Next Food Network Star ~ Official 2009 Summer Thread

[Nancyg56]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

How many times is her true personality gonna come out and she's going to get a pass?

So disgusted right now.

I don't understand........why didn't she go home.

Debbie has got to go. All she ever thinks of is herself and she just says the same thing over and over.

How can someone as incompetent as Debbie claim to be such an experienced caterer?

At this point, I would be happy with any of them winning except Debbie. I hope she goes next week. M

I was willing to give Debbie the benefit of another chance until tonight. I was completely turned off by her actions at the party and later at the judgement. .

It makes me dislike Debbie every show - from the first where she was "all about me" and didnt buy the ingredients for her team - but she had her ingredients...

but FN knows their demographic better than I do!

Debbie's food was the best because while everyone else did their part to pull this impossible task off, Debbie only concentrated on Debbie.

The judges said as much. I knew how she rolled from the first episode, when she sabotaged the dishes of her team mates by neglecting to get some of their ingredients.

And it's DEBBIE'S FAULT!!

For a Network that says we all need to know the "star" so that we all feel a part of the show....well we know this one

I am more inclined to watch a show and not know about the star's personal life than I am to watch a show where the "star" got that job conniving her way there. I am not going to watch her show if she wins. I don't like her, I don't respect her and I never support cheaters. I think that anyone who cannot be a part of a team when it is necessary, anyone who will not step up and admit a deficit when the team is crashing and burning (martyr anyone?) well there are many more choices on TV for me.

If the network wants an ethnic show it is acceptable to hire an Asian personality, if the Network is really trying to hire a star the producers may want to read some of the message boards, Debbie is not going to cut the mustard.

Personally, I think that the Network really does not care if this program spins off a really popular show. They plan 6 episodes as promised and if the winner draws an audience then it is a bonus. The real show is the one we are watching. This is the one shown in Primetime, this is the one that counts.

 

[Nancyg56]

I just went to the Foodnetwork website. If you go to the TNFNS you can post comments and questions for Susie and you can vote for who you would have eliminated. It is interesting to see that already 39% of voters would have given Debbie the boot and that the majority of comments question why Debbie is still there. The judges have been called out to explain how someone who has lied and who has not followed through on her responsibilities in a team challenge is still standing while the team players drop one by one. Most have pointed out that the judges stated that honesty and integrity count but that in Debbie's case...well...not so much. The majority of comments add that the poster will nto watch the show if she wins.

It was interesting, most say the same kinds of things we say here.

 

[onelilspark]

As always, here's my 2 cents on the show

I think Melissa is the dark horse. No one thought at the beginning that she could win this thing, but as the panel pointed out last night, with just a little bit of direction, she can take it and run with it and have a great show. (Wow...sorry for the run on sentence!)

Jefferey was great as always. Sorry, he assigned himself the role of the host, and that's what he did. Could he have pointed out during planning that the dishes seemed complicated? Yeah, maybe. But he brings up a good point that at this stage, you need to know that for yourself. I think he realized later that it came back to bite all of them in the butt.

Jamika...I like her, but I just want to give her a swift kick in the butt. I'm tired of her (for lack of a better term) "little girl" approach. "Oh wow, you like my food, I'm so flattered!" It's endearing the first time or two, but after that, take ownership! BE PROUD! Have some balls!

Debbie Debbie Debbie...Oh Debbie... What a youknowwhat. "I was being selfless!" I was so happy Melissa opened her mouth. (See, that's what Jamika needs, a little attitude!) I agree with the rest of you and think I said it during the episode last night..."Of course her stuff tastes the best! She's only working on hers!" Considering her background, I was disappointed that she did not step up to the plate. I'm surprised that the panel didn't call her out on that...Jeffery kind of briefly mentioned that he expected more from her when they were planning and that was that. As for not getting sent home...I wasn't entirely surprised (and I'll get to that in my Michael bit.)

Michael's really grown on me. I didn't like him at all the first episode or two. By the third and fourth he had me roaring. I think his downfall is the camera. And let's face it...you can't be a FN "Star" without it! Reminding the judges of that last night while serving really shot him in the foot. Then when he polarized people...well, I wasn't surprised because that was my first reaction to him. And I think the judges realized that out of the 5 of them, it was his time to go. I think they were genuinely sad to see him go because they liked him, but there's no way he was going to make it in front of a camera. So when it came down between him & Debbie, you send the guy home who can't be in front of a camera.

