From left to right: Adrien Sharp, Nikki Shaw, Amy Finley, Michael Salmon, Paul McCullough, Colombe Jacobsen, Tommy Grella, Rory Schepisi, Vivien Cunha, Patrick Rolfe and Joshua Garcia (aka JAG) Photo Credit: Anders Krusberg/Food Network
As the TV maven, summer is usually a hard time for me. All my favorite shows are over, and let's be honest, the summer doesn't usually feature the cream of the crop programming. But, there is one very redeeming quality: food shows!
First off we have The Next Food Network Star on June 3rd.
The next night Fox brings us another season of Hell's Kitchen.
And then a little over a week later, on June 13th, we have Bravo's Top Chef.
(Be sure to stay tuned for regular commentary on all the food shows in our Food TV blog.)
Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday are going to be my favorite nights!
Lucky for me, I finally got to taste some reality show food at The Food Network Star party. And let me tell you, the aura hasn't worn off. I'm still the happiest girl ever and it happened almost a week ago.
Hell's Kitchen and Top Chef, I love you. But as a Food Network junkie and after having gone to the party, I must now freak out about my love of Food Network and its awesome reality show.
Here's why I love the Food Network and its now celebrity chefs: It is so easy to imagine standing next to any of the chefs, cooking with them in their kitchen. They're so personable, but at the same time they light up every kitchen they're in.
And that's precisely why there's a lot of pressure on the contestants on The Next Food Network Star. They have to be the next Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Giada DeLaurentis, Emeril... that's a lot to live up to.
Have faith my fellow Food Network lovers. The contestant pool is a good one. After the two hour premiere, just like with any reality competition show, you'll be able to pick out the few who will be eliminated in the beginning, the ones who will get close to the end, and those who are the real contenders.
I get a little too into this, and after watching my screener copy of the premiere (which so meanly cuts off right before they announce who's going home!!!), my Food Network junkie buddy Andrew and I went through each contestant and discussed our thoughts. The next night we attended the party where we met the contestants (and Bobby Flay, Giada DeLaurentis, Guy Fieri and Robert Irvine - oh my god, still flipping out!), and got to try their food. Tasting Food Network food is a dream experience, but it's so much cooler knowing that when I vote at the end of the season on the winner (all the viewers vote), I'll actually be making my decision based on the food!)
Okay, that's a lie. I'll base it mostly on personality, and partly on the food, but either way, trying the food rocked.
Contestant Colombe Jacobsen and Robert Irvine Photo Credit: Anders Krusberg/Food Network
Here's my rundown of each contestant, based on their appearance in the premiere episode and meeting them: (And please, after you watch the premiere, let me know your thoughts. Am I way off? Or did I get it right?)
Vivien Cunha: The judges didn't seem too pleased with her dishes. I don't eat shrimp (which was in her dish at the Star party), but Andrew tried it and loooved it. I still don't think she'll make it. She's gorgeous, but not to sound terrible, I think her accent may be too hard to understand.
Amy Finley: I think she'll have a good chance. She's cute and bubbly, but not to the point where she'd be a Rachael Ray clone. Most of her food is French inspired, which is a theme we haven't really seen on Food Network. Judges seem to like her. Her food at the party was good, and she was really friendly.
Josh Garcia: So didn't like him in the beginning of the show, but I really warmed up to him by the end. He's definitely different from anything we've seen on the Food Network. JAG (the name he goes by) just has to be careful that he doesn't appear too angry on the show. Andrew had seconds with his food.
Tommy Grella: Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. My favorite. The show made me love him. From the premiere alone it was obvious he was fun, loyal, and just a good guy. Well, meeting him only multiplied those feelings. He's awesome! First, he's the only chef whose dish I had seconds of. Oh wait, I actually had thirds of his. Not only could I not stop eating his food, but I couldn't stop talking to him. He was so personable and funny, he made me just want to hug him.
Colombe Jacobsen: The judges liked her, but I don't think she did the greatest job in one of the challenges (you'll know what I'm talking about when you watch it). She got on the show after winning a web contest on FoodNetwork.com, which means she has to be a top contender, I'd guess. But, let's be honest, her food just seemed too healthy for me.
Contestant Paul McCullough and a photo of Paula Deen Photo Credit: Anders Krusberg/Food Network
Paul McCullough: I like him. He's got a great TV personality and can definitely cook. He was nice in person, but it seemed as if the soon-to-be reality show fame was almost getting to him already. I'll cut him some slack though because he convinced me to do something quite embarrassing at the party, which I can't mention here because well, it's embarrassing. I think Paul will do well.
Patrick Rolfe: His food didn't go over well with the judges. This isn't nice, but I don't even remember what he made at the party. My first thought on Patrick is that he's a bit of a wallflower. Nice guy, but he'll probably go early.
Michael Salmon: Read above.
