Watch Susie tell why the Supper Club scene matters

Do you Supper Club? Susie hadn’t before this week’s episode, and neither had I–dinner out or in with friends, sure, but not as an exclusive foodcentric standing date. So it wasn’t surprising that some fans balked during Sunday night’s chat.

How is cooking a posh multicourse meal for a few dozen hipsters helpful to home cooks? In a get-it-only-here vlog, Susie Fogelson, senior VP of marketing and brand strategy, reiterates the importance of a Food Network star’s versatility. He or she has to be able to cook and present food well, but also to present him- or herself well, too, regardless of the audience. Razzle-dazzle diners set an appropriately high bar, Susie says. “They were hip–one was hipper than the next,” she adds. “Our star needs to be able to hold their own in that crowd and not be intimidated.” Hear extra insights from Susie about why Aria wobbled, then see which of the finalists impressed guest Chef Michael Cimarusti, of Providence LA, as having a “true sense of self.” Star power is revving up.

What challenge so far do you think best sets up the finalists for Food Network stardom?

Does it seem to you like this season of Star is just flying by? It’s actually hard for me to believe it’s been six weeks since I was watching these guys for the first time. To give myself a reality check, I think about just how much has happened: finalists who seemed incredible in the premiere have gone home; others I was sure wouldn’t last past Week Three are flying high. I have to say that for me, Brad has been the biggest surprise by far. Like Susie speculated in Week Two, I initially felt that he was just too nice. She questioned whether his upbringing might get in the way, and I thought, definitely. Doesn’t Southern decorum mean manners and courtesy come first?  And while those certainly aren’t negatives, Star competition can be pretty tough and ruthless.

So despite his many charms – the kind demeanor, the super-sweet smile, the hat (not to mention his mad cooking skills) – I refused to get my hopes up. The guy had two more weeks, tops. I wasn’t about to buy in. Well, I guess he showed me. Instead of letting those qualities get in his way, he’s made them part of what he’s about when it comes to his food … and when it comes to the Brad you see on camera. Amazing, but I really didn’t think it would happen. Did you?

My first love was Dzintra, but as with all great love stories – ours was cut short far too early. After the enviable Dzenis-Dudley romance of 2010 ended, I knew I must move on and find my next reality star romance. Serena and Brianna both fit the bill perfectly. But, who would I choose? To love one meant I would have to hurt another. I’d been left so heartbroken before, I couldn’t stand to hurt one of them like that. Oh, how I’ve been conflicted!

Serena and Brianna have made the decision-making process very difficult. In my reality (yes, it’s a bit skewed), both have been competing for my affections. Serena with her unintentional comedic timing, Brianna with her diva-esque quality – both have been screaming, “Choose me! Choose me!” It has been embarrassing, actually. When the ladies argued a couple of episodes back, I knew that I was at the root of the tension. I hate it when ladies fight over me.

This sordid love triangle brings me to last night’s episode. Again, watching the two of them cook at Frank Sinatra’s house to win me over – or the judges, whatever – was difficult to watch. Even though Brianna was very hard on tuna casserole (a fave meal of mine), I knew the tuna hostility was really misplaced anger – she wanted my decision, and she wanted it NOW.

As Herb, Aarti and Brianna were left standing in front of the judges – one of them about to be eliminated – I finally made my decision. As I watched Brianna in her blue dress bravely stand before the panel, I knew she was the girl for me. The thought of losing her was terrifying! I couldn’t withstand that kind of pain. And once she survived this elimination, she and I would move forward with our relationship. She would forgive me for having been so confused for so long and Serena? Well, she would come to understand that cupid’s arrow had struck – and once that little dude strikes, he can’t be stopped.

And then, it happened. They sent my girl home! Can you EVEN? I threw my shoe at the TV! How dare Bob, Bobby and Susie, yet again, come between me and love?! It’s like they have a personal vendetta against me and are determined to have me die alone. Bobby, if you’re reading this, can’t you help a brother?! When did you turn on me?

Brianna, my love, I must let you go. I will always carry you (and Dzintra) with me.

Serena, you lucky girl – I’m all yours! Honestly, now that I sit and reflect, it has been you all along. Seriously.

Alrighty! Let me dig in on some of my standout moments – and then I want to hear yours!

I must admit, I was expecting (and hoping for) a little Dzintra Drama. From the comments I’ve read, she has clearly rubbed some of you the wrong way, but as I explained last week, I enjoy her! If there was a Team Dzintra t-shirt, I would buy it. As a matter of fact, I’m going to make one and wear it around the office.

In the first challenge, Giada told the finalists that if they couldn’t “cook and talk at the same time,” that they didn’t need to be in the competition. This is where I would make my exit. Think about it – some of the tasks you do (and do well), can you clearly explain what you are actually doing while you’re working on that task? I’m talking out loud now as I type this and all I can come up with to explain my action is, “Writing. Typing.”

Poor Aarti was called out on the “dead air” she left while on camera. I felt badly for her. You know she just wanted to hide behind her hair flower. And Serena? She was criticized for speaking waaaay too fast. Sure, I couldn’t understand a word she said, but really, isn’t having too much to say and speaking super fast to get it all out better than silence?

Duff was a guest in this episode and introduced the second challenge. Who doesn’t love this man? Am I the only who thinks Duff’s cakes shouldn’t be eaten, but preserved? They are true pieces of art – they shouldn’t be cut into like savages! Hmm – I’ll save this topic for another day.

The Santa Monica Pier Challenge was CRAZY! The finalists had to create a savory party plate inspired by carnival food. Can you even imagine? Aarti’s inspiration was funnel cake – and she had never even eaten one before (which is just a travesty – someone get this girl a funnel cake, ASAP)!

Brianna seemed to shut down a bit in this competition. I think she was overly tired. You know how it is when you’re exhausted – you reach that point where you’re simply DONE. Brianna needed a nap to put that pep back in her step. If Bob and Susie had only provided her with an air mattress out there on the pier, she would have been fine.

Elimination time. As you saw, Doreen was the second finalist to depart the show. I did understand the judges’ decision to send her home. Giada had said earlier in the show that her facial expressions “made her not want to watch.” Well, that’s clearly not good. But in her defense, in the pier challenge, Doreen was given a “Root Beer Float” to inspire her savory dish. Merciful days, a Root. Beer. Float? My facial expression would have been far from cute, too. So long, Doreen. I’ll miss you.

That’s my take, what’s yours? Any standout moments for you? Oh, I’m thinking of devoting an entire blog entry to nothing but Tom’s hair. Thoughts?