If Debbie pulls anymore stunts, I'll be shocked to see her still around. Even at this point: I won't be watching her show, but I would watch the remaining 3.

 

[Missy1961]

As always, here's my 2 cents on the show

I think Melissa is the dark horse. No one thought at the beginning that she could win this thing, but as the panel pointed out last night, with just a little bit of direction, she can take it and run with it and have a great show. (Wow...sorry for the run on sentence!)

Jefferey was great as always. Sorry, he assigned himself the role of the host, and that's what he did. Could he have pointed out during planning that the dishes seemed complicated? Yeah, maybe. But he brings up a good point that at this stage, you need to know that for yourself. I think he realized later that it came back to bite all of them in the butt.

Jamika...I like her, but I just want to give her a swift kick in the butt. I'm tired of her (for lack of a better term) "little girl" approach. "Oh wow, you like my food, I'm so flattered!" It's endearing the first time or two, but after that, take ownership! BE PROUD! Have some balls!

Debbie Debbie Debbie...Oh Debbie... What a youknowwhat. "I was being selfless!" I was so happy Melissa opened her mouth. (See, that's what Jamika needs, a little attitude!) I agree with the rest of you and think I said it during the episode last night..."Of course her stuff tastes the best! She's only working on hers!" Considering her background, I was disappointed that she did not step up to the plate. I'm surprised that the panel didn't call her out on that...Jeffery kind of briefly mentioned that he expected more from her when they were planning and that was that. As for not getting sent home...I wasn't entirely surprised (and I'll get to that in my Michael bit.)

Michael's really grown on me. I didn't like him at all the first episode or two. By the third and fourth he had me roaring. I think his downfall is the camera. And let's face it...you can't be a FN "Star" without it! Reminding the judges of that last night while serving really shot him in the foot. Then when he polarized people...well, I wasn't surprised because that was my first reaction to him. And I think the judges realized that out of the 5 of them, it was his time to go. I think they were genuinely sad to see him go because they liked him, but there's no way he was going to make it in front of a camera. So when it came down between him & Debbie, you send the guy home who can't be in front of a camera.

If Debbie pulls anymore stunts, I'll be shocked to see her still around. Even at this point: I won't be watching her show, but I would watch the remaining 3.

Great points, I agree with you 100%, especially your last point.

 

[Lanshark]

Michael as said multiple times that he is afraid of the camera. His personality and cooking are bigger than life but at the end of the day it is a cooking show and you have to be able to deal with the camera.

Debbie I believe will be the next to go.

Foodnetwork should think about their approach as to who is capable of being a network star. "Big Daddy", the winner from last year did not do anything for me and I typically change the channel when he comes on. Guy F. is the only other winner I know and I love him. Is there another winner? I've only watched the past two seasons

 

[kaytieeldr]

If Aaron's food is what made you change the channel, okay. If it was his 'energy' (read: near-hysteria ), consider giving the show another chance. Season 3 started yesterday.

The Party Boys (or something like that), season 1 winners, get re-aired in the middle of the night one night a week. Amy Finlay, season 2 winner, moved to France and declined Food Network's offer of continuing her show.

 

[mickeyboat]

I have been a fan of Melissa's since day 1. I hope she wins, but I am still a little unclear as to what kind of show she might have.

I don't think the ethnic cooking by Jamika and Debbie will appeal to a large enough audience. Debbie has really turned me off with her antics since the first show when she refused to take responsibility for the angel food cake / pudding dessert.

I was sad to see Michael go. He had become such a fun character. He should go on tour.

Jeffrey rubs me the wrong way for some reason. I just don't relate well to him.

My DH is a great cook. I would watch a show with him as host. "Real Men Can Cook"

I think there is a need to bring FN shows to the people who are really watching them - normal, everyday people who like to try lots of different, but simple things, and who don't want to be intimidated by fancy ingredients and processes.

 

[luvmy3]

Even with Debbie's behavior I'm not at all surprised by the decision to send Michael home, it was only a matter of time because of his fear of the camera. I don't think Debbie will go home next week either, I think she will be around as long as possible. Lets face it, viewers love drama and Debbie knows how to bring it.

