Man on the Street

By: Grant Dudley

Show: Food Network Star

FNS7 Episode 1 Evaluation

FNS7 Episode 1 Finalists Vic Vegas, Howie Drummond and Jyll Everman declared losing team as Penny Davidi, Justin Davis and Alicia Sanchez listen during Evaluations.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

I’m a fan of Food Network Star and reality TV in general. And, I write this blog post as just that – as a Star viewer sitting at home in my pajamas watching this new season unfold. For in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes Star news, you’ll want to watch the web-exclusive videos, read the other blogs or peruse on-set photos available at FoodNetwork.com/Star. For the rest of you who enjoy silly observations and baseless information, I’m your guy – you and I will get along beautifully.

So, I just watched the season premiere and here are several of my standout observations. After you read mine, please share yours.

1. We have major tattoos going on this season. Howie, Justin and Vic all have sleeves. Vic is an overachiever and even has ink on his neck. I respect tatted people. An inked person is saying to the world: “Hey world, I’m decisive and committed. I’ve made this lifelong decision and I am good with it.” As a person who will change his shirt five times before settling on that day’s attire, I admire this kind of stick-to-itiveness. Because of their tenacious spirit, I believe the inked finalists will go far in this competition. Now, you may be thinking, “Um, hello – Howie was just eliminated.” Well, the only explanation I can come up with for that is his tattoos must be henna and removable (like Madonna’s).

2. Alicia cries an awful lot, which is very irritating. Do you think she plans on turning the water works on every show? Personally, I could do without it. When the judges noted her way of speaking, she seemed to really take that criticism hard. Why, though? She’s from Missouri and lives in New York – has no one ever made mention of her accent before this show? Speak slower and more clearly – that’s all they want. Use your accent to your advantage. Paula Deen’s accent certainly hasn’t hurt her career.

3. Penny. I liked her. Reading through the comments left on Bob Tuschman’s recent blog post, I see that she has irked many of you. Some are calling her downright “mean.” I don’t see that. Actually, I find her refreshing. I like people who are upfront and direct. People who say one thing to your face and another behind your back are the ones who are trouble. Penny lays it all out for you. You know exactly where she stands. She wants to win this thing. I say, “Go, Penny.”

4. I hope Orchid is reading this. Hi, Orchid. You’re my favorite finalist. I want to hug and squeeze you and put you in my shirt pocket. You can cook, you’re sweet and the camera loves you. I think I may, too. Are you single?

There are plenty of other topics to cover, but I’d like for you to jump in. Need some help? Mull these over. Why does Jyll spell her name with a “y"? Don’t you find that suspicious? Doesn’t Jeff remind you of someone famous? Is it Vince Vaughan, perhaps? And finally, Juba. He made me very nervous (in an embarrassing way). I actually pulled a blanket over my head so I couldn’t watch him. Did he make you tense?