SUSIE’S VLOG:
BOB’S BLOG:
I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised rules are broken and expectations upset in an episode where Diana Ross and Cher dine with pirates, knights and showgirls. Adam’s food is flawless. Aaron’s food falters. Lisa belts out her buffet. And for the first time, Bobby, Susie and I can’t agree on who to send home.
After the buffet, we had each member of the audience fill out ratings cards for each finalist. Adam was the overwhelming crowd favorite for both his food and his performance. Adam’s pork chops were voted best overall dish of the day. The tough-to-please Wynn Chefs thought Adam’s menu had the best flavors and most variety of the day. Now you know why I’ve been fighting for Adam all these weeks.
Bobby goes back to his hotel room before the audience rating cards were tallied. When we send him a text message to tell him that Adam’s dishes were both the crowd’s and Wynn chef’s favorites, Bobby’s reply is instantaneous: “Don’t even go there.” Let’s just say Bobby has not been Adam’s biggest fan.
Lisa won raves for her gorgeously designed buffet, smart menu and her shake-the-rafters singing. Who knew she could belt? This woman’s talents have talents. The knights from Spamalot said she stole their heart. Bobby said he liked every item from her buffet. And Lisa in her Catwoman promo outfit gave Halle Berry a run for the money.
Aaron. Alas, Aaron. What happened? After sailing through Rachael Ray’s TV show two weeks ago, winning both his Throwdowns last week, and nailing this week’s promo, I was not prepared for how badly Aaron would do on everything else. And I mean everything. His menu was bland, unimaginative and repetitive. His performance was heartbreakingly uncomfortable. He was so far out of his comfort zone he was in a different state.
Aaron has come so far in these 8 weeks: from nervous hospital chef to a confident “Big Daddy” who has impressed a battalion of top TV chefs, Iron and otherwise, with his cooking, humor and warmth. I don’t want to send him home. Adam? Funny, down to earth, quick witted and he’s finally proven he’s got the food chops. He’s staying. Lisa? Talented, memorable, stylish and an expert cook. Not sending her home.
So Bobby, Susie and I go round and round for an hour, debating each finalist’s pros and cons. Then I offer up an idea. What if we just ditched the rules for once and brought all three back to New York?
Usually, about halfway through, I can tell you with certainty who I think will win. But here we are with one week left, and there’s only one thing I can tell you with certainty. I have no idea who will win. Three talented potential stars. Only one winner. See you next week.
