!
I would have been happy with either Jeffrey or Melissa - but I do feel Jeffrey would have been exciting to watch. However, if he were to introduce us to 'unusual' ingredients outside of US, I don't feel very many watchers would be able to find these ingredients to experiment with.
Although I am happy for Melissa, My daughters and I really wanted Jeff to win. I watch A LOT of food network, (A LOT!!!) but do not really want to watch her. Sorry guys, I think you played it safe. Get Jeff back, PLEASE!
I was a Melissa fan from the get-go; I am thrilled that she won. I am sure there is a big market for $10 meals, especially in this economic environment. Once this show has been established, I would really like to see Melissa's upscale recipes where the budget is not the central issue. Good luck Melissa!!
I can't remember - which is it??? Melissa Ray, Giada D'Arabian, or Melissa DEE A'rabian???? I watched the pilot preview- WOW, how original—– shrimp scampi. I do NOT watch Sandra" how many times can I say I, ME or My per episode" , Rachel" I can't hear as fast as you talk" Ray or Giada " I'm so anorexic I have a lollipop head" D…….. Jeffery would have brought calm and spice into this turbulent world. Give him him the "Food Smuggler" PLEASE.
Really? $10 meals? That's all Food Network could come up with? I don't want a cheap $10 meal! I would have liked to see more along the lines of, you can have kids and still make a gourmet meal. If I want cheap I'll make Hamburger Helper. So hoping that Jeffrey gets his show!!!!!
Brava Melissa! She was my favorite since the first night and I have been awaiting her recipes. Too bad her show has become this 4 for $10.00 thing ~ doesn't Sandra Lee already have a show like that? And Rach is always talking about how to "stretch a buck." Hope y'all (FN brass) quickly recognize that we want the food Melissa cooked during the competition ~ let her have the Kitchen Survival show she really wants to deliver. In any case, I am looking forward to Melissa's show and will watch, learn, and cook! :o)
Jeffrey was so much better. I will not watch the high-strung, squeeky voiced Melissa who is so egotistical! The stories of her background are phony-sounding. You should find another show for Jeffrey. He is classy, entertaining and a far better cook than Melissa.
Jeffery has more to offer than another 101 ways to cook chicken. I cannot stand another home cook. BIG Mistake!
I like Melissa but I like the Ingredient Smuggler concept better and think it would make for more interesting television. I'm a loyal FN fan, however, and will trust those who know better than I. It would be great to see Jeffrey again though with his incredible ability to create word pictures that surpass almost everyone elses - except maybe the Ace of Cakes. Your network is great!
I liked Melissa and Jeffrey all the way through, but honestly I thought Jeffrey should have won. I am a home cook but I already know how to make good food for my family on a budget. That;s not what I watch Food Network for. I already know 27 ways to cook chicken. I would love to see a show about using more exotic ingredients to tweak up everyday dishes, and this is what Jeffrey was offering. His pilot was AMAZING and I want to run out today and buy some harissa and make that steak sandwich for dinner tonight! I don't even remember this morning what Melissa made in her pilot, except it was chicken, which is also what she made in almost every challenge during the show. I thought for sure the judges would pick up on that eventually and ask her if she knows how to cook anything beside chicken!. Jeffrey made a huge variety of dishes throughout the show and showed so much more range and knowledge of food. I feel he could really teach me things I don't know. A big miss for FN.
I also think Food Network is getting too "safe" in its choices of personalities. You are in danger of becoming boring! Jeffrey would have added some much needed spice and sophistication to your lineup! Melissa seems too close to Rachael and Sandra for my taste. I'm already tired of them and I didn't need to see another one.
I'm happy that Melissa won, but I think I like the Survival Guide better than the $10 meals. In this economy, I guess it's a draw for a lot of families struggling with the high cost of foods. I hope her show morphs into the survival guide mode…I like her tips and information. I liked Jeffry too, and think that there should be room for him on the network. Trust Alton to come up with two great hooks for show themes. Maybe he should play a more prominant role in your programming development.
Congrats Melissa! I loved both finalists and it's always a shame someone has to lose. Jeff was a gem too (and probably hates the mean comments being made against Melissa because he’s nicer than those people). My real comment is : Who came up with the $10 dinner idea? She told us about good breakfast tricks too. It’s almost mean to pigeon hole her as a cheap cook rather then a cleaver, coupon clipping wife & mom, and don't families of 4 ever throw parties? You already have Sandra who counts pennies for the viewer. Melissa showed so many areas of cooking during the contest and they weren’t always for the kitchen table. Sure, you could double the recipes - but usually folks go a little more upscale for parties and she could have taught us so much. Why put that limit on her talents? The Survival idea was so much better and I got excited. It could also have applied to working families with no time to prepare for a special event and need her good, budget crunching ideas for that too. Please rethink the Survival idea before it hits the air and give her a chance to spread out. She has great ideas– let her use them.
Someone has to win and someone has to lose. I see why the judges selected Melissa…..she's main stream and very safe…like Rachel, Sandra, Sandy, and the Neely's…..all the most recent FN shows are the same. The hosts talk WAY too much about themselves and WAY too little about the food. Get back to classics, and back to people with more food expertise. I'm down to watching only Ina and Tyler. and Alton Everyone else is too animated and try too hard to be entertaining. I'm already a great home cook, I want to learn something NEW and challenging! Oh, and please please don't let Melissa talk about herself as much as the Neely's and Sandy, and Rachel do…We are here to learn cooking techniques, not stroll down memory lane with the hosts!
We were rooting for Jeffrey. We would LOVE to watch his show with ingredients from all over the world. We will not be watching Melissa's show. She has an irritating quality about her, and the show sounds dull.
I agree with Mary. $10 meals would not inspire me to watch that show as many viewers already said, it's done before. We want new, creative ideas. I also agree that with his video director background, Alton can guide the Food Network into more creative and unique direction than where it's going currently. I also want to see Jeffrey's Ingredients Smuggler show.
I see a lot of people are disspointed with FN's winner choice but as a stay at home mom with a VERY picky 2 year old eater (if it is not popcorn, chips, or crackers we have to hold him still and fight for him to eat) i can say i was hoping that melissa would win because she is NOT a chef, she does NOT have a restaurant, she IS a normal person that i can relate to. where would i find herrasa?jeffrey's pilot was great but seriously where are we normal people going to find all of the exoctic ingredients he uses. i am not a wealthy person that can hop on a plan to africa and bring home some special paprika. his show would be interesting and i think he has a lot of talent but melissa's show is one that i will actually be able to duplicate and learn time saving tips, low cost tips, kid friendly tips etc, and have the ingredients alredy on hand. thank you FN for making this choice!
I feel really let down that Jeffrey didn't win. He brought charisma and credibility that Melissa doesn't really have. I am like the other lady who commented that she wanted to go out and make the steak sandwich after watching Jeffrey's pilot. It looked fantastic. I already know how to cook chicken, and pouring lemon juice and chicken broth on it and sauteeing it in onions does not inspire me, anyone can do that. I want to see Jeffrey's show!
Was glad Melissa won! Another Texas gal did NOT bite the dust and this one has a wider scope then the others. Although I enjoyed Jeffery quite a bit I could not see his show being a huge success…too many can NOT find exotic ingredients even if they want to try them. I do not see Melissa as a RR knockoff…but a different albeitt similar approach. RR has only a token show or 2 to children in the kitchen (maybe more on a dog? in the kitchen) and basically after watching her for years am finding her boring as not that much variety in her recipes…same recipes, vary an ingredient here or there. Melissa seems to have some great tips to pass along, (love the idea of the muffin cups for the potatoes) and so far her food is NOT that boring…I think she will bring in a huge audience and surely hope all will give her a chance to prove her prowess in the kitchen. Jeffery should be given a show too down the road, but I bet his would bomb pretty quick as the majority of cooks are NOT into changing things alot. I hated the "title" of his pilot, smacked of someting illegal. Thanks for giving us a forum to express our thoughts…NOW tell me when is the NEW show on????
Not all of us live in New York, California, or other States with large urban areas where all of the exotic ingredients Jeffery might want to teach us how to use can be found. Therefore, while I don't think Jeffery was any more laid back than Ina Garten, and I love watching her show, his audience would, of necessity, have to live where his ingredients were readily accessible or know its way around the internet and then, the network would have to tell you where to go online to get the ingredients he chooses to use. I never heard of or saw the one in his pilot - and I was hoping the selection committee would give both of them a chance to "star."
I agree completely. Alton is good, real good. And I'd rather see a survival guide than a $10 budget. Sound familiar? Money saving meals… 5 ingredient fix… $40 dollars a day… quick fix meals with robin miller…
Well written-could not agree more
Though I suspected that Melissa would win, I'm disappointed. I can't help but think that Food Network is somewhat abandoning their long-time viewers. I want to see shows from people who can teach me something new and/or inspire me to try something new. While I see the appeal of a home cook to someone who is new to cooking, long-time fans likely are looking for more sophisticated programming.
Frankly, I already know how to make a cheap meal from scratch, but I will give her show a chance.
Give Jeffery a show. He is by far the better cook, shows more passion and comes across as REAL. No phony smile, no hyper shrill voice, and boring chicken, chicken and more chicken recipes. I am a foodie, I love to cook, I love to eat. I was to see a show that inspires me. Like Jeffery's food did. Find a place for him in your lineup, night time would be nice.
Boring, boring, boring Melissa was definitely NOT my chocie, though I do wish her luck……………Jeffrey, in my personal opinion would have added another dimension to the FN…………would you please send me his recipe for the yummy sandwich he made…….more particularly what he added to the mayonnaise to give the sandwich another notch,,,,,,,,quoting from Emeril…………While I hold the judges in great esteem, i really can't believe this was THEIR choice…………wHATEVER WERE THEY THINKING……..yOU KNOW PEOPLE…….Julia always would own up to a boo boo…………Has anyone on the the FN ever made something, that they didn't like??????????
I was hoping Jeffrey would win but I'll happily try out Melissa's shows, I enjoyed all the tips during her finale video. I wonder if Kitchen Survival Skills as a title might pull in curious viewers who didn't see TNFNS. The title appeals to me more than the one you'll be marketing her under.
To all that do not understand our frustration with Melissa being chosen because we feel that she is just more FN same old, same old. Go to the FN recipes-there are 5 pages of recipes for shrimp scampi. A total of 55 recipes for this very simple dish with the following FN chefs/cooks: Emeril, Bobby, Ina, Tyler, Rachel, Robert Irvine, Mario, Giada, the FN Kitchens as well as a host of outside chefs. Chicken breast recipes, 141 pages totaling 1690 recipes. Yes Melissa fits right in to the FN….her first recipe…another shrimp scampi, how long before another chicken breast recipe……same old….same old…….
Melissa, boring, boring, boring same old, same old, Jeffrey should have won, come on ladies admit it, Jeffrey has sex appeal, He would have been a great asset for the FN.
Enter text right here!I AGREE 100% WITH LILLIAN WADE. MY CHOICE WAS JEFFREY, HE BROUGHT SOMETHING NEW TO FN, AND YOU PEOPLE PUT IT ASIDE. YOU ARE LOOSING A VIEWER. CAN YOU PRODUCE A SHOW FOR JEFF? WE ALL ON THE OUTSIDE WORLD OF FN WILLB E GRATEFUL. PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT…………………A VERY DISSAPOINTED VIEWER
I am THRILLED that Melissa won. As a stay at home Mom, I love what she has to offer and I am looking forward to growing my recipe repertoire. However, I, too, liked the Survivor Idea better than $10 Dinners. Sandra Lee already does something similar (of which I am NOT a fan, because she uses way too much processed food) not to mention that those who are really thrifty can easily feed a family of four balanced meals on less than $5. (I know, I do it.) I just hope her tips and tricks don't get lost. Unlike others, I do not think she is more of the same-old, same old. Sandra Lee is the only other one on FN who caters to Moms with easy-to-find, easy-to-prepare meals featuring every-day foods kids will eat. Robin did, too, but she never seems to be on anymore and I miss her. I'm also a little bummed about the time-slot. I'm hoping they'll mover her to prime-time because I only watch tv once the kids are in bed and I don't have DVR. Anyway, Bravo, Melissa… kudos!