Rory Schepisi: Not much to say. I think she'll be one of the first to go. Just not sure she has the chops to cut it. (Whoa, was that one massive food pun or what?)
Adrien Sharp: Adrien is going places. He already has a local cooking show in Michigan. He's got a killer personality and his food on the show seemed awesome. He's cute too and seems like a rock star in his own way. Andrew loved his food at the party (I think it was mushrooms wrapped in bacon with some sort of barbecue sauce, but I could be making that up), but since I don't love mushrooms it didn't go over too well with me.
Nikki Shaw: Not my favorite. She's too intense and intimidating to be a lovable Food Network chef. She made dessert at the party, and for someone who loves chocolate, I was disappointed. This is a rough one for me because she's married to former NBA player Brian Shaw, and I loooove basketball players, but since this is a food and personality competition, I have to say no.
Do yourself a favor and watch this show. Feel free to watch Hell's Kitchen and Top Chef too since they're on different nights. But remember, the winner of The Next Food Network Star gets their own show, so watching this program is a worthy investment.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for the great write up! What did I aks you to do at the party that was embarrassing? If I had a face to a name I will remember.
Looking forward to reading your confessions.
Paul Mc
Posted by: Paul McCullough at May 23, 2007 10:26 AM
Jackie,
As you know, I am a huge Food Network fan (and a TV Maven fan as well). However, I was disappointed with the way last season's show turned out. The show itself was fine. But they call it "The Next Food Network Star" and last year's winner, Guy, has an awful show where he eats meatloaf in dirty diners in the back woods of Nebraska. This doesn't scream Star to me - let alone the next Bobby Flay. I'm just wondering if the producers or network execs mentioned anything about the actual show that these contestants will Star in, because I'm pretty sure if fans knew that last season they were competing to taste meatloaf, nobody would have watched.
Nonetheless, great writing and keep up the good work!
Posted by: Rich at May 23, 2007 11:25 AM
Thank you Jackie for the confidence and great comments. The fact is you are quite the personality yourself. Jackie is warm and bubbly,a real superstar in her own right. Unfortunatly her job is to be tough on us. This time I fared well, that will not happen all the time. All of my fellow finalists are great people, let that not go unnoticed. Everyone here is a superstar!
Posted by: Tommy Grella at May 23, 2007 11:26 AM
Jacki,
Enjoyed reading what you had to say! (Ha!) Just wanted to give you a little insight on one of the contestants who is a very dear friend of mine! I hope she surprises you like she did me! My first meeting of Rory involved a reality show and I can say from experience that she sure fooled me. But now I can say with all the confidence in the world that she certainly has what it takes to do anything she sets her mind to! I hope she makes it, and if she does I hope that you will give her a chance too! She is an awesome chef and has a presence and personality that is quite unique! Hopefully you will have some positive comments on her too in the future! "Q"
Posted by: Quincy Taylor at May 23, 2007 11:42 AM
Hi Everyone,
I appreciate all your comments and hope you'll keep sending your thoughts my way! The truth is, both positive and negative criticism is a result of being on a reality show. In reality TV, viewers' opinions can change weekly, as I'm sure mine will as well. Each week when I write about the show I promise to keep an open mind, but to also be honest with my opinions.
First and foremost I would like to say holy crap. I met Giada, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri and Robert Irving. Now all I have to do is shake Emeril's hand and I can die a happy man! In all seriousness though, the party was a great time and everyone's food I tried was delicious. And yes I did have seconds (ok, thirds) of a lot of dishes.
As far as my opinions on who I think is going to make it, I pretty much agree with everything Jacki said. We did actually sit down and have an in depth discussion about all the contestants and our thoughts based on the first episode. Every contestant that we talked to at the show said that there is no doubt about it; everyone who is on that show deserves to be there. But that's the beauty about shows like this. You can have discussions with your friends and co-workers the next day and say whatever you would like about them! Every contestant brings something different to this show and it will be very interesting to see what will work and what won't. These opinions are based on the first 2 hours and the first 2 challenges. I can't wait to see how it plays out!
Posted by: Andrew "The Food Network Junkie Buddy" at May 23, 2007 01:32 PM
Wow Look at all the Ruckus your write up caused, I think thats great! No Publicity is bad publicity Right? Well I think we all would like to think that. Anyway Just wanted to say Hello and I agree with both you and Andrew. I vaguely remember you guys, but I do remeber a women who did not eat shrimp, That was Probably you! Sorry we did not get more time to visit, maybe another time or life. One thing I can say this show is going to be amazing, no matter how any of us are portrayed, that is us, at least a big part of us. We all must take the good with the bad, Thick skin comes with this business! Anyway I'm glad you got to know Tommy he is everything you said THE BEST! YOU GOT TO LOVE HIM! You are totally wrong about Nikki though. All Of my fellow finalists Rock as well! Thanks and look forward to your future write ups!
