Category: The Next Food Network Star (Page 6 of 10)

A few questions with Eddie Gilbert of The Next Food Network Star

June 25, 2009 /

Eddie Gilbert was the third contestant to be eliminated on Season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star” this past Sunday. Gilbert made a watermelon/red onion/feta salad that one judge claimed was “indedible,” and he was on the elimination block each of the first three episodes. We had the chance to ask Gilbert a few questions (thanks Food Network and Electric Artists!) about his experience on the show and what the future holds:

Premium Hollywood: Do you think you should have chosen your own recipe instead of using a Paula Deen recipe, and do you think that was ultimately your downfall?

Eddie Gilbert: It wasn’t an exact recipe from a Paula Deen cookbook. I definitely put my own spin on it. As far as it leading to my downfall, I don’t know.

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The Next Food Network Star: they should have kicked off two

June 22, 2009 /

Last night on episode 3 of “The Next Food Network Star” Season 5, the theme was entertaining on a budget, and in my humble opinion, one contestant was lucky that the judges didn’t issue a double elimination when they had every reason to. But more on that shortly. The show began with all 8 remaining chefs meeting up with Food Network star Tyler Florence at Stew Leonard’s grocery store, which looked sort of like a Whole Foods. The first part of their challenge was to pick out ingredients to serve a dinner party of 12, but with only $60 to spend. In addition, they each had to offer a budget-conscious tip on camera for Florence, who would judge them and declare a winner, with that person to have an advantage in the main challenge.

Jeffrey won the challenge with a brief but very effective tip on how to use Nutella to make crepes for both dessert and breakfast with his family. Melissa and Debbie also did a nice job with their tips. Teddy (who Florence referred to as a cartoon character of himself), Jamika (who advised to re-use marinade) and Michael (just a complete mess) all bombed in the budget tip portion of the challenge.

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Five questions with Brett August of The Next Food Network Star

June 17, 2009 /

Season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star” is still young, and New York based Brett August was the second contestant to be eliminated. August was brash and bold, maybe like a stereotypical New Yorker, but ultimately it was the fact that the judges perceived August to have a lack of desire to really want to be a Food Network Star, at least compared to the other contestants. We had the chance to ask August a few questions on his way out…..

Premium Hollywood: Did you think you could have told Bob Tuschman and the other judges that you really wanted to win and that you could win a bit more convincingly, and that if you did you wouldn’t have been eliminated so early?

Brett August: I don’t know if that would have affected my outcome. But you look at yourself and you learn so many things, like I looked at myself and knew I was going bald on top of my head. There are so many things you learn, and it was just great. I loved it.

PH: Did you think April Fool’s Day was a tricky holiday to work with?

BA: Yeah, it’s a wonderful holiday to some people but I have never cooked for it. But now that I’ve come home, I’ve written up about twenty recipes for April Fool’s Day.

PH: What are your plans for the future?

BA: I think I’m going to start playing basketball for the Lakers. I’ll be their 2- guard. Well, really, the sky’s the limit, and I am hoping that this opens up so many doors for me.

PH: Do you feel bad about speaking up regarding helping Melissa or did you feel like something had to be said?

BA: It’s the competitive spirit in me that came out a little bit and for people who don’t know me; you might not want to watch me play basketball in Central Park. But Melissa and I are friends, and we might go out for martinis.

PH: Who do you like of the remaining eight to win it all?

BA: You know, it’d be great if they could all get their own TV show…they are all great individuals and amazing people. I’m going to wish them all luck, and whoever comes out on top deserves it.

The Next Food Network Star airs on Sundays at 9pm/8pm central on The Food Network.

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The Next Food Network Star: easy to spot duds

June 15, 2009 /

Even after sifting through hundreds and thousands of applicants, the ten finalists who make it to the TV portion of “The Next Food Network Star” are there for a reason–they impressed several judges along the way with their combination of cooking ability and the way they present themselves on camera. But something funny happens when they get to this pressure cooker known as national TV….and the first few weeks of each season usually expose the pretenders. Last night was no different, and the same will likely go for the next few weeks.

The show began last night with an initial challenge, and the theme for this week was magazines. Bobby Flay was ready to greet the nine finalists along with Ryan, an editor from men’s mag Esquire, and they had a rapid fire challenge in which they had to uncover a serving tray and create a meal from what was on said tray. Since this would be geared toward Esquire’s male audience, the ingredients were some kind of meat, and another weird ingredient.

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Four questions with Jen Isham, the first eliminated Next Food Network Star contestant

June 10, 2009 /

Getting to the TV portion of “The Next Food Network Star” from among thousands of contestants is no easy feat. To get there, though, and then be eliminated after the first episode has to be a tough pill to swallow. Jen Isham was eliminated this past Sunday, and we had the chance to chat with Jen about that early elimination and her plans post-show:

Premium Hollywood: Did you feel like you were not given a fair shot with such an abrupt elimination?

Jen Isham: Some one had to go home the first episode. I think there was lot of me the selection committee did not get to see, as well as the viewers – but they had to make a choice. I respect them all; they obviously are pretty successful in what they do. BUT I still think it shouldn’t have been me! 🙂

PH: Was it your idea to make the green beans?

JI: You know the whole menu planning went fast. Veggie was the only thing really left when I had the chance to speak. I did choose to make green beans; they are my favorite veggie. I liked them as did my team.

PH: What are your plans now?

JI: I have been working on my website, my cookbook/guide for the modern gal, and posting on my blog. www.jenisham.blogspot.com

PH: Who do you think will win Season 5 now that you have been eliminated?

JI: It’s a tough call. All of the contestants are so different and talented. I prefer to laugh and be entertained watching a cooking show, so my vote is for Michael!

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