I'm still rooting for Melissa, I like her the best out of everybody thats left. I love how a SAHM and come up with 3 appetizers and all Jefferey could come up with was throwing some crab meat on a store bought tortilla chip. (I don't even remember what is other dish was.) I just don't think any of the contestants saw her as real competition in the beginning because she doesn't have any culinary training and she has been proving them wrong each week.

 

[Nancyg56]

My DH is a great cook. I would watch a show with him as host. "Real Men Can Cook"

I think there is a need to bring FN shows to the people who are really watching them - normal, everyday people who like to try lots of different, but simple things, and who don't want to be intimidated by fancy ingredients and processes.

Love the Real Men Can Cook!

I agree with you, somewhere the network seems to have lost some of what appealed to me. I have to say that I get the impression that the producers feel that there is this Romance Novel kind of audience out there and they have a romance novel approach to finding shows.

I don't need frenetic energy or silly catch phrases. I will scream if I hear "EVOO, that Extra Virgin Olive Oil" or "Yummo!" one more time! I don't care if "Michael love's it!" I don't need to know all of Ina Garten's friends or watch them picnic on the sand. I am now gagging when Giada entertains all her friends. And Please.........stop making me watch the Chef's take those huge bites and absolutely swoon over the dish My Dad was a Chef and I never saw him do that and would have gagged if he did.

I just want to know the recipe, watch it prepared adn see if it is something I will make.

 

[Missy1961]

As a side note--I really want to see the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams movie about Julia Child and the woman who cooked her way thru one of Julia's cookbooks--it looks really good! And Meryl Streep looks & sounds a lot like Julia Child.

 

[onelilspark]

<snip>

I think there is a need to bring FN shows to the people who are really watching them - normal, everyday people who like to try lots of different, but simple things, and who don't want to be intimidated by fancy ingredients and processes.

<snip>

I'm still rooting for Melissa, I like her the best out of everybody thats left. I love how a SAHM and come up with 3 appetizers and all Jefferey could come up with was throwing some crab meat on a store bought tortilla chip. (I don't even remember what is other dish was.) I just don't think any of the contestants saw her as real competition in the beginning because she doesn't have any culinary training and she has been proving them wrong each week.

Love the Real Men Can Cook!

I agree with you, somewhere the network seems to have lost some of what appealed to me. I have to say that I get the impression that the producers feel that there is this Romance Novel kind of audience out there and they have a romance novel approach to finding shows.

I don't need frenetic energy or silly catch phrases. I will scream if I hear "EVOO, that Extra Virgin Olive Oil" or "Yummo!" one more time! I don't care if "Michael love's it!" I don't need to know all of Ina Garten's friends or watch them picnic on the sand. I am now gagging when Giada entertains all her friends. And Please.........stop making me watch the Chef's take those huge bites and absolutely swoon over the dish My Dad was a Chef and I never saw him do that and would have gagged if he did.

I just want to know the recipe, watch it prepared adn see if it is something I will make.

I think what it seems like we're all saying is that if Melissa can bring down her energy a bit, she'd really be someone we'd all watch. And I think she's done a great job on her own from day 1 bringing it down to a tolerable level. With a little coaching (which lets face it, even Bobby Flay had coaching!) she'd really take off. Her little tips and secrets are so practical! I love it. I mean last night when she said the chicken is easier to cut if it's still frozen. We probably all intuitively know that, but sometimes you do need people to point that out. I think she knows what's practical for the average viewer to make at home!

I think I'm slowly moving towards team Melissa and away from team Jeffery!

 

[onelilspark]

As a side note--I really want to see the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams movie about Julia Child and the woman who cooked her way thru one of Julia's cookbooks--it looks really good! And Meryl Streep looks & sounds a lot like Julia Child.

I have this book. I got about halfway through and stopped reading. It was dull. Cute idea, very boring book. I'd hope the movie is better, but I'm not rushing out and seeing it!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have this book. I got about halfway through and stopped reading. It was dull. Cute idea, very boring book. I'd hope the movie is better, but I'm not rushing out and seeing it!