I agree 200%. Jeffery should have his show. That i would watch. As it stands I will not be a Melissa viewer. Her demeanor turns me off. The concept of her show, been there done that. I have cooked budget meals. I could probably teach her a few tricks. I'm at a point where I want exciting, new or old made new recipes. Jeffery had what i was looking for. Give him a show, his audience is waiting.
Actually, I do have kids that age and they love to help pour in ingredients and stir, etc. As a foodie, you HAVE stars to watch who make complicated, elegant, and expensive 'restaurant quality' dishes. As a stay at home Mom, all I have is Sandra Lee (whose recipes use way too many processed ingredients) and have been feeling that I'M not the target audience… what's wrong with having a little something for everyone?
I was thrilled with the top two choices in the finals. I was concerned that Debbie was going to move on and after her "two glaring situations" was happy that she didn't move on.
I liked Jeffrey and Melissa. But Melissa kept coming through with good food. The judges always liked her food time and time again. I loved her tips and hope that they are included in her new show. Jeffrey was very likeable but not consistent. He also didn't look as comfortable in his show as Melissa did. It is pretty amazing that someone with no professional experience was chosen as a contender in the show and had the skill to win it. She had some pretty amazing recipes during the competition and she showed good judgement with her ability to move her dishes around when a problem would come up. Those are the kinds of things I need to learn and the things that I believe that the majority us could learn from. Thank you for a great show and I don't think Melissa was a safe choice at all as I am reading in these comments. I think she was a great choice because she was consistent in what she delivered.
I was very disappointed Jeffrey did not get chosen. There are already plenty of shows similar to Melissa's Kitchen Survivor Guide such as 30 minute meals, Quick & Easy Meals with Robin, 5-ingredient meals, etc. I want something different – entertaining and educational to broaden my knowledge in a global sense. Jeffrey's "Ingredient Smuggler" is what I want to watch. When I am at the international aisle at my grocery store, I often wonder about those foreign ingredients and desire to learn about them. I hope Food Network will air Jeffrey's show even though he was not the chosen winner.
I am really happy Melissa was chosen and I look forward to watching her. She is a working mom and will help working moms and dads come up with easy and affordable great tasting meals. Yes, there are other females just like there are other male stars. The working mom angle is different. She isn't a chef and she isn't just a good looking person setting a pretty table. She knows what it is like to work long hours and then come home and cook a great meal. I liked Jeffrey, no doubt - the top two were the best two. But, really - the last thing I need is to have to hunt down incredients. I am glad for the choice that was made. Thanks!
Congratulations to Melissa. I felt it should have been a tie because they were both great, each with different qualities to offer. Is it possible for Melissa to make her ratatouille on the air so we can get her recipe?
i love mellisa. very down to eath and i could see myself cooking her food.
Melissa rocks!! She has so much depth both in term of her character and as a chef. Great choice judges!
I too agree 100%, Jeffery all the way, a True Star. Calm, and passionate , exciting to watch. He derseves a show. Not intereting in watching Melissa, her demenor and show concept are not interesting to me. I know how to cook chicken and a lot of bidget foods. I am beyond that. I would love a Jeffery show. Give us more foodies and advanced cooks something to inspire us.
I totally agree with you,and Swate mattb2 and all the others who will NOT watch Melissa. I do not need anymore ways to saute a chicken breast…BORING SHOW it will be ……Anyone with 4 kids 4 and under does NOT have them in the Kitchen always helping out, get real !! That may be the only time she gets to see them now as she will so busy SMILING that big fake smile and most of the time looks like she is going to cry, wonder if she can handle this stess…hope Jeffery is waiting in the wings .
Boring - Melissa hasn't yet offered one tip I haven't seen before. Every FN chef or cook suggests we not cook with wine we wouldn't drink. I don't have to be too smart to figure out that after using it in my dish I can serve it with dinner. Duh!
It really would have been a breath of fresh air to have someone like Jeffrey. Melissa seems really nice but a little to hectic for my taste. Jeffrey just seemed so relaxed (probably wasn't) and in return, it was very relaxing watching him. Also, it seemed like I might have learned something new..
.
Please tell me where I can get shrimp, pasta,lemon,garlic,olive oil,butter,and parsley for under 10 dollars. Better yet just tell me where I can get the shrimp for under 10
I congratulate Melissa on her win and wish her well on her show.
I'm a little disappointed cause from day one I've been a fan of Jeffrey and now after seeing the pilot episodes, Im really disappointed.
That was such a great idea for a show that Jeffrey had and definitely something I'd want to watch. While Melissa's, just kinda fits into the typical daytime fair already available on the network. Melissa show is practical, and I must say during the competition, she made a few things that I said "hey, that looks pretty good… I gotta try that. But Jeffrey's food, with the exception of his risotto, got me excited and wanting to try just about everything he prepared.
I even went to Red Lobster to try his dish. I hope Food Network, takes on Jeffrey and his Ingredient Smuggler idea… I love trying new things and I think maybe more than you know, Food Network people, your viewers are looking for new and interesting ideas. Not another take on chicken or hamburger. I agree with some other comments about the change in Melissa's show… kind of using her as a "cheap" cook when during the competition she showed herself more than competent to handle so much more. You've said it yourself, people want to be entertained and watching Melissa make $10 meals is not very entertaining to me. I can find so many ways to make cheap meals on Foodnetwork.com, watching the preparing of them isn't thrilling. My mouth is still watering over that steak sandwich from Jeffrey's pilot!!!
Your point is well taken. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find an ingredient for a recipe you're anxious to try. But…Jeffrey's show concept offered the FN an opportunity to market the ingedient of the week online. Think of all the viewers who would go to the website and order HARISSA right after viewing the program. Think of the way Oprah boosts book sales after featuring the author on her show!
thank god another tnfs is over. please let it be the last competition held or get new judges. am so sick of bob and his know-it-all attitude; susie with her bobbing head and weeping eyes; and iron chef america bobby flay. in fact, foodnetwork could eliminate 3/4 of its shows both daytime and night time and still come out ahead. i agree with most comments about melissa becoming rr#2. please rachel, do something else in 30 minutes beside a damn turkey/chicken burger/pasta dish. i have now resorted to watching golden girls reruns in place of your show.
perhaps jeffery and melissa can team cook on a single show.
in any event, someone in charge at foodnetwork needs to take a good look at its programming and a better look at demographics. then find foodnetwork stars who meet the needs of the viewers–and definitely stars who can do appetizing meals instead of lavish presentations.
and why does every show have to have a drink containing some type of liquor. there are enuf alcholics now; we do not need to encourage more home cooks to become one.
I don't think the show will last too long. Sounds boring, not a trained chef, she is too cute and I am not a busy working mother trying to save a few bucks. Not what I watch FN for.
It is unbelievable that my favorite channel would not have a show with Jeffrey as the "Ingredient Smuggler!" He was fun, entertaining, and informative. I knew from his pilot that I would find his ingredient and use it.
I love cooking so when I am watching the food network, I want to be inspired, entertained and educated.
Melissa was good and she did great to make it to the end but come on, another cooking show about cheap and fast. I am so disappointed, please add another show with Jeffrey.
I love cooking for my family and we were all pulling for Melissa. Jeffrey was terrific, too. Weeks ago I picked them for the finalists. At first this show concept put me off - this isn't the kind of cooking I like to do on the weekend. But I'm warming to it as the sort of fast and inexpensive cooking that could get us to do less takeout during the week.
I was very dissapointed with your choice, Melissa drove me crazy, too much sugar and very hyperactive. I love FN because I learn to prepare exciting and different dishes, do not need to learn any more chicken dishess.
Give Jeffrey his own show, his passion for food was contagious, I have to find Harrisa now.
I'm a stay at home mom and a person who loves to cook. I cook on a budget all the time. Most stay at home moms do because there is not a lot of extra money. I will not watch this show. It is LAME. I watched the pre video. I can make really good shrimp scampi too and for more then 4 people. Get a life and a real show. I want to see Jeffery's show. I cook regular and some gourmet food everyday. I want to see something original. I loved Jeffery's bringing new ingrediants and making use of them in foods we cook. Melissa, go back to being a stay at home mom. Judges try again. You really messed it up this time and got the wrong star.
Wow, all this negativity towards Melissa. I thought she was wonderful. I like Jeffrey too, but he's so laid back. I think Bob was right in one of his criticisms where he said Jeffrey had to be careful that his Zen persona might come off as too vanilla. I'm not sure I like the $10 dinner concept though. I'm very glad Melissa won and I think she, more than Jeffrey can evolve and turn into something really great.
you said it jeffrey was the winner in my mind..the judges made a big mistake with this one…
i also will not watch the show..but jeffrey on the other hand would have given some spice (no pun intended) to the food network..he is too cute and very talented to waste..
right on!!!
No matter what or who has been picked. There has not been a decent Next FN Star since Guy. He's had the edge over everyone.
what a difficult decision the judges had to make, I really love both Jeffrey and Melissa and am happy with the decision, although, I hope to see more of Jeffrey.
What was that ingredient he was using in his demonstration video? Would love to give it a try!
I think it is great that Melissa won, after being looked down upon by a few of the male professional chefs. I am a stay at home mom and know that most moms do amazing important things that affect lives everyday. Can't stand egotistical men who think the universe revolves around them and have little or no respect for women in tradtional roles. I wonder if any of those guys have reflected on their attitude and if any of them apologized for their unattractive behaviors.
I agree that Jeffrey was awesome and would love to see him have a show! I think that Adam is funny, and I really enjoy watching him and like his show and personality!
While I love the idea of a less expensive shrimp scampi, only 4 shrimp per person would not work for us.
Does anyone wonder about all of the first contestents who were voted off? The viewers never got a chance to know whether or not Jen was a cook. I also would have liked to know more about Brett. FN should really reformat the manner in which TNFNS is programmed. Give all the contestents time to show some skills and perhaps after three shows start the elimination process. I found both Jeffrey and Melissa bland.
I keep thinking about the challange that was given to Jeffrey to use lobster and blueberries in a dish. Creatively he didn't have the chops to come up with something that worked. Cold lobster with blueberries with a citrus dressing for a salad or a lobster roll veronique. Thinking about the ingredients and creating and building a liason or bridge is how innovation happens while respecting the food that you've been dealt!
Melissa knows how to cook but I do not think that she is a creative or innovative cook. However she gave some super tips along the way. Shrimp scampi as a video tease is an insult to some of us older viewers. Many of us have alot of years cooking for our families and we do expect more from FN production staff.
Jeffery had a more interesting concept. Melissa was a bit too bubbly and very much like several other shows. Give Jeffery a chance, he made me want to go out and find his special ingredient.
Jeffrey brought something different to FN and as I've seen lately, over and over again, FN is not interested in different. I don't know if it was just me, but why was there such a fuss about Melissa's chicken recipe. I'm not the greatest cook in the world but I know enough to see that her ways to fix a chicken breast w/onions and broth was not an amazing thing to come up with. And the constant deal w/ her kids and how they help in the kitchen…first of all, at that age there is food everywhere if kids are involved, and think about it…all this time that she was telling us that she spends cooking in the kitchen with a 4yr. old, 3yr. old and 1 1/2 yr old twins…and working as many hours as she claimed to work…something doesn't jive there. You may make cookies w/kids in the kitchen and expect a disasterous mess but you don't make potato whatever it was in muffin tins…assigning each of these babies a muffin tin?…come on, how stupid do you think we are? Well, I guess stupid enough to give this bug eyes, over zealous want to be cook a show of her own. Because as we were reminded over and over again, with her bug eyed bologna she gave us, she was up against real chefs and she got that far. Remember, Melissa, FN was obviously looking for another Mommy & Me program and is disregarding the older viewers and the single or couple viewers. You got their not only on your merits so dont pat yourself on the back too much.
Put Jeffrey on a show like you should have in the first place. Whether he won this now irritating Next Food Network Star (which I will never watch again), or not, put this guy in a show or I really believe you are going to lose the respect of a large audience. Curious, has there been a change of management at FN? Putting 10 shows back to back of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, Unwrapped, then DDD again, at night, is irritating. It's like the night viewers mean absolutely nothing to you. We are the ones who work and want to come home, after we make dinner and settle down, to some neat shows. Put Jeffrey on in the early evening and I'll bet you'll get some very happy people.
First of all the correct term is "dumbing down", so maybe the correct choice was made. Anyway, Melissa is beating the pants off Jeffrey in the fan vote.