Hey there! Well, we're certainly learning what the reality of Reality TV is. It reminds me of that line from the Sunscreen Song..."Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose...the race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself." I remember you, Jacki. You're cute and little with adorable glasses. If I recall, sidekick Andrew was cute, too :-) Glad I didn't stick my foot in my mouth! I'm sure that happens on the show, eventually, so stay tuned! It's a roller coaster...
Wow Jacki, Your awfully judgemental..Do you think your so fabulous..?? Get a clue, my goodness.
Posted by: T at May 28, 2007 12:14 PM
In regards to your..."I think Rory will be the first to go" Care to make it interesting? Because I know she will stay in the competition and even win. I have known her for a long time and have eaten in her restaraunt. She's phenominal. So, before your so quick to assume....give her a chance....
Posted by: T at May 28, 2007 12:16 PM
I have to chime in and add that Amy is more than just friendly. She is a fantabulous cook and an incredible person. She has more chops than what it takes to be a Food Network star... can't wait to see what happens!!! After watching the premiere show, you can see that Amy is not only a natural leader, but she surely has what it takes to make it happen in the kitchen!!
Posted by: casey at June 4, 2007 10:18 AM
As a black woman I've heard your comments regarding Nikki Shaw often. Why is confidence always interpreted as intimidating or intense? I thought Tommy was loud and obnoxius (and still likeable) but everyone else sees a great personality. I do realize that to have a show on the Food Network one needs to make everyone comfortable and be appealing and funny. I will give Nikki and everyone else the benefit of the doubt and hope the best wins for all of the right reasons.
Posted by: Yvette at June 4, 2007 02:49 PM
Jacki, you sound a wee bit star struck. I've meet Giada, Wolfgang, and a few others. They are people just like you and me.
Nikki Shaw: too intense and intimidating? I thought she came across as professional and knowledgeable. Moreover, she is beautiful; the camera loved her more than any of the other finalists! Her demeanor reminded me of Giada's when Giada first started: very composed and a little hesitant because she wanted to get it right. After a few seasons, Giada warmed up.
I enjoy the Food Network, but, I grow weary with its current stable of gimmicky stars: Emeril's BAM, Bobby's smug manner, Paula's finger licking, butter lovin' antics, Ina's drooling over her own food, Rachel Ray, Sandra Lee ~~ ugh; and now more than ever, Giada's breasts. Before long her cleavage will have its own show. The Food Network NEEDS professional personalities like Michael Salmon and Nikki Shaw.
Posted by: Veronica at June 11, 2007 09:55 PM
Why did Rory lie about the napkin fire? What was that about? I was sorry they didn't call her on it. It could have been just cute or funny if she hadn't lied about it.
Posted by: Mary at June 19, 2007 08:47 PM
JAG has got to go! I cannot believe that he survived the Iron Chef show. After the judges had their meeting I just knew JAG was out but then they let Paul go. What's going on? Is JAG the Sanjaya of the Food Network?
Posted by: Constantine at July 9, 2007 03:57 PM
Yet another thing we have in common. I have become completely addicted to The Next Food Network Star this summer. (And I watch a LOT of other FN offerings as well!)
Look to my next blog entry for additional comments.. but I agree on your assessments above. I can't believe Rory has made it this far. (Altho my husband has a nickname for her that might explain why she has appeal... especially with male viewers. Think.. apparel choices.) She did win the Bon Appetit cover contest, .. and her Iron Chef recipes were good and well received. She bombed on the commentary part of it, tho.
I've liked JAG from the start. However, I think that is because we have a phenomenal Mexican/Latin restaurant here in Chicago, Frontera Grill run by Rick Bayless. I am addicted to his food and I would love to see that style of cuisine presented more on FN. I wouldn't even mind if he DIDN'T "dumb it down" for the Home Cook like they keep telling him to do. I WANT to learn the complicated stuff. If anyone has watched Rick Bayless' PBS show, "Mexico One Plate at a Time" you'll see that his recipes are NOT uncomplicated but his show is still extremely engaging and approachable.
I didn't like Amy at first, but she has grown on me. At first, she seemed a bit timid for TV. But she definitely has the cooking and food knowledge chops, and REALLY came through on the Iron Chef segment, both on the commentary and the food sides. And she was right to pick Tommy as her Sous Chef. I'm sure he was instrumental in her great performance that day. He does seem like a great guy. I could see him running a great restaurant here in the "Taylor Street" section of Chicago.
This Brazilian woman does not represent serious Brazilian women. She looks like, talks and behave like a cheap prostitute. Good thing she was eliminated in the first week. She was probably thinking that her looks were going to grant her the prize. Little that she knew that the Food Network people are pretty serious about this competition. And yes, her English is terrible.
Maybe she should go get a job as a stripper somewhere back in Brazil.
Posted by: Polka Dotz at July 16, 2007 02:36 PM
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in,
.
Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)
