Here’s the Next Food Network Star episode three recap video followed by my commentary … so if you didn’t catch it Sunday night and are planning to watch it during one of the repeats this week, don’t click. Otherwise, enjoy.

The show remains interesting and I am interested in the contestants. All of this is good. The judging isn’t “stupid” this week — like it’s been in the past with their “Nipa-fetish” they seem to have. Again, good. Not many complaints at all. Actually none. Yeah, if I had to rate this show this week I’d give it closer to a four-star than a three-star.

About the challenges. Good ones. What can you do with a potato. The best canvas for expression is a nearly blank canvas so the potato concept was awesome! And the “you in the jar” thing …. again, A-number-1. Not some bull stand on your head and screw up nonsense, not one of those walk across a tightrope while juggling eggs assinine exercises. We’re talking smart, rational — what did I say must happen on my review of week one? — yes, the food comes first! Bravisimo! (Note I didn’t say “bravo” as that gives folks at FN a conniption).

So about the contestants. Lisa last week showed her chops with the made mayo — whip it, girl! — ability. This week she did it again with her dressing. Aaron had two out of the park with his potato dish and his … . Adam made two good dishes and showed in both challenges he has a sense of humor and a big personality.

Kelsey sank on the first dish. I thought her second dish had merit; it was just luck of the draw (against her) that Martha Stewart has a refined palette and wouldn’t know a sloppy joe if it bit her on the ass (sorry, I like ya Martha but a food snoot is a food snoot, you can be a grand foodie without being a snoot, go get a Philly cheesesteak, girl, fix you up in no time). Jeffrey definitely earned his one-way ticket outta there.

Alas, Nipa — the revered “golden child” of the judges — apparently made a good Indian potato dish the first time around. Which was lucky for her since her brilliant “I mixed cheyenne with sugar” thing was as bad or worse than Jeffrey’s “I made seasoned salt” concept. Duh! And every one else I thought pretty much are just jammed up in the middle as neither good, nor bad, but maybe something worse: unmemorable.

{16 Jun 2008}