I didn't like Melissa or Jeffrey. Melissa is just too annoying & Jeffrey was just too boring. I was rooting for Michael at least he had some personality & he's from New York. Melissa reminded me of The Gourmet Next Door who won a few seasons ago. I didn't watch her & I doubt I'll watch Melissa.
FN folks-I think what you need to do is add some intermediate and master level programing. Sure, there will always be new cooks so the Melissa, Rachel, Giada, Sandra Lee, Ina, Paula, Ask Aida etc shows will appeal to some. But why cater only to the lowest common denominator? I will bet that most of your viewers are 30+ years of age and no longer "new" cooks. We have grown up with you, so stop stunting our growth. So many bloggers have told you they are sick of the same old same old. And shame on anyone blogging here that cannot find an ingredient….most major food markets and grocery stores have a varied line of spices and condiments. And you are all using a computer. Google the items you cannot find. Amazon, for one, has lots of suppliers. Also, if a host is using a spice that maybe hard to find, perhaps they could list some suppliers at the end of the show, or as part of the recipe they post . Common-challange us and inspire us again like you used to-no more excuses!
You Got it WRONG Food Network! Jeffrey was so much better in every way. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???? Melissa is SO OBNOXIOUS I always zip through her parts on my DVR because she grates like nails on a CHALKBOARD. I hope someone out there picks up Jeffrey because his concept and execution were FABULOUS! As the Marketing Director said, "You were FLAWLESS". I was SOOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to his show! I will NEVER watch Melissa. She should have stayed home with her very young children who need her there.
MAJOR BUMMER.
Yikes! That sounds like a stuffy concept.
And are we the "lowest common denominator" you speak of? Don't you think that may be an offensive comment to make to those who haven't reached the plateau you've apparently reached in your cooking skills?
I would think once someone has reached a certain level of skill in their cooking abilities they no longer need the help of "television" shows to help bolster their abilities. Once you've attained the skill to ignite your own passions for cooking Food Network will become, well just Television viewing.
I do not agree with your concept to morph the Food Network into something it's not. It's not culinary school. It's entertainment. If it educates or inspires while it entertains, all the better. But if one is looking for more. To "grow". They need to venture elsewhere.
Food Network cannot "stunt your growth". Only you can do that. Only you can cause yourself to grow.
Me thinks you put too much faith in the Television's ability to teach.
This was my first season watching this Challenge and I am incredibly disappointed. Melissa is yet another in a long string of "stars" I won't watch on FN. She's another hyper-active, well-tended, white stay-at-home mom who can only talk about herself and her "inventions." I simply can't stand her, and I frequently muted her rants during the show. FN has failed at thinking creatively - and from what I read in other posts, this is a common thing on the FN. Thank goodness for Alton and Guy - at this point, they are generally all I'm willing to watch on FN and that's too bad. We are hard-core foodies in my house - we bake, garden, cook from scratch, etc. My boyfriend and I both work full time, I commute 3 hours a day, I'm a single mom of a 5th grader, and this choice of "star" is a huge let down. The last thing I'll watch is another home cook making chicken. At least Jeffrey had a creative idea and was knowledgeable and sophisticated. I can't wait to make his steak sandwich!
Maybe for the next season, FN will get it's act together and tackle the biggest problem facing this country right now - our shameful food system and what is happening to our children and future as a result. What about taking an "Extreme" approach and turning around entire communities by focusing on building community gardens, training less-privileged neighborhoods in our country to eat properly on their tight budgets - I can see it now, "Welcome to Extreme Food Makeover, where, starting tonight, one neighborhood overcomes huge odds and corrupt corporations and doesn't eat McDonalds for a month! And, they get a garden, a gardener and and a local leader to guide them! Stay tuned, America, for Extreme Food Makeover!" Now that's progress!
"Tell us about your show because it sounds really unique"
Really? I'd bet Sandra Lee would disagree.
FN had several chances to go outside the box…Jeffery's idea of introducing people to new ingredients is awesome…nothing like that on Food Network. Debbie's idea of asian/southern fusion is great…nothing like that on Food Network.
What does FN do? Pick a woman who looks and acts like Rachel Ray's even more annoying blonde sister and give her a show that at least four other FN stars are doing.
FN…I know you don't read all the comments on these things…but please, if you read mine, please take this to heart: I LOVE your network. FN is the first place I go every time the TV is turned on. However, if I wanted quick meals, I'd go to Rachel Ray (you even used the same use of a number and an alliteration for Melissa's show…come on…is there ANY originality here?). If I wanted cheap meals, I'd go to Sandra Lee.
Last year you gave us Big Daddy. Now I like the show, but we already had the Neely's and Paula. Nice guy, decent show, but nothing new.
Please guys, next season give us something new. I want new ideas, new ingredients, new approaches. Maybe Melissa's show will be great…I hope it is. But what is absolutely certain…it won't be anything different…and that's very disappointing.
I have watched FN since the Two Fat Ladies bicycled around Britain and the Food Network was teaching us "How to Boil Water." It was great then and it's most of what I watch on tv today. I don't like all of the shows. I never got behind the scuzzy looking chef with the spiked blonde hair (not Guy, lol) who wants to teach me how to cook like a restaurant chef. But even she is not as bad as the Neeley's with their "Sex in the Kitchen" show (oh, isn't that the official name?). But I love Alton, Giada, Guy, Jamey (although we don't see enough of him or Nigella) Robert Irvine and Sandra Lee (she gets a lot of flack but she has some GREAT tips!).
I was actully hoping each of this seasons finalists would get a show - each had so much to offer - and shows have been given to much less deserving finalists. My choice of the two was Melissa and I'm glad she won. She earned it. But I agree that we do also need some more sophisticated cooks on board. Emerill has good recipes but his ingredient list is always a mile long. I liked the one or two different ingredients that Jeffery used in his recipes. We need them both!
I did not mean anything negative about "lowest common denominator". I meant we are all new cooks first, then we progress to different levels. We all have been "new" but as you can see, there is quite a bit of frustration about the programing because there is nothing beyond basics.
I disagree with you about the limitations of television to teach and train.
Also, Susie and Bob have stated several times that it the FN mission to teach and inspire people to cook as well as to entertain. I remember when they did and would like to see it again.
My 4 year old son LOVES to cook with Mommy! He has a special stool we bought him and even special knives ("my safe cutter" by Pampered Chef.) He stirs, pours and does whatever he can. He & I have taken Mommy & Me cooking classes and he asks every night what he gets to cook for dinner with me.
Cooking with our kids is a huge topic in my Mom's group (90 women). I have two sons and I plan on raising men who can cook tasty, healthy, inexpensive meals for themselves and not eat all the processed crap out there!
That said, I find Melissa to be condescending towards stay-at-home Mom's. Most of my Mom friends are beyond the basic cooking levels she is showing in her new show and the pilot. I like Melissa and she did some wonderful, complex recipes during the competition…. where is the Potatoe Torte` she made in episode 8…. she's go the skills but it isn't what they are marketing.
i cant stand her snobby butt! when is the fn goin to put an asian chef or young chef on here, i wanted eddie to win
I can't help but wonder if Adam Gertler ever had time to talk with Jeffrey. He calls him prideful? He is one of the most caring least prideful people I have ever known. He has faced adversity with incredible grace and kindness. He is truly a unique, good human being.
I truly appreciate and agree 100% with your comments. My family LOVED both Jeffrey and Melissa and were really torn at the end. We think Jeffrey did a much better job with his pilot than he did during the 9 week competition. In the end, I will definitely watch Melissa's show and hope that she will not be limited to just $10 dinners. Well said mjaniak!
I too was disappointed the Jeffrey wasn't the choice. I think there should still be a place for him on a food network show. The present lineup needs some new blood. I use to be an avid fan; but now I rarely watch.
marie
Agree
im so sad jeffrey didnt win, he was full of good ideas and was soo genuine, he was someone i would of liked to watch!! im not intrested at all in melissas show, she is to over the top and fake why did she get picked?
Jeffrey won most of the challenges.
Jeffrey's dish enticed me to take my sweetie to Red Lobster and try it out.
Jeffrey's pilot mesmerized me. (Did you SEE him cutting meat while talking AND looking at the camera? FANTASTIC!)
Because of Jeffrey's recommendation, 'harisa' is on my shopping list.
Gadzooks, FN! Bring on the Jeffrey Show!
You may be able to find "everything you need" in YOUR local store, which I'm sure must be in The BIg City, but when you move to a VERY rural area, it is stunning to discover what "basic necessities" you can't find. As for the internet, who wants to spend as much on shipping as the item may cost to begin with? And if you didn't have much forwarning, you're out of luck anyway, unless you REALLY want to spend a fortune.
I am hardly a "new" cook, but I enjoy watching Melissa. She isn't exactly "How To Boil Water"! Which, by the way, has good tips for even experienced cooks. If you're open to it, you can learn from anybody.
I would have preferred Jeffery to win. I have no interest in Dinners for $10 or in under 30 minutes or semi-homemade. I would like a show that plays to my intelligence, that increases my skills, and that challenges me to try new ingredients. I would also like a show that has a Zen quaility; that takes it down a notch rather than televised manic energy. A quite, classy homage to all that simple and elegant.
Are you guys serious? Melissa over Jeffrey? JEEZ! Her pilot is a snooze fest. Get her off the screen . She is a major snore!
Why would I want to eat a meal that costs $2.50? I tune in to the FN for knowledge. So far Melissa doesn't offer me anything that I want to cook. Jeffrey brings new things to the table. I will go out and buy some Harissa. Harissa can be found anywhere for all of the viewers who think it is difficult to find. It is available in all larger supermarkets. Jeffrey is a star ! Please give him his own show. He is polished poised and confident. He is the real winner in the challenge. Whether FN chooses Melissa or not . THe viewers know who the real winner is. Lets hear it for JEFFREY!
Melissa is all about teeth. She has too much for me to watch. She is like a jumping bean on speed. I also disagree about the way she played the sympathy card regarding her mothers suicide. We did not have to share that information. It was in very bad taste.
She should stay at home with her kids. I think that Flay is threatened by Jeffreys good looks and talent, Lets face it, Flay is a middle age leprican who is not good looking and only knows how to cook with a blender and a chile pepper. He has no othercooking talent (unless you call lighting up a grill talent) I have eaten at his restaurants and they are not very good. Jeffrey is a threat to him and Alton Brown. Brown threw Jeffey under the bus by renaming his show Ingredient smuggler. Sometimes these judges should just keep their mouths shut. The original title For Jeffreys show was much better(Cooking without Borders)
Jeffrey is a babe who can cook! He is a real Renascence Man!
I can't wait either. I like Melissa.
Karen, I think there is a definate place for both. I am not anti-Melissa, I just want more variety in programing.
Reply part 2: Talk about suffy… I was amused to read your tirad about people's negative feedback…..and will close with your own words:
"I stand by my comments. And perhaps there's an irony in your advice to me about reading comments that I don't find agreeable to my sensibilities . . . " Could not agree with you more on that point!
Wow! I can't believe the anger and resentment against Melissa. You might not agree with her but it is quite a lot of superiority floating around here because she chose to stay at home with her kids. If she had stayed as a corporate business woman, would she have been more palatable. I am not a stay at home Mom but I have nothing against them or moms in general, since I suspect that most of you have Mom's. I don't like the idea of ten dollar value meals, I think that during the competition Melissa held her own with sophisticated food…Francois Payard was impressed with her pastry and her pochettes! I am sure that both Jeffrey and Melissa were counselled off camera to make simple dishes so that the pilot would fit a certain time limit.
I really liked Jeffrey and the concept of the ingredient smuggler, but I think that Melissa also had a unique point of view. Not sure if any of the other chefs are parents, but if so, there is no mention of the hectic weekday life in their shows and how to make healthy, good tasting meals in a pinch.
I think that Melissa was trying really hard and with practice, she will ease up on the enthusiasm and become the next breakout star like Rachel Ray…
Plain and simple, Melissa really does rock; they made the right choice. D & E
I work 50 hours a week - I prefer to do the cooking in my home because my husband works 60+ hours. He pitches in to do the cleaning after dinner, which is a help for me.
I prefer Melissa over Jeffrey because she is REAL - real person, real life experiences, representing (just like she said) a stay-at-home Mom, a working Mom…
I think $10.00 Dinners is a good choice for her to showcase - think about it - our economy.. it sucks. Budgeting during a tight economy is crucial and I think when you throw in the $10.00/4 people dinner concept, its a smart marketable approach.
