NFNS Recap with Video: Episode 8
If you don’t get it by now, simple: Don’t read the review or look at the video if you haven’t already seen the show last Sunday and are still planning to catch one of the repeats during the week. That said, here’s my review for the eighth (of nine) episode of Next Food Network Star.
First challenge each contestant had to do a promo and remember roughly three lines and deliver. Lisa was horrible and couldn’t remember a thing. Adam was good which was no surprise as that’s his strength. Aaron with some coaching from Bobby Flay was actually the best; he really stepped up. I do have to say that when it came to Lisa and to Adam, at least the way they edited the show, this week’s guest Guy Fieri — who we might have to recall was the winner of the second season of NFNS and the biggest name and best to ever come out of this series — wasn’t very supportive and of no help to the contestants. Again, that’s the way it came off from the editing; as usual who knows how it went off in real life.
The main challenge was cooking a buffet that would be judged by Vegas performers and the top chefs at the Wynn Hotel and Casino. And they were given free reign, a thousand dollar budget and six hours to cook. Plus they had sous chefs, namely former contestants Shane, Kelsey and Jen. For the record Lisa picked Kelsey, Adam picked Shane and Aaron got Jen. They then had to win over folks with their food and a short presentation.
Adam knowing he had to show major food chops directed all of his attention to that, including building smokers in the back kitchen. His food ended up being the favorite and demonstrated yes he can cook and cook well. Because of his focus though his opening was blah. Lisa who can apparently sing very well impressed the audience. Her food though was either great or bad with half her lamb chops having burned, some got good piece others got dry. And Aaron tried to pull it out with his intro which was very weird and bad. Oddly it was his absolute worse meal of the entire series, making three lame pasta dishes among his offerings.
In the end, they kicked no one off. Instead of going down to two, all three go head to head next week. Sound familiar? As they’ve said on the food forums online, shades of Top Chef. But then as one person said, Top Chef ripped off NFNS for their series idea, so let’s call it even. Next week then the final episode and the crowning of the Next Food Network Star.
