Poll: Who Was the Best Mentor?

Alton, Giada and Bobby - Food Network Star

Next Food Network Star Season 8, Episode 8

Star Producers Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay waiting for Contestants for the Reveal of the Star Challenge "SoBe Nikki Beach Family PArty" as seen on the Next Food Network's Star, Season 8.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

When it comes to mentoring, Bobby’s, Alton’s and Giada’s styles couldn’t be more different. In the season premiere, we learned what each was looking for when they hand-picked their teams of five Food Network Star hopefuls: Bobby sought out no-nonsense cooks, Alton culinary teachers and Giada outgoing personalities. As the season continued, it turned out that the mentors’ selection criteria mirrored their own leadership styles.

Bobby found it most effective to maintain a professional relationship with his team and to tailor his instruction to each individual's needs. He spoke of his approach to the other mentors in an exclusive video. “I really try to bounce off the people that I’m mentoring, because I feel like they sort of drive me to the way I’m going to mentor and what I’m going to actually utilize to help them,” he said in Miami.

Alton’s natural teaching ability came to light in the midseason of the competition when he held one-on-one reviews with his finalists, offering them constructive criticism and tips on how to improve. Justin found his meeting extremely helpful and said that Alton was “one the most effective teachers I’ve ever had.”

Though Bobby and Alton primarily focused on training their finalists, Giada strived to create a family-like atmosphere on her team, offering motherly advice when her hopefuls needed it most. Yvan was especially grateful for Giada's guidance after he gave a successful live performance with Guy Fieri. He said of his mentor, "It's funny how a producer can really get the best out of you. It's like a mom. They know what you need even when you don't."

No mentor’s method was completely foolproof — all three teams having suffered losses — but finalists on each team achieved winning moments both in the kitchen and on camera. If they could repeat the season, do you think Bobby, Alton and Giada would choose to mentor in the same way?

Check out this behind-the-scenes video of Alton, Bobby and Giada comparing their mentoring styles and discussing the pros and cons of their approaches to the season.

Tell us: Who do you think was the best mentor?

Be sure to tune in to the finale on Sunday at 9pm/8c to see who you chose to be Food Network’s newest star.

Next Up

Dom vs. Michelle: Who Was Right and Who Was Wrong? — Vote Now

In the heated argument between Dom and Michelle at Patina Restaurant, Star Talk wants to know, which finalist are you siding with?

Caption It: Who Wore It Best?

Before you tune in this Sunday at 9pm/8c, we’re challenging you, Star fans, to write your best captions (tastefully appropriate, please) for this doppelganger moment in the comments below.

Poll: Most Fashionable Finalist

Of the remaining 11 finalists, who's the most fashionable?

Star Poll: Pick Your Dish

If you were a tourist on the Star bus tour, which of these three winning dishes would you most want to sample?

Poll: Who's On Thin Ice?

Which of the remaining 10 Food Network Star finalists is skating on thin ice as the competition moves into its second half?

Poll: Which Burger Would You Order?

If you could order up a burger from the Producers' Challenge, whose would you pick?

POLL: Who Went Home Too Early?

Do you agree with all of the judges' elimination decisions so far? Vote in Star Talk's poll.

Poll: Who Went Home Too Soon?

Let us know which eliminated finalist you'd bring back to the competition.

Poll: Did the Right Finalist Earn Salvation?

Cast your vote to tell Star Talk which eliminated Food Network Star finalist was most deserving of redemption on Star Salvation.