Purchase your meats in bulk - get the bulk rate and spend some time at home slicing/dicing/stripping/boning - freeze in smaller portions for future meals. Best example - I purchase a 40lb box of boneless breast of chicken (4-10#) for 1.49/lb purchased three or four times per year… if you do the math, that adds up to a significant amount of savings. So - to all the negative-mongers - give Melissa a chance! Youre cutting her down before she has a chance to show what she's got!
Part 1
Well, I cooked a delicious meal last night for under $10.00 that would feed 4. My homeowner’s association dues and my car insurance came due this last week so I was cooking out of the freezer, fridge and pantry since the grocery store was not in the budget. Last night I cooked chicken breasts, cabbage, carrots and rice. Sounds boring off the top but…__
Part 2
- Chicken breasts were dredged in beaten eggs with a little milk added, then dredged in seasoned flour. Then I sautéed them in a bit of olive oil. When browned on both sides, added tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes and put a lid on and simmered until done. Delicious smothered chicken!
- Cabbage was cooked with diced onions in a little bacon fat, added sliced carrots, salt and pepper. It was yummy!
Part 3
- Rice was brown rice that I’ve learned a no-fail method to prepare without worrying that it will burn. 1 cup brown rice (NOT instant, too expensive), 1 ½ cups liquid (tonight I used chicken broth), a little kosher salt and pepper and tonight I added garlic. Heat liquid to boiling and pour over raw rice in an oven safe pan. Cover and bake @ 375 degrees for one hour.
The meal was delicious and healthy for under $10.00 for 4 servings!
Count me as a Melissa fan. I've read a variety of interviews and know about her point of view and background. I also like how she has memorable phrases or steps that help you replicate what she is doing.
I've got my DVR all set to record her first show.
I did like the "Survival" title of the show, but I suspect the show will evolve over time, anyway.
Keep up the good work, Food Network!
I like "survival guide" much better than $10 meals. I can have expensive meals and STILL NEED survival techniques! Why limit her talents to budget meals…we can learn that anywhere!
Jeffery should have won!!! I wont watch Melissa she makes me nervous!!! too high strung!!! and PLEASE!! ANOTHER COOK ON A DIME SHOW!!! I think Jeff was the perfect choice! I think I will start watching the Discovery Channel for food shows!!! Or PBS Primal Grill. I'M DONE WITH THE FOOD NETWORK!!!! AND I CANT BELIEVE DEBBIE EVEN MADE IT TO THE FINAL 3!!! SHE WILL THROW ANY ONE UNDER THE BUS AND YOU STILL KEPT HER ON!! DO YOU LIKE MEAN PEOPLE OR WHAT FN
If Jeffrey had a full show instead of just a demo, he most likely would have taught the viewer to make their own Harissa (chile peppers, coriander, olive oil, cumun, caraway seed). It's not hard and does not contain anything that is not in my small town grocery. There are recipes for it online and in cookbooks that can be checked out free from the local library. Any more exotic spices can be ordered from Penzey's Spices - they have a paper catalog if folks do not have internet access and they also take phone orders.
Believe me, I never would have left New York if I had to give up any of the wonderful foods and spices that I had grown to love. It's all easily available to those who want it.
I'm so glad Melissa won. I can't wait to see what she is going to cook. As a stay-at-home mom myself, and someone who is working with a strict family budget, I'm really looking forward to learning from Melissa. I think her show will speak to many women around the country. I will definitely be downloading her recipes and I look forward to all the great budget tips. Great choice Food Network! Melissa will make my job as family cook much easier.
What a joke! Susie F was blown away by a simple pan sauce? God, gimme a break!
Yes, Jeffrey should have been able to cook all of those lobsters on a barely functioning hot plate in an hour. Just becasue no one else's water boiled does not mean his would not have. That should also have been plenty of time to shell them all and chill them all.
Yes, Jeffrey should have been able to cook all of those lobsters on a barely functioning hot plate in an hour. Just because no one else's water boiled does not mean his would not have. That should also have been plenty of time to shell them all and chill them all.
By the way, is anyone else having issues with this site eating comments…One minute they are there, the next they are not. I even had one that timed out but then somehow ended up in there 3 times…Just wonderin'
I have to agree with some of the comments I've read regarding your level of instructional shows. I'm very well versed in the kitchen and am hungering for some upper tier learning. Anne Burrell is a great example of showing techniques we've needed for a long time. Please give us more advanced stuff. We can't get enough truly new ideas and techniques. Enough same old same old; it does get insulting watching someone waste time chopping veggies. Why not just have the items already prepped and move on to more informational new ideas - PLEASE!!!
please, please, please don't pigeonhole melissa in a "10.00" meal setting. she is much too talented for that! she cooks beautiful meals, and can do them at a reasonable cost without shackeling her with budget monikers. sandra already has that covered. melissa already has ways of presenting her food with tricks to keep cost under control while using her own fresh recipes instead of "half and half". she is what has been missing from food network and what we voted for. please let her do it her way and don't make the mistake of sticking her in the same category we've already seen. her "survival" idea was fresh. let her run with it.
Jeffrey had time to assemble a lobster pot pie—so, he could have killed the lobsters and split them, Julia Child way and put them in the oven and used tne tail meat. Prep takes the time the actual cooking doesn't.
You are also assuming that the meat had to be chilled!
Thank you for speaking up about creativity! Jeffrey was the more creative cook. Melissa knows the technique. FN's idea for Jeffrey was more creative.
"She's another hyper-active, well-tended, white stay-at-home mom who…."
Now, why the need to say that? Would you have said that if she was Korean or Black? Your racism is showing.
I've seen the same thing. And I just read replys to a post that are the exact same replys to the previous post!
Ocean,
If you go to her show site, there are several recipes already posted. One of them is the potato torte. Looks yummy!
That wasn't FN's idea for Jeffrey's show. It was Jeffrey's. Just like the concept of the show that Melissa had is not the one that she will actually be doing. Who's to say that FN would not have changed Jeffrey's format also?
I think you rant a whole lot more than Melissa ever did. At least she had things to say that were worth my time!
Wow, Erin you said EXACTLY what I was going to say. Very sad about this and I will join you with Bravo, and I haven't watched any of the PBS cooking shows in years, but, am going to be rediscovering them. I also don't watch daytime TV but can TIVO them.
Oh, thanks for telling me. I was looking for recipes and didn't know they were up yet.
I'm on a tight budget too and if Melissa can show me how to cook a meal for $10 that will make my life so much easier. I think she will provide some great tips and I can't wait.
How many home cooks does the FN need? You have 10-12 or more. Bring on Jeffery!
I hope Melissa writes a cookbook. I will be first in line to buy it. I would like to have all her cookings tips at my fingertips. Hurry, Melissa and write a cookbook! I really need it.
Love Melissa. She cooks like I do - on a budget and with flavor using what we have on hand.
I do believe that Food Network could have come up w/a little better concept for her. She is great at stretching a buck and maybe they could have done something like that for her so she's not so limited. That way if you're having an adult evening at home she could do a $20 adult meal while your kids are at their grandparents home for the night. I like had madlycks says about the show - we agree. Love Melissa and have already set my DVR. Did it after her much deserved win on Sunday.
I completely agree. Wish they would have given her a broader platform. She can stretch a buck. Let her stretch the food dollars for different priced/types/sized meals. I disagree about Jeffrey. He is too much like Ina for me. He's nice but I prefer Melissa. Nice to meet you.
Enter text right here!
Please get Jeffry a show too- this ten dollar meal deal is od before it starts- and it is too bad that is all you could think of for Melissa to do- she is very talented and could do soooo much more.
But Jeffery is better than several of your current Food Network " Stars" who just appeared on the network - how about a poll of fans and what are the best liked shows??
Judy
They should've stuck with "Kitchen Survival Guide". The title "Ten Dollar Dinners" says "you're going to be eating low-rent, horrible food". The original title suggests you'll be able to do the maximum with the minimum.
Glad she won. Would've been happy with her or Jeffrey. Would've liked to have been in-studio for the whole Alton Brown tutelage — would've been very enlightening to watch him work in real-time.
Well, what is cold lobster with blueberries?
Cooking time for lobster Veronique for 2 (2 lobsters only) 20 min prep and 20 min cooking (according to other recipes, not my own numbers). Also, there were not NEARLY enough lobsters for the number of people he had to feed. I'm surpised there was enough for one bite per person.
Choosing Melissa makes good business sense. She is similar enough to the Amy they were so proud of (French husband, etc) I remember Bob lamenting that she hadnt returned after they renewed her show and had such a following. All they have to do is substute Melissa in a similar format to pick up that audience share. Looks like they are even reusing the same set!
I am glad that Mellissa won. Jeffery was obnoxius, smarmy and condenscending. I did not see one dish of his that even looked or sounded good enough to make at home. And the lobster and blueberry thing…my god he could have done so much with that, and he just blew it.
But I do NOT like this show concept for Melissa. I am afraid it will not do well. Even the name and the description sound boring. I did not like the Survivor concept either.
Melissa needs a forum more like "Cooking for Real." She has great recipes and ideas, but her expertise did not come across as saving money but more as cooking great meals in the real world (ie not 12 ingredients that cost $100 like Ina, or 30 min meals that no child would ever touch like Rachel, or how to throw together a few cakes mixes and some Cool Whip and call it your own like Sandra Lee).
Melissa even got my children interested in trying her recipes and I think something along the lines of Eating in - Family Style or would be a much better showcase for her talents. It could still be ingredient and cost concious without being focused on "cheap" as the current concept describes.
Good luck Melissa, we will be watching either way !
Melissa will not last. She complained about all the hours she worked in the corporate world. Does she really know what kind of time she will have to put into her show. I can't wait for someone to tell her not to do something. That's when you'll see the "real" Melissa. a spoiled, rich girl, who supposedly loves family, but is willing to sacrifice time with her babies to do a cooking show.
Jeffrey had time to assemble a lobster pot pie! He had time to kill,split and use the oven to cook those lobsters–boiling is not the only process that could have been used. You missed the entire focus of the comment. Being creative in the present moment was really what I wanted people to think about. Thinking out of the box quickly is the skill that I wanted to see from all of the contestents Solving real problems in real time. Also FN has to become more responsive in creating the shows we watch.
Thinking outside the box and having the resources to execute it in the time allotted are 2 different things. It's easy for us to sit in the comfort of our living room and second guess. Absurd "Dinner Impossible" challenges do not test any skill and are horribly disrespectful to the guests for whom the food was being prepared. If FN really wanted to test the contestants, the ingredients would have been more fair, rather than some people getting very run of the mill combinations that allowed them to make their existing recipes with only minor changes, while others were given an sufficient quantity and absurd combinations that required planning to execute. And if FN really intended to do something nice for the returning troops, they would have spent a DAY making a REAL MEAL with real ingredients. Not many people would like blueberries and lobster combined in any fashion.
i agree with you 100%. I couldn't stand watching or listening to Melissa when she was talking. Too hyper. Too whatever!
I couldn't concentrate on her dishes because I was too busy thinking —-when is she gonna shut up!
I agree with your post 100%. Her children is too young to be helpful in the kitchen, or part of the conversation.
The stay at home mom idea, and how they think that Melissa will reach out to stay at home moms, is wishful thinking.
Stay at home moms don't want to hear from a nerve wrecking mom talking on TV….
Amen! Jeffrey should have won. I can't stand watching Melissa.
hehehe..that is the truth…where the heck can anybody get shrimp for under $10.00….unless there are imitation shrimps out there that we don't know about.
JEFFREY IS THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE. GIVE HIM A SHOW.
I feel sorry for you. You need a cookbook to learn how to make chicken in a bag. There a thousand websites that will teach you that for free.
Come on ladies, be a bit adventurous and try something other than chicken. There is so much good food and ingredients out there I bet if you were a bit open minded you will see how creative you can be with food. Get out of your box and explore. Jeffrey is the creative mind and could really teach us something new.
Obviousely the correct choice was not made based on all these comments. We need to get out of our little box and explore something new or else we will be stuck with the same for ever. Jeffrey has something new to offer. Please give him a chance to show us different ways to prepare food.
Yes, I do need a cookbook. And, I'm grateful for the Food Network, which airs lots of good shows, including Melissa's new show to help me be a better cook. It must be nice to inherently have cooking ability, but I need a little extra help, with simple instructions and simple ingredients.
