Last night’s episode of “The Next Food Network Star” featured the remaining three–Adam, Lisa and Aaron–in another Las Vegas battle to decide who would reach the finale. This week’s guest was Guy Fieri, who won this very competition in Season 2 and is now a star on the network with two shows of his own, “Guy’s Big Bite” and “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.” The three finalists look at Guy and know that they want to win badly.
So the first challenge was all Vegas. They had to each perform in front of the camera for a 30-second promo. But of course, there is that walking and chewing gum at the same time thing again. Lisa went first and had to be one of those “wine angels” in a restaurant that has a very high wine rack and uses people in harnesses to bring them down. Lisa was asked to go up really high while doing her lines. Yikes. I mean, what if she was afraid of heights? Then, Aaron was asked to do his promo in a casino while throwing craps. Clearly that was the easiest of the promos. Adam was asked to do his on a stage with two showgirls at his side.
Then it was on to the main challenge. Each contestant was asked to come up with a Vegas style buffet that was going to feed various groups of people–show performers, chefs from local restaurants, and the judges which included Guy Fieri. They were given six hours and $1000 shopping allowance at Whole Foods, and also were given sous chefs–Shane, Jennifer and Kelsey, the last three to be kicked off the show. Lisa chose Kelsey, Adam chose Shane and Aaron was “stuck” with Jenn.
As for menus, Adam wanted to impress the judges with what he knows best–smoked barbecue. So he made smoked pork chops, smoked chicken wings and smoked portobello mushrooms. He also made some sort of pizza and a banana cream pie dessert. Of course, the other part of this is how they presented their buffet. So each contestant was given a minute or so to put on a show. Adam did okay, but not the best of the three.
Lisa played it a bit safe, for her. She made a pork roast, monk fish, and some sort of pear dessert. It was elegant without being over the top, and for once I’m glad Lisa didn’t try to wow everyone with her inner frou-frou. Lisa decided to sing about her buffet, which could have flopped badly, but instead elevated her chances of winning, because man, could she belt it.
Aaron took a step back and played it extremely safe, making a couple of bland pasta dishes and crab cakes. Aaron did some sort of weird, split-personality, very uncomfortable thing with his presentation. I don’t care how hungry I am, I’m afraid to eat Aaron’s food after watching that.
So then it came to judgment time. The best dish as voted by the chefs was Adam’s smoked pork chops, and Aaron’s crab cakes were also a hit. The judges found good things and bad things about each contestant. Adam finally showed he can cook, and really hit a home run last night with his chops, literally and figuratively. His performance skills have never been in doubt, but he was a bit underwhelming yesterday, and he has the added problem of Bobby Flay not believing in him one bit. Lisa struggled with her first challenge and her food wasn’t as good as usual, but her singing may have saved her. And Aaron, who has been improving each week and who the judges know cooks maybe better than anyone this season, was a huge flop last night. He aced the first challenge, but regressed badly in the main one.
So who do you send home? The judges deliberated for an hour before deciding that this was a three-way tie. That doesn’t mean the show will extend another week, but it does mean that the final showdown will be between three contestants instead of two. You know, that is going to make for great TV. Bob Tuschman, the judge who suggested the idea…dude, you are a genius.
I like Aaron but he scared me last night, so now I’m not sure. I like things about Adam and I even like things about Lisa, though I know I wouldn’t watch any show she hosted. But this is gonna be one really great battle next Sunday. See you all then!