I never even started it. Had the book been just (or primarily) about the author's experience/results with the various recipes, I'd have grabbed it in a second. I don't need to know about her life.

I think what it seems like we're all saying is that if Melissa can bring down her energy a bit, she'd really be someone we'd all watch. And I think she's done a great job on her own from day 1 bringing it down to a tolerable level. With a little coaching (which lets face it, even Bobby Flay had coaching!)

I'm tellin' ya - "Big Daddy" had coaching between his first two seasons. He's not frenetic, and therefore much easier and more enjoyable to watch.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As a side note--I really want to see the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams movie about Julia Child and the woman who cooked her way thru one of Julia's cookbooks--it looks really good! And Meryl Streep looks & sounds a lot like Julia Child.

While it's kind of disappointing Casting couldn't find someone more in line with Child's body type, Meryl Streep is an excellent actress.

 

[Lanshark]

If Aaron's food is what made you change the channel, okay. If it was his 'energy' (read: near-hysteria ), consider giving the show another chance. Season 3 started yesterday.

The Party Boys (or something like that), season 1 winners, get re-aired in the middle of the night one night a week. Amy Finlay, season 2 winner, moved to France and declined Food Network's offer of continuing her show.

I will try again. I liked what he cooked.

 

[kaytieeldr]

My DH is a great cook. I would watch a show with him as host. "Real Men Can Cook"

Okay. Try this. "Real Men Can Cook" just like women can. A man (dad?)with Melissa's culinary point of view would be a show worth watching... preferably if it airs around 6 PM or whenever the man in the house gets home and can start preparing dinner

Now, go to FoodNetwork.com and find the rules/requirements to apply for Next Food Network Star's season 6!!!!!

 

[onelilspark]

I never even started it. Had the book been just (or primarily) about the author's experience/results with the various recipes, I'd have grabbed it in a second. I don't need to know about her life.

I must admit, I judge books by their covers, and it looked like a book I'd enjoy. I read the back, went hmmm, that sounds interesting and bought it. Not that great at all. I also didn't enjoy the Shopaholic series...actually, that series kind of pissed me off. The whole idea that young women (my generation) can't be responsible with their money? Please... And that was made into a movie too. So maybe it's just me

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, Shopaholic was made into a bad movie, but... On the other hand, my perspective is, that's fiction. Julie & Julia (heaven forbid the Chef's name - the woman who inpired the author's actions, blog, book, and now movie - should be named first) is nonfiction. I don't know Julie and I don't care to read about her life, her feelings, etc.
eta: in fairness, though, I'd read extensive reviews of the book when it first came out and could tell I wouldn't be interested

Getting back on track I don't need to know a whole lot about the FN show hosts' lives. I don't even need to know their respective culinary points of view. I just want to see them cook. Often, it's easy enough to determine the CPoV just by the title of the show: "Everyday Italian"; "30 Minute Meals"; "How to Boil Water"...

Hey, you know what I'd like to see? No, of course you don't. Something on "food repair". How to save a dish that's gone wrong; what to do when you don't have an ingredient; how to substitute for that milk you need that's gone bad...

 

[TDC Nala]

If Aaron's food is what made you change the channel, okay. If it was his 'energy' (read: near-hysteria ), consider giving the show another chance. Season 3 started yesterday.

The Party Boys (or something like that), season 1 winners, get re-aired in the middle of the night one night a week. Amy Finlay, season 2 winner, moved to France and declined Food Network's offer of continuing her show.

They were called the Hearty Boys (and that's an awful pun name) and their show turned out to be deadly dull although they billed it as a "party." It was about entertaining at home. They did a good job on the contest though.

We know what happened to Guy Fieri and Aaron McCargo and Amy Finley quit and went to France.

I think what it seems like we're all saying is that if Melissa can bring down her energy a bit, she'd really be someone we'd all watch.

I won't, if she's going to be doing an "I'm a mom" family cooking show. I'm not a mom, and I'm just not interested.

But the "mom show" demographics might intrigue the network especially if they put her on daytimes when the stay at home moms are watching.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Finally got to watch the latest one last night. I can't believe Debbie didn't go home!!

And something just seems to have deflated Jamika between the first episodes and now.

I'm still voting for Jeffery overall, but I'd probably watch Melissa's show if she gets it.