I think Jeffrey is great too, but unfortunately, not practical for my family. I would love to cook with exotic ingredients, but I would be the only one eating it, and when your on a budget, with a family, you have to stay with realistic meals. I hope the FN finds a place for Jeffrey for all those who want to step out of the box, but for me, I'm looking forward to Melissa's cooking tips.
Leyla It's you I pity. While oceanbreeze can improve her cooking with cookbooks, there are no books out there to help rude and immature people like yourself to improve your dour personality.
I take that back. It's your husband I pity if you're married. You must submit him to some annoying complaining if you take these liberties with strangers. I would venture to guess you have been divorced at least once already. Am I right Leyla?
I love Jeffrey and was looking forward to seeing him on FN.
He deserves a show on FN.
Come on Mo, be a bit more open minded. Not everyone is as wonderful and adventurous as you. I bet if you were a bit open minded you would have the capacity to hear other's opinions without feeling you have to better it with rudeness. Maybe being just a teensy bit open minded would allow you to assume that Melissa's show would most definitely not be just about chicken. Or are you just being sarcastic because you're sad and depressed because Jeffery ended up as the loser? I think you're Mo depressed than Jeffery is about being a loser.
Well, based on the "Fan Fave Vote" and the "Who Would You Eliminate" vote, TPTB DID make the right decision. As of last night -Fan Fave vote: Melissa 52%, Jeffrey 38%. Who Would You Eliminate vote - Jeffrey 61%, Melissa 39%.
I do agree that Jeffrey needs a show too and if we will be patient, perhaps FN will give him one.
Wow Leyla,
How wonderful for you that you know everything there is about cooking chicken! I applaud you! Please do not belittle those that perhaps did not grow up cooking, had no one to teach them and are taking the steps to make their cooking better. You are the person that I feel sorry for. You obviously can't get past your little world.
Jeffrey was NOT the people's choice!
Fan Fave Vote: Melissa 52% Jeffrey 38%
Who Would You Eliminate Vote: Jeffrey 61% Melissa 39%
I do agree with your comment! Unfortunately, Jeffrey was dealt a difficult task with surrounding mechanical and time management issues that were not helpful in any way for him to be successful. I think that there has to be culinary way to combine lobster and blueberries–this has become an interesting combination that forces creative thought and action and it has been fun to think about. __The bigger question though, is– did some of the first contestents eliminated have the "creative edge" needed?–we'll never know. That's why the show would be more interesting if we were given more about each person before the eliminations proceeded. __I will, when I can afford it, experiment with a couple of ideas that I have about combining lobster with blueberries. I don't think that it will be something that Melissa's new show will be able to do, however. __
Ah! Someone who remembers the "Two Fat Ladies",Clarissa and Jennifer. Now that was a classy, informative,endearingly funny production! I miss them and wish that I could get a hold of some of their shows so that I could revisit them. FN really has to strive to produce a similiar show. Thanks for the memory. They were hilarious and smart.
FYI, my childfen and grandchildren have all wanted to help in the kitchen from age two. By three years old they could help crack eggs, measure flour, pour in liquids, etc. They asked to help all the time!
I hope that you are watching Anthony Bordaine. His show "No Reservations" is on the travel channel. It is an amazingly intelligent show and the narrative, written by Bordaine is edgy and at times poetic.
PLEASE QUIT THESE STUPID SHOWS! I TURN THEM OFF WHEN THEY COME ON - WHY DON'T YOU PICK YOUR OWN COOKS/CHEIFS AND SPARE EVERYBODY THE MISERY OF
WATCHING THE BETTER THAN THOU FOOD TV PERSONALITIES CRITIZING AND DEMEANING THESE CONTASANTS I MAKKE ME NOT LIKE YOU
PLEASE QUIT THESE STUPID SHOWS! I TURN THEM OFF WHEN THEY COME ON - WHY DON'T YOU PICK YOUR OWN COOKS/CHEIFS AND SPARE EVERYBODY THE MISERY OF
WATCHING THE BETTER THAN THOU FOOD TV PERSONALITIES CRITIZING AND DEMEANING THESE CONTASANTS I MAKKE ME NOT LIKE YOU
I think it is sort of funny when people threaten to boycott FN and switch to Bravo. Bravo has Top Chef and Top Chef Masters. That's it for cooking shows! And neither of those shows teaches. Sure you can print out the recipes and that's great. But neither show teaches. I just checked over there and you know what one of the recipes is? Skirt steak and kale. How much more Rachael Ray can you get? Yes, there are more sophisticated recipes there too and that's good. Everyone is not ready to try Duck egg pasta with a cream reduction.
Well, we can't really trust what Adam says, can we? I mean, he was pulling for Debbie the liar after all. And he acts like a 5 year old.
You can find some of their episodes at Netflix.
Does anyone understand how the vote count never changes? Also, from all of the favorable comments toward Jeffrey, I am beginning to suspect questionable voting counts…
Why don't you all shut up and give the woman a break. If you can do better then enter next time.
agreed
Exactly, Food Network is supposed to be interesting not fast, furious and budget cutting….FN used to be the place to 'getaway' and imagine different and new ways, techniques to cook. Jeffrey was implementing new spices into typical food…good guy too.
I agree-I caught the vote count thing yesterday and had someone else try it today. we voted and checked back on several pages that were not affected. Not sure what it means……but no longer have faith in our voting at all!
I don't know what it means either but I suspect it has to do with Area 51, the grassy knoll, and President Obama's birth certificate. I may start a blog on this here conspiracy. I better round up some of my redneck buddies and see what we can com up with.
Don't worry wkaren, marybeth, SueAtkinson. I'm on it!!
Enter text right here!IIIiiiI Iwas thrilled Melissa won. I downloaded both her recipes for the chicken and the potatos. Those potatos were awesome and will appear on our table often. I liked Jeffrey as well and can't believe some of the ugly posts appearing here.
Joyce
Hahahaha! You made my day. They may not post the real results (don't want to look like they picked the wrong star), but you can bet that management will see the real results! And that, my darlins, is how Jeffry will get a show. Now play nice and vote!
Spiltmilk makes a good point. Don't worry about the results changing on the home page. Just vote! Whether it ever shows or not, management and marketing will see the true scores. VOTE, get your friends to vote, make your tube of Harissa vote!
You mean the SOCAL douchebag?
I can make a steak sandwich and I'm 12 years old. How old is Jeffery?
I never said that! What's the point of voting? Game Over Man! Voting is a moot point at this stage of the game. I think you're mistaking me with someone obsessed about the results. "Get your Friends to vote"??? What the? My friends have better things to do with their time than vote on a contest that's finished. I would make myself a laughing stock if I did that. Geez!
I think if Melissa can come up with $10 meals that are NOT Hamburger Helper then I'll be excited. Who can afford to eat gourmet meals with a family every night of the week? I'll be looking forward to delicious recipes that stretch the dollar and not my budget or my time and which does NOT come from a box! Thanks Melissa!! I've already made your Lemon Rustic Onion Chicken with the potato gratin and it was wonderful! Oh and the tip about cutting a thick breast of chicken horizontally is great. I get 8 breasts of chicken for the price of 4. Pounding them out made them too big anyway. Do not know why I never thought of that, but I didnt! Keep those $10 meal recipes and great tips coming.
JEFFREY ROCKS JUST LIKE INA ROCKS.
I am excited for Melissa's show!
that's your comment? Jeffery rocks like Ina rocks? What does that say about anything? You need to say something concrete or you come off like a teenager just being stupid.
Name change suggestion: Unsophisticated Food Network. Burgers, cakes and now, cooking for toddlers.
Michael Chiarello did a great quinoa pasta with salsa verde, gremolata and tomatoes last night, but it was on Bravo. Mario Batali has his full episodes videos on Hulu.com.
Thank you–I'll check it out. Those two women were marvelous! So humerous and bright. They were the "Paula Deen" of their day.
Great comment! And a well researched one as well! I could not have said it better. I am not oposed to Melissa but I know that this show will not fulfill my creative standards. We need shows that showcase excellence and raise us to greater heights with our own home cooking.
LOL… I love your sense of humor
If you believe the voting to be legitimate…
I think the fan vote says it all - 61% would have voted Jeffrey off, which is in line with the judges 2 to 1 vote.
Jeffrey's California Cool began to feel a lot like arrogance, right down to the fact that he couldn't find anything nice to say about Melissa, who was very gracious to the end. He also never delivered his concept of "cooking without borders" until prompted by Alton.
I know that there is a large audience eager to hear from him, and I am sure that we have not seen the end of him.
For some reason I don't see anyone with a television remote in their hand as sophisticated. I dunno. Maybe it's me.
TV is more for "foodtainment."
come on-we a not one layered-we can enjoy many levels
thank you!
Pleanty of tasty things you can do for $10/4 servings. You can take just about any cookbook published within the last 30 years, and a good portion of the stuff in them can be made to produce a $2.50/person meal. You won't be using grass fed beef, or kobe beef, but you can do it.
Jeffreys steak sandwich could easily be made for that. Some of it has to do with our idea of portions. We don't need 12 to 16 oz of beef at a meal. Done right, 4 or 5 oz. can be quite satisfying.
I always liked Melissa during the contest, but she was my second choice. I, apparently unlike Melissa's fans, don't have time to vote over and over over again to skew the fan vote results. My tv time is limited, I want something refreshing.
To all those with negative comments about Melissa's cooking techniques, her upcoming show, and her personality. I would ask that you check out her recipes AND the comments from the large number of people who have TRIED her recipes AND the ratings received on those recipes. On the food she prepared for the pilot she received 5 stars and wonderful comments by those who have actually prepared the dishes.
Frankly, I am somewhat mystified as to the many negative comments made in this blog. You don't have to watch her show. You control the remote. I, a seasoned cook, AM going to watch her show because I am always looking for a new take on the same old thing.
For those who have said she is too hyper….she is not any more hyper than Rachel, Guy, or that Ace of Cakes guy. Yes Jeffrey is an excellent cook, and yes, he could have a show as well. I confess, I am not sure I would watch him. Why, not because he isn't and excellent cook but because I AM on a tight budget and again I am looking for ways to feed my family delicious meals that are EASY and cost effective.
Absolutely - what can I do DIFFERENT with the shriimp?
Way to Go Marcie.
a spoiled, rich girl, who supposedly loves her family. WOW that was mean spirited. Do you know her personally…if not how do you know she is spoiled, rich, or neglecting her family????
You're so right. I think you hit it right on the head. You've got a handle on Melissa's world. Yep. You're so smart you know what someone else's situation is all about. Geez. I wish I was as smart as you. If I was as smart as you I'd probably know just how to get on a blog and tear apart someone I had no clue about. Someone who got themselves a dream job while I sat home crying the blues about the Food Network. Crying about their choices for shows that I watch sitting on my big rump while not even visiting my kitchen once. I'm such a loser I wish I was you Barbara. You sound spiffy keen smart and successful. Golly Gee. I wish I was Barbara the blog poster wonderful person. But alas I'm not Barbara.
.Boy are you bitter…take your own advice and that of Altiton Brown…walk away….if you cannot be part of the solution…you are part of the problem…It is easy to be a bully when you do not use your own name. You are a coward and cruel. Everyone has the right to their own opinion-ease up.
<DIV>Of course I believe the voting to be legitimate! Just because your favorite did not win does not mean that the FN is skewing the voting process! Move on. I have a feeling that once Melissa's show gets off the ground, then we'll see Jeffrey with a show. They did it last year, no reason not to do it this year after seeing and reading the posts of so many who preferred Jeffrey. </DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>I liked both Melissa and Jeffrey. They each appeal to varying audiences.Melissa has twins, I have twins. I know what she is going through. I know what a challenge it can be to get a good meal on the table that both adults and children will eat. I found her recipes and tips to be a bit above average for \”just a homemaker.\” She is serious about cooking and so am I. I found Jeffrey appealing because I do not know about different spicesand foods from all over the world. I do not have the money to travel extensively like he does. I grew up cooking \”southern style\” because that is what my mother cooked and Cajun style because I grew up in Louisiana and learned from various relatives. After I married, I expanded my skills by studying books, videos, and cooking shows because I love to cook. Now I cook many different styles of cooking to include notonly southern and cajun, but also Mexican, Italian, Asian and many others. Jeffrey will have a show. Just be patient.
— On Thu, 8/6/09, IntenseDebate Notifications <notifications@intensedebatemail.com> wrote:
</DIV>
<DIV>Of course I believe the voting to be legitimate! Just because your favorite did not win does not mean that the FN is skewing the voting process! Move on. I have a feeling that once Melissa's show gets off the ground, then we'll see Jeffrey with a show. They did it last year, no reason not to do it this year after seeing and reading the posts of so many who preferred Jeffrey. </DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>I liked both Melissa and Jeffrey. They each appeal to varying audiences.Melissa has twins, I have twins. I know what she is going through. I know what a challenge it can be to get a good meal on the table that both adults and children will eat. I found her recipes and tips to be a bit above average for \”just a homemaker.\” She is serious about cooking and so am I. I found Jeffrey appealing because I do not know about different spicesand foods from all over the world. I do not have the money to travel extensively like he does. I grew up cooking \”southern style\” because that is what my mother cooked and Cajun style because I grew up in Louisiana and learned from various relatives. After I married, I expanded my skills by studying books, videos, and cooking shows because I love to cook. Now I cook many different styles of cooking to include notonly southern and cajun, but also Mexican, Italian, Asian and many others. Jeffrey will have a show. Just be patient.
— On Thu, 8/6/09, IntenseDebate Notifications <notifications@intensedebatemail.com> wrote:
</DIV>
First, what makes you think that Jeffrey is so rich? Perhaps, that is where/how he prefers to spend his vacations.
Second, I am questioning the voting because the numbers have not changed in the last few days.
Third, I have nothing against Melissa and I'm not sure why you think that. Just because you prefer one over the other it does not mean that you are "against" the other.
Fourth, good for you! I think it's great that you love cooking enough to pursue knowledge of how to do it well.
…and I totally agree with Gina. Do we really need another Sandra Lee? What a waste; and along with the Neeley's, I'll no longer waste any time on this channel. I'm moving up to FL since it seems FN no longer has anything to offer me. Best of luck to you all.
Hey! I just replied to this very same comment elsewhere. Sue are you obsessing posting duplicate comments all over the place? What gives? Anywho, if you want my reply to this it's over at . . . geez louise. I forget where it is. Oh well, I'm sure you can find it.
Sue,
Over on Susie Answers-Finale you posted the exact same thing! You said you were through with this and yet here you are. You have never posted a positive comment, only negative. And who is Altiton? Do you mean Alton? Alton said Melissa had "IT". Quite a compliment.
I never said he was rich. But I did see his house and it is huge! And he travels extensively to foreign countries. That takes money. Even if he is going there "on vacation" as you suggested, it is expensive and many, many people can not afford that.
The voting is legitimate. What's not legitimate is the dialogue here. If one is to follow certain people here you'll notice they gush all over each other's comments: "Great comment! Well researched! We think alike." Their spelling errors seem to be the same. They continually find each other and concur on a sickeningly sweet level. It's like watching "synchronized swimmers" in action. My suspicion is that some of these people trying to push our buttons are but one individual. So luvcookin, don't let these silly people/person who spend more time blogging than they do actually cooking in the kitchen rile you up. They're just playing at a silly game that doesn't have a positive outcome for them. They're just embarrassing themselves over and over again.
I much prefered the" Kitchen Survivors Guide" title to "Ten dollar Dinners". I think the title puts boarders on what Melissa can cook. She has to much skill and Cooking Knowledge to put her in those limitations. With food costs soaring the way they are these days why would you put her in a box like that FNW do you want her show to fail? The title is a turn off to anyone who might even consider watching her show.
As for Jeffery I liked him and the way he cooked however, he is a Bobby Flay wanna be! Every thing he makes has to have HOT spicy ingrediants in it. Not everyone can eat it and many don't like super hot spicy food.
It seems like every one on FNW, is leaning toward spicing things up so that they have the "Feel The Burn" Flavor,
Please Change the name of her show back to what Elton Brown and Melissa came up with originally. It was definately more appealing!
Thanks
Yep. I'm so upset I'm throwing my TV out the window in protest. And I live on the tenth floor.
Do you take your medication before or after posting comments here?
I feel the same way.
Eggplant,
I was responding to busymom4kc's comment. READ before commenting please.
I agree. We were going to watch her Survival Guide show, but now feel its same ol same ol. It seemed to me that Melissa's primary goal was to cook quickly and simply, not necessarily inexpensively. We were looking forward to her tips on cooking straightforward meals that got her kids involved and excited about interesting, healthy food. Somehow I had gotten the impression that Melissa had made decent money back in the day, and had worked long and hard for it. Antithetical to the Ozzie and Harriet on a budget show they've created (virtuous little woman trying to save the family a few dollars), her values, or at least her lived reality, seemed more consistent with a type A corporate climber, with a shaky start, whose pip and bootstraps eventually afforded her the (luxury) choice of staying home to be super mom. I do not begrudge her this, AND I think there are many more viewers who would resonate with THAT Melissa–do it all, be it all, work your butt off– than the present offering. IMO one of the reasons people loved Melissa was her come as you are and grow as you are persona. It was a process we witnessed–her getting more comfortable in her skin, more centered and strong. Looking at the pilot, she seems strained and ingenuous. I guess you do what they tell you in show biz, but I think going with "busy, powerful woman who has enough money and is a really good mom" would have drawn a new and more substantial audience than this cooking on a budget blah.
I agree
I agree.
I'm glad the finals had Jeffery AND Melissa. I will watch Melissa at least three times and give her a chance. I feel that you are going to give a show to Jeffery and am glad about it. Can't wait!
I am not a gormet cook and appreciate the 'lessons' shown on the network. I was too busy living life, working full time, and raising kids (and all that entails) to be much of a cook. Relied on my upbring on the farm to get me through (meat, potatos and vegetables. Homemade bread) I have learned a lot watching FN since I have retired and have become interested in cooking. I never was before. Didn't have the time.
SOOO if I decide I dont like the shows, I will change the channel. NASCAR and In The Kitchen With Dave on QVC are on the same as Mellissas new show. Anyway, I intend to give a new show a chance.
I also have to comment about statements made here about Jeffery being sexy and handsome . REALLY???? I think he is an attractive person, but never that. He seems like a nice person, but we'll see. And the same with Mellissa. GIVE THEM A CHANCE!!!!!! THEN make up your minds. I don't think you'll regret it.
Thanks for what seemed to be an honest and fair appraisal in this latest video. I echo others' comments who wonder about BOTH Jeffrey and Melissa earning a show! When I look at people like Gertler (yetch) and some of the other people on the network, I have to wonder how they ever even were considered — except that they are LOUD and PUSHY!
Thanks for what seemed to be an honest and fair appraisal in this latest video. I echo others' comments who wonder about BOTH Jeffrey and Melissa earning a show! When I look at people like Gertler (yetch) and some of the other people on the network
I concur on this thought.
I like the survival guide title much better too! Sandra Lee is already saving us money- I need to learn to survive!
Luv it!
Ok, apparently I am the only person on the planet who watches for……entertainment or …… to learn some little tidbit. I love FN! I just LOVE IT! I guess unconditional LOVE is a gift I have- people are so fickle! Ya'll need to relax- it's JUST TV. Surely you have SOMETHING else in your life that could use all this energy! LOVE FN for what it is- cooking, entertainment, friends!
I have been a Melissa and Jeff fan from the begining. I'm so glad that the final two were worthy contestants. But as much as I love Melissa, Jeffery just had a culinary point of view that was so interesting. Anyone that has been a FN fan for the last 5-10 years is ready for something adventurous We already know how to cook simple and cheap. PLEASE don't let Jeff slip through your hands!!!!! Really, you guys are the experts, you could have come up with a show that could have show cased both their talents in one venue.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know there are people who will agree wholeheartedly with your view. You know who might agree with your comment? The following people might:
SueAtkinson
Foodie too
Manny
rosesherwood
Cheft
As well as a host of other people who think and post comments just like yours.
Ok, apparently I am the only person on the planet who watches for……entertainment or …… to learn some little tidbit. I love FN! I just LOVE IT! I guess unconditional LOVE is a gift I have- people are so fickle! Ya'll need to relax- it's JUST TV. Surely you have SOMETHING else in your life that could use all this energy! LOVE FN for what it is- cooking, entertainment, friends!
I hate the new title - even "Kitchen Survivor" was better. Ten Dollar Meals is a turn off.
If both Adam & Kelsey have their own shows on FN, then why not
a show for Jeffery? I'm a Senior & I liked the quiet & Zen like quality that he had. I will probably watch Melissa for the first week or so, until I see what it's like.
In some of my investigative reporting I've interviewed many people who show certain narcissistic tendencies that they cannot help but repeat over and over again. While sad on the one hand it can be amusing when they try to cloud or camouflage their motives. It's a game for them but all to often they betray themselves.
Love FN shows, I honestly almost never change the channel.
I love to cook myself… so here is my take on Melissa …. she's just another Mom which ONLY talks about her kids, and I might add they are so young they can't honestly really give her negitive or postive feedback about her meals, because of there age. This is their "MOM" we are talking about., so in their eyes…this is 'MOMMY" who loves them and takes care of them and of course feeds them. (Nothing new here or different from what any loving "Mom" would do. Jeffrey really caught my eye and with his personality I think he would have given us new ideas and added a litle "SPICE" to FN. I was a single Mom, raised 3 boys ….so I already know how to "budget cook". My opinion….about ($10.00 Meals) …. I think viewers were looking for something more….than Melissa has to offer.
Hopefully FN will bring Jeffrey back…….
Apparently you have plenty of time to do what you are suggesting and plenty of money to order off line. A lot of us live in small rual communities and I for one and not going to spend 20+ dollars for a spice plus shipping and then wait 10 days for it to be delivered.
I like to read the bloggs here. But what frustrates me the most is when other people collectively tell FNW on this blog how all the rest of us agrees with the person writting the comment. Please do not generalize your thoughts let them know that this is your opinion and not everyone elses. I have a mouth and I know how to use it, I always try to let them know that this is my opinion and no one elses. Now if my opinion seems to match other peoples so be it. But people please stop say that "most of us" , or "all of us" or comments such as these its irritating.
Anyway. I like the recipes on FN if there are 141 chicken recipes then that gives me a greater selection to choose from. .
There's a conspiracy going on here and I'm going to get to the bottom of it even if it kills me. I think SueAtkinson is a KGB agent attempting to undermine american cooking.
The judges ruled rightly. The people have voted on the website who they prefer. So it's a moot point to continue the Jeffery vs. Melissa argument. Unless you enjoy just being combative.
I really like Melissa. I was hoping that she would win. I have watched every season of Next Food Network Star and the winner has never been someone that I liked. I have never wanted to watch any of the shows that past winners were on. I just tuned in to Melissa's new show and I am on my way to the store to buy the ingredients for her potato torte and salad to make for dinner. I am also buying a food processor so I can make home made pie crust more often.
Great job with your selection Bob, Bobby, and Susie.
Wasn't the show "perfect"! There are other adjectives, I think. I lost cost after at least 10 "perfect's"! Come on - perhaps we're not even looking for "perfect"!
$10.00 - really - the investment was a whole lot more expensive - did you see the wedge of guereye cheese? Can you say $20 (at least) initial investment.
I wonder if Miss Melissa ever really had to cook on a budget for her family? You know, like when you only have $10.00 to make a meal for 4 and guereye cheese and baby greens would blow the $10.00 right away.
I would have rather seen her use the left-over dough to make a simple cinnamon-sugar pastry dessert to see how that $10.00 could be stretched even further.
Melissa, a person on a budget buys a whole chicken and can squeeze 3 meals out of it. Now that's making the food dollar stretch.
P. S. and somehow all the Paris talk doesn't equate to we people who need budgets and live and eat comfortably on one.
The persona and the talk don't match. Sorry, I was rooting for you but don't believe I'll be rushing home from church to catch you. There really are people out there with serious budget constraints that are not able to fill their pantry and refrigerators with the likes of what the first show demonstrated.
Susie can't we give SueAtkinson/Really on A Budget/Carline/etc. etc. her own show? She sounds flawless in her knowledge. Except how to maintain one persona.
I agree with the last 2 comments:
* The recipes looked really good, and I'd like to try them myself
* I think I would spend at least $50 going to the store to buy the ingredients (gruyere, balsamic vinegar, real maple syrup, etc.)
I have a simple solution: change the name of the show!
Another persona. It doesn't end. Does it. Come out of the shadows SueAtkinson! We miss your stupidity. Actually you're still here and it's soooo obvious.
Me Too! I loved that title, and what it implied. And the $10 limit can change with the next oil price increase.
I have been budget cooking for years, but no boring food! I 'm looking forward to getting tips from Melissa.
While Jeffery and Melissa are good cooks I have a suspicion that no one is close to SueAtkinson for culinary skills. She sounds like the greatest chef to ever walk the earth by her own reckoning.
I thought the judges' choice of Melissa was misguided, and not what the audience wants from FN. However, I decided to watch a little of her first episode. Besides the fact that I was bored silly, there is NO WAY that meal cost $10. The salad alone would be more than $10 in ingredients. Mixed greens ($5.99/lb) Olive Oil, Balsamic, dijon, soy sauce (over $20 just to buy these), Now I know what NOT to watch.
While the new show was entertaining it wasn't nearly as entertaining as the drama that SueAtkinson provides with her incessant complaining was. While she's still here she disguises herself under a variety of names. I'm sure you can pick her out.
There are people commenting on Melissa's new show on the finale instead of here on the blog about the show. Begs the question; Why? SueAtkinson at work?
Well, I watched Melissa's show. It will not be on my list of shows to watch. With somewhere in the neck of the woods of 43 "Yummy's" and 53 references to "when she lived in France" she lost all her "instant credibilty" with me - the professional working mother who cooks every night - and probably everybody else on the planet. She really, really reminds me of Amy Findley. Don't need a gourmet next door - I wanted to learn something that I could actually do. It would take an act of Congress or a long holiday weekend for me to go through the trouble of making the torte and if you can buy bacon, butter, guyere, fresh thyme, and heavy cream (I don't count the potatoes - they are a staple) - for $10, I'll eat my hat.
Certainly a disappointment.
Post your comments about the new show on the Melissa's Sneak Preview blog. Don't confuse the issue by posting elsewhere. Unless you've got motives to do so . . .
I agree….it just threw me off….it somehow reminded me of Rachael Rays $40 dollar show….not unique enough to stick out
to real Food Network fans, although I had an open mind about the new title …just prefer "Kitchen Survivors Guide".
It gave Melissa a better description of her style and all her different culinary views we saw during the competition. In many ways she is a survivor and that made me love her as an individual and competitor. I appreciated her unique but yet very everyday style, for stay at home moms and working ones.
The only thing I did not enjoy was hearing "France" so many times…..we already have Ina for that.
Hope you can go back Melissa using the tilte from the pilot.
I will cook a hot dog tonight. That way I can sit on my rump and watch TV and criticize what the cooks do wrong making more money than I make while watching TV.
I wish I had time to cook. I don't since I just sit and watch TV to criticize the cooks I'm watching.
I loved the new show despite not watching it. It would be better if I had any desire to cook. But I don't.
All I remember from the second show was that she had two of her children helping her. It was a joy to watch. The fourth show should be fun also.
We celebrated the new show by getting 450 people to watch it on a big screen at the local High School. It was worth the wait.
Will Melissa survive? Will the nay sayers keep up their constant negativity? Tune in next week for the next exciting episode of "But We Wanted Jeffery!"
Great idea! I loved Melissa's show today, but I was intrigued by the concept of Jeffrey exploring new ingredients each week. Now that is an original idea and something the more experienced foodies would love! We want Jeffrey, too!
melissa should stay at home and take care of her children all she talk about is they help her in kitchen .can you see a one year cooking.i am very upset with ther choice . for my self i wont watch the show again
As for her “outcooking" everyone else on the show, that is not necessarily the case nor will we ever know as we could not taste the dishes for ourselves. Her dishes were called dry or lacking flavor on multiple occasions. The reality is, she and Jeffrey were the only 2 that did not self destruct.
I watched Melissa's debut show today. Liked it, but find her mannerisms distracting. Do you know if there is any chance that Jeffrey will turn…
I liked Melissa's show. I also watched Kelsey Nixon's show online. I liked her during last season's TNFNS. I'm glad to see her get a show. We'll be seeing Jeffery with his own show too.
Please stop making references to living in France!!! That got really tiring. Be the woman who won the title to be The Next Food Network Star. That's the Melissa we were rooting for!!!
I assume that the "boarders" staying for supper.
I assume that the "boarders" staying for supper.
I remembered about the show too late. It had already aired. Darn! I wanted to see it.
although i was pulling a bit more for Melissa, either she or Jeffrey would have been fine for me. equally engaging, knowledgeable cooks. but as a guy who has been cooking since i was 8 and enjoys spicy food, i wanted more than a show about "sweet heat." that's why i looked forward to Melissa's show.
but, after seeing her premier show i have to say, like many others, i was disappointed. the pilot "kitchen survival guide" show was a cute idea–albeit tired for the countless experienced cooks who watch FN. nonetheless, a catchy perspective on stretching a dollar AND doing new and creative things with stuff you may already have. but the $10 meals idea feels so limiting.
it's how to make a meal for $10 or less. the end.
technique tips? sure. but the premise is how to make meals really cheap. FN already has Sandra Lee's Money Saving Meals–this feels like a variant of that, with a touch of Rachel's 30 minute concepts thrown in. honestly, that's enough of that.
i understand the mommy demographic and the whole, "let's capitalize on the crappy economy" mindset, but the concept of the "$10 meal" feels less exciting to me than, well–just about anything else you could have done with Melissa. i'm a single dad–i want to save money like everyone else. but i would have preferred the season of sweet heat to this. the constant reference to "when i lived in paris," reminded me of Bob admonishing Kelsey last season every time she said, "when i was in culinary school…" tell me you lived in paris once. my knees are getting creaky, but my mind is still facile enough to retain that for an entire show.
yeah, i know–first show. maybe this wasn't the first one you shot–but it's the one you chose to premier with. on a scale of 1 to 10, i give it a 6. this is compared to last year's winner, Aaron's premier show which for me was a strong 8. i don't expect to make it through more than another couple of these shows, and i DO want to give her a chance.
but overall, this season's NFNS was very disappointing for me. compared to previous seasons, there wasn't that core of truly talented competitors either in the kitchen or on camera. no one really stood out as the, "oh man, this one is the one to beat! s/he can cook AND can rock the camera!" Jeffrey came close. Debbie seemed to but she lied and deflected blame for her shortcomings and too often the judges complained that her food was less than stellar. i really didn't care who won in the end and this is the first season i felt like that.
and btw, when are you going to get a good vegetarian chef on FN?
I agree with you and have said so before. If FN would change Melissa's show from her demo, what makes you think they wouldn't have changed Jeffery's.
Yes Jeffery did win more challenges but when he failed he really failed, serving food that was not fit to eat. Melissa while she didn't win many, she did on more than one occasion come very close to beating Jeffery and the worse I heard about her food was the chicken in one challenge was over done or dry for a couple of people.
Melissa's show….eww! I AM a single mom of thee, with a very hectic life. But the last thing I wanted to see was another mom (who has lived quite the upscale life compared to most) fix the same stuff that I already do! I know how to cook cheeply! I wanted to be inspired with something NEW! Jeffrey was wonderful! I would so rather watch him and learn how to spice up my kitchen than watch Melissa. Very sad. Hope to see Jeffrey very soon!
Do you know him personally? If so then we can trust your opinion as just that your opinion of him and you have every right to it. If you do not know him personally then all you have is an impression from what you have seen on TV or maybe a newspaper report. Would be interested which one it is.
I don't know about eating them but I have seen where ther end up posting the same comments 3, 4 or more times. Hope they fix it soon.
Some people need to get the last word in. They have no respect for others' opinions. They would make some here their personal targets belittling all of their views. And they would come back as someone else to bolster that view. That is why the Food Network hired me (an investigative reporter) to flush this person/people out and submit them to humiliation that makes them scurry out of here with their pathetic tail between their legs. But as expected they just won't leave. They're laying low. Being somewhat polite with their comments thinking they have people fooled. SueAtkinson aka rosesherwood, @asunburst, Teri, Caroline, Manny and the list goes on and on and on is still trolling this site with her inane comments. Trying to stir up controversy. Trying to irritate. Trying to convince herself/himself of his skill at fooling others. I suspect to them it's a harmless game. It fills their otherwise empty life with something to do. Some accomplishment, albeit a silly one. But there is collateral damage in these games. And if I can break up one of those attackers at their own game. I will do it. So SueAtkinson show some bravado and come out of hiding. You're so smart by your own reckoning why don't you come out and face the music? Scared? Yep. You bet you are. Bit off a little more than your stomach could handle you spineless little wimp. That keyboard apparently doesn't have the muscle you thought it had. You might want to see if the warranty is still good and have it replaced. Too bad you can't do that with your spine you sad pathetic excuse for a human.
Some people need to get the last word in. They have no respect for others' opinions. They would make some here their personal targets belittling all of their views. And they would come back as someone else to bolster that view. That is why the Food Network hired me (an investigative reporter) to flush this person/people out and submit them to humiliation that makes them scurry out of here with their pathetic tail between their legs. But as expected they just won't leave. They're laying low. Being somewhat polite with their comments thinking they have people fooled. SueAtkinson aka rosesherwood, @asunburst, Teri, Caroline, Manny and the list goes on and on and on is still trolling this site with her inane comments. Trying to stir up controversy. Trying to irritate. Trying to convince herself/himself of his skill at fooling others. I suspect to them it's a harmless game. It fills their otherwise empty life with something to do. Some accomplishment, albeit a silly one. But there is collateral damage in these games. And if I can break up one of those attackers at their own game. I will do it. So SueAtkinson show some bravado and come out of hiding. You're so smart by your own reckoning why don't you come out and face the music? Scared? Yep. You bet you are. Bit off a little more than your stomach could handle you spineless little wimp. That keyboard apparently doesn't have the muscle you thought it had. You might want to see if the warranty is still good and have it replaced. Too bad you can't do that with your spine you sad pathetic excuse for a human.
That would be fine if you were 100% sure that would be the show they gave him. Just as they changed the show Melissa finally ended up with instead of what her demo was, makes me think that they would have done the same with Jeffery and his show, if he had won, would not have been what his demo was.
I've known him all of his life.
Some people need to get the last word in. They have no respect for others' opinions. They would make some here their personal targets belittling all of their views. And they would come back as someone else to bolster that view. That is why I've decided to flush this person/people out and submit them to humiliation that makes them scurry out of here with their pathetic tail between their legs. But as expected they just won't leave. They're laying low. Being somewhat polite with their comments thinking they have people fooled. SueAtkinson aka rosesherwood, @asunburst, Teri, Caroline, Manny and the list goes on and on and on is still trolling this site with her inane comments. Trying to stir up controversy. Trying to irritate. Trying to convince herself/himself of his skill at fooling others. I suspect to them it's a harmless game. It fills their otherwise empty life with something to do. Some accomplishment, albeit a silly one. But there is collateral damage in these games. And if I can break up one of those attackers at their own game. I will do it. So SueAtkinson show some bravado and come out of hiding. You're so smart by your own reckoning why don't you come out and face the music? Scared? Yep. You bet you are. Bit off a little more than your stomach could handle you spineless little wimp. That keyboard apparently doesn't have the muscle you thought it had. You might want to see if the warranty is still good and have it replaced. Too bad you can't do that with your spine you sad pathetic excuse for a human.
Some people need to get the last word in. They have no respect for others' opinions. They would make some here their personal targets belittling all of their views. And they would come back as someone else to bolster that view. That is why I've decided to flush this person/people out and submit them to humiliation that makes them scurry out of here with their pathetic tail between their legs. But as expected they just won't leave. They're laying low. Being somewhat polite with their comments thinking they have people fooled. SueAtkinson aka rosesherwood, @asunburst, Teri, Caroline, Manny and the list goes on and on and on is still trolling this site with her inane comments. Trying to stir up controversy. Trying to irritate. Trying to convince herself/himself of his skill at fooling others. I suspect to them it's a harmless game. It fills their otherwise empty life with something to do. Some accomplishment, albeit a silly one. But there is collateral damage in these games. And if I can break up one of those attackers at their own game. I will do it. So SueAtkinson show some bravado and come out of hiding. You're so smart by your own reckoning why don't you come out and face the music? Scared? Yep. You bet you are. Bit off a little more than your stomach could handle you spineless little wimp. That keyboard apparently doesn't have the muscle you thought it had. You might want to see if the warranty is still good and have it replaced. Too bad you can't do that with your spine you sad pathetic excuse for a human.
There's another lure. OOO a shiny one too. Should I go after it? Nah. It's just a little boy/girl trying to sound like a grown up. I'll let them play at their silly games trying to figure me out.
After all it's not about food nor learning. It's about nitpicking. Isn't it? What minute detail can we tear apart now?
WHY doesn't the Food Network put any of its' cooking show on in the prime time EVENING slots? With so many households where both people work, nobody is home during the day to watch great cooks like Ina, Giada, or Guy. This is when I would love to sit down and learn some new recipes for your great chefs. Give them some primetime exposure instead of the endless reruns of food "travel" shows at night. Blech!!
Some people need to get the last word in. They have no respect for others' opinions. They would make some here their personal targets belittling all of their views. And they would come back as someone else to bolster that view. That is why I've decided to flush this person/people out and submit them to humiliation that makes them scurry out of here with their pathetic tail between their legs. But as expected they just won't leave. They're laying low. Being somewhat polite with their comments thinking they have people fooled. SueAtkinson aka rosesherwood, @asunburst, Teri, Caroline, Manny and the list goes on and on and on is still trolling this site with her inane comments. Trying to stir up controversy. Trying to irritate. Trying to convince herself/himself of his skill at fooling others. I suspect to them it's a harmless game. It fills their otherwise empty life with something to do. Some accomplishment, albeit a silly one. But there is collateral damage in these games. And if I can break up one of those attackers at their own game. I will do it. So SueAtkinson show some bravado and come out of hiding. You're so smart by your own reckoning why don't you come out and face the music? Scared? Yep. You bet you are. Bit off a little more than your stomach could handle you spineless little wimp. That keyboard apparently doesn't have the muscle you thought it had. You might want to see if the warranty is still good and have it replaced. Too bad you can't do that with your spine you sad pathetic excuse for a human.
Sounds like sour grapes to me. Give Melissa a chance to show her stuff. She is a breath of fresh air. Letting her children do things with her in the kitchen shows that she has patience and will go a long way. I thoroughly enjoyed her First Show. Melissa does not act like a rich person. Looks as though she deserves everything that she has achieved.
That is great. I will then trust your view of him as someone who knows him and seems to know him well. Thanks for answering
Because of my superior intellect I was not able to find enjoyment in her show. She failed to challenge me to give up my remote and start cooking. So I remained firmly planted on my big fat lazy rump and decided my time would be better spent nitpicking about every thing possibly wrong with the show.
Well I watched Melissa's show yesterday, which is in the time slot right after Sandra Lee's money saving meals, go figure. Now was it my imagination, or did Melissa cut up bacon on the cutting board, wipe her hands off on a towel, the proceed to make her pastry, turning it out on the SAME cutting board to shape up prior to rolling. If she washed her hands during this it must have been a very quick wash, because I must have blinked if she did.
Melissa's show was not good enough for me to pry my remote out of my hand and try and spend time in the kitchen instead of on my rump watching TV.
The bottom line is I can't be inspired to cook unless I have Jeffery Saad lifting my big fat butt off the couch. Only his POV can move my lazy ass away from the TV. Eitstime to watch TV.
There's a new Jeffery Saad ring tone for those needing inspiration. It has his voice saying; "It's time to get off your big fat ass and cook. Pry yourselves away from the TV set."
I wondered about her putting the bacon on a wooden board in the first place - I thought you were supposed to use a non-porous surface for cutting proteins.
Jeffrey could have brought so much more charm, wit, and culinary skill! Sorry judges, but you blew it.
If you like cooking; cook! Don't watch it on TV. Don't criticize every little thing she did differently than you would. I don't think you idiots cook at all. I think you're all talk!
I wanna cook like Jeffery Saad. He's the bestest cook that ever walked the planet. I cannot be inspired without him. I wuv him so much. I wanna marry him.
Thanks Susie for your make up tips, was that to dodge the answers to our questions?!!!!
You did give us a clue in your video answers that the judges were split. I am assuming you voted for Jeffrey and Bob & Bobby voted for Melissa.
From a marketing perspcetive, they blew it!! Jeffrey would have brought in a huge, broad range of viewers!
Foodies & Newbies, Men & Women of all ages, Gay & Straight viewers, and the huge Cooking without Borders audience!!!!
Where now your Melissa show - only appeals to a very small viewing market! Explain to me - how that makes sense Bob & Bobby?
Anyway I just went to Jeffreys website and I am "inspired" again. Check it out: http://jeffreysaad.wordpress.com/
"Great PROMISE that something is amazing?" Little over the top with your view here aren't you? Exaggerating perhaps to rile things up? And what's with the multiple comments. 21 comments and four are yours? And all negative tearing down comments. Kind of like SueAtkinson. She's one who thrives on controversy by saying negative things and stirring the pot with multiple comments. You best be careful there Heather D so you don't develop a reputation like she has. She would also reply on her own posts as different people to bolster her views. But I'm sure you're not looking to do that. I'm sure you're not that pathetic. We'll just have to wait and see and carefully weigh your thoughts to see what you're communicating here.
Barbara in Da Philly Burbs said it best when she said "Nobody watches, nobody buys the sponsors products, pretty soon no paychecks and no network, must be all the chefs seen it coming because they are all leaving for other networks. I found my local PBS has a digital channel that shows cooking shows and Julia's old shows. Now to go buy a digital TV, get it free can do away with Dish, save me all kinds of money, heck maybe they did me a favor by choosing another COOK!
It is inconceivable to me that a show tooting bugle boy meals would include an ingredient such as american cheese. And I would SELDOM make a two confederate fort containing heavy cream, bacon & potatoes AND serve it as an entree. With this said, I think Melissa did OK and will settle down in time. At least Food Network did not have her cleavage showing!
You're more than welcome. Thanks for caring enough to look for the truth.
I think FN got a raw deal with the Intense Debate company handling their blogs. I just counted 30 of the same comments posted as replies. Repeats. Half the time, I can't get the replies to come up and it doesn't matter how you sort the list. Everything is all jumbled up.
When people are commenting under a cute name, it is easier to make snide, rude and downright nasty comments. But I'm beginning to wonder if there's a conspiracy going on with the Food Network not wanting us to know the truth. It's disheartening.
It is what it is, we can not do anything to change it, Food Network is going to give us just what they think will line their pockets. We all can complain about the cost of shopping, the cost of shipping, it still is not going to change. People will use what ever they think is appropriate to get their point across, rather it be the shipping cost, the time, waiting for the product, it is not available at my local market. If you really wanted to try it, you would find a way to get it. In the end we get what we get, one way to get your point across, if you like the show buy the sponsors products, if you don't like the show buy the competitors products and change the channel.
It is what it is, we can not do anything to change it, Food Network is going to give us just what they think will line their pockets. We all can complain about the cost of shopping, the cost of shipping, it still is not going to change. People will use what ever they think is appropriate to get their point across, rather it be the shipping cost, the time, waiting for the product, it is not available at my local market. If you really wanted to try it, you would find a way to get it. In the end we get what we get, one way to get your point across, if you like the show buy the sponsors products, if you don't like the show buy the competitors products and change the channel.
My favorite no-cook option is always a salad, and one of my favorite new shows on Food Network is Claire Robinson’s 5 Ingredient Fix. Luckily, Claire actually did a No-Cook Dinner episode of her show recently, so I put together Claire’s Antipasti Chopped Salad for a quick, light dinner. It was fantastic!
My favorite no-cook option is always a salad, and one of my favorite new shows on Food Network is Claire Robinson’s 5 Ingredient Fix. Luckily, Claire actually did a No-Cook Dinner episode of her show recently, so I put together Claire’s Antipasti Chopped Salad for a quick, light dinner. It was fantastic!
My favorite no-cook option is always a salad, and one of my favorite new shows on Food Network is Claire Robinson’s 5 Ingredient Fix. Luckily, Claire actually did a No-Cook Dinner episode of her show recently, so I put together Claire’s Antipasti Chopped Salad for a quick, light dinner. It was fantastic!
Really enjoyed her program. Like her energy and easy meals. Hope you keep her on your channel.
It is what it is, we can not do anything to change it, Food Network is going to give us just what they think will line their pockets. We all can complain about the cost of shopping, the cost of shipping, it still is not going to change. People will use what ever they think is appropriate to get their point across, rather it be the shipping cost, the time, waiting for the product, it is not available at my local market. If you really wanted to try it, you would find a way to get it. In the end we get what we get, one way to get your point across, if you like the show buy the sponsors products, if you don't like the show buy the competitors products and change the channel.
The pullout section featuring the 50 summer salads has been a lifesaver on days when it is just too hot to turn the oven on! Last night we made the Watermelon Feta Salad featured on page 108 of the latest FN Magazine. It was totally refreshing - creamy and utterly delicious! I can't wait to check out the rest of the no cook recipes on foodnetwork.com
I liked both finalists but preferred Melissa and I am very glad she won. It makes me sad that some of the folks who are passionate about their favorite can't be civil to the winner. She was so gracious to Jeffrey even when it was obvious she thought he was the winner, you would think his fans could offer her at least courtesy.
Again, thank you for two winners at the end. I have already tried some of Melissa's recipes and followed her tips with great results and I am far from an inexperienced cook. I am looking forward to her show and will be watching or taping every episode.
I hope you do get Jeffrey into a show. He had some great dishes and an interesting POV.
My husband & I tried Melissa's "french" viniagrette with the addition of a little bit of soy (we use tamari) & it was awful!
Wow, some of you need to go get lives. Why don't you stop watching tv and go into the kitchen and cook something?
I do not shop on the internet except for certain things and food is not one of them. I refuse to buy an item that might cost $5.00, then pay another $2.00 to $5.00 or more to have it shipped and wait anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. As for someone teaching me to use computers. I started using them in the early 80's when most were dumb terminals connected to main frames operated on Unix. My first home computer (this was in 1981) didn't even have a hard drive but used a cassette recorder/player to record information. I seen computers go from DARPA's experiment to what it is now. I can use them, build them, repair them and if forced program them. So don't lecture people on compuetrs, you might meet someone who knows what they are talking about.
No need for the attitude rickh. I get your drift. Just expressing an opinion, that's all.
It wasn't an attitude Cheft! I just don't appreciate people telling me how I should live my life. If I want to impress people with my knowledge of computers I'm gonna do it. Especially if someone on some blog opens up an opportunity for me to go on some rant about my computer background. Allowing me a platform to demonstrate just how wonderful I am. So don't be getting all high and mighty on me because you have no idea who you're dealing with. My ego is at least seventeen times as big as yours. So stuff it Cheft!!!
Yeah! Chill out! And you Cheft stop trying to steal my identity you weirdo!!
Handle what? You trying to steal my identity? It's not one bit funny!
Hi…I've never blogged on anything before. I LOVE Melissa. I want to watch someone who is bright and cheerful. I want quick, cheap, interesting recipes. I went to her recipes after her new show and was sad her new chicken recipe she did on the finale wasnt here. I went back and watched to show. I madeit for dinner and it was one of the most flavorful chicken dinner's I've cooked. Please post it… I really loved it. I think you did a great job in your choice. I love the show, sad I have to wait until next summer for another one!! What happened to the woman two shows ago from California, I don't see her anywhere???? I've beeen dying to know this… where do I find the answer? Again..Kudos for another great choice!!!
I also agree with everyone, Melissa is OK. I am an older person and my Husband is a great cook and gets alot of his info for cooking from the Food Network. We also were looking forward to seeing Jeffrey win. He had a great point of view and we were looking forward to the different seasonings that he would have brought to the watching public. I agree with the person that said where can you buy all the items that Melissa needed to make the meal she made on her first show. NOT IN MY AREA could I purchase everything that I needed for the meal for $10.00. PLEASE PLEASE give Jeffrey a show, I'm sure there are alot of viewers that you might lose if you do not.
Melissa was a stay at home mom for only four years. She drove that point home soooo many times. Now with four children, two that are under 2 years old and are twins are alot to handle. She is quoted as saying she hated the "long hours of the corperate world".
What was she her reasoning for wanting to have a show on the Food Network? Guess staying home really was not for her.
No, I do not care for her. Phony comes to mind.