The Next Food Network Star: Season 2

[scrivener]

Guy was unbelievable in that cupcake challenge -- his stuff was mind-blowingly creative AND he just thrived in front of that live audience. Carissa was pretty bad in the live shoot, but she REALLY had it together in the field. And Alton Brown was right; she was sexier in that awful hooded jacket than in that cocktail dress. She's a very attractive woman, but what made her sexy was not trying to be sexy; it was being herself as she talked about something she loved and knew a lot about. I loved how she kept emphasizing that the wine store should not be intimidating, and she really communicated well: "Beaujolais? That's just a region! And pinot noir? That's just a grape!"

I was extremly unimpressed with her in the first four shows, but she really looked like she got it together in this last one. Honestly, I think I'd watch a show hosted by any of these last four.

[glossyp]

This last episode was the first time I actually liked Carissa. She did a great job on the pitch and the TV segment. I was quite surprised. I was even more surprised that they dumped Andy and kept Reggie. The one thing they did say was something along the lines of 'we have to look at who has potential to improve' so I guess that means they dismissed the possibility that Andy's personality could ever suit television.

[Miulang]

I still don't like Carissa. I think she's a diva. First of all, in her outside the kitchen segment, what type of clothes did she first come onto the set wearing? this low cut in the front red top. I honestly think Alton was embarassed for her. If her "concept" was to sell sex, that would have been fine. But she's got to get it out of her head that everyone will watch her just because she's attractive (I don't find her especially attractive). And how many American cooks are going to cook French these days, anyway? It's all about "other" types of ethnic food or plain old mongerel American cuisine for the majority of people (as long as it's quick and cheap and tastes good). Tyler did a series on taking French recipes and twisting them into dishes ordinary Americans would find palatable, but I'm not sure Carissa has the smarts to be that creative.

More than likely, Reggie will get dumped next time, leaving the 2 divas and Guy. If those are my choices, then I'd have to vote for Guy, although he's a little too over the top for me and I doubt I would watch his show (just like I don't watch last year's winners' show "Party Line with the Hearty Boys"). I think Reggie is at a disadvantage because his experience is in baking, whereas the other 3 have experience in cooking.

Miulang

[scrivener]

On the other hand, maybe Reggie has the advantage, specializing in baking. A baking show on the Food Network might be kinda cool.

Set those VCRs for Sunday, everyone. TVFN is showing two episodes, meaning that by the end of the weekend, we'll be down to our final two!

[shaveice]

personally, i probably won't watch whoever wins this competition. what i like about the show primarily is the process they're going through and a behind-the-curtains look at the business of cooking shows. i find that very interesting....

[Tiabla]

I pretty much agree with everyone here so far. Reggie's a goner, Nathan and Carissa are too obnoxious for my taste, and Guy will surely win this thing. I don't think I'll watch the eventual winner's show. Overall, I'm pretty disappointed in this show, even though it's somewhat entertaining and gives me fodder for my Food Network blog. I think this show could be wildly entertaining with better contestants, higher production values, and more interesting challenges.

[Miulang]

On the other hand, maybe Reggie has the advantage, specializing in baking. A baking show on the Food Network might be kinda cool.

Yeah, I LOVE Gale Gand's "Sweet Dreams" show, but it's on at very weird times so I rarely get to watch it. That ex-lawyer turned pastry chef show is interesting sometimes, but he doesn't do very much of his own baking (kinda more like interviewing other pastry chefs) so it's not very useful. Another baking show like Gale Gand's would be good. I used to like watching Jacques Torre do his chocolate magic too...his stuff was too complicated to make, but man, did they look tasty!

Miulang

[Miulang]

Whee! By some amazing stroke of luck, BOTH the divas (Nate and Carissa) got eliminated last night, which leaves Reggie and Guy as the finalists for the next Food Network TV star. You have until April 20 to cast your vote (it's kinda cheating, but you can register an online AND a cellphone vote and have both count).

I'm cooking that balsamic chicken dish that Reggie was demonstrating in his pilot, so if it turns out good, I'll cast my vote for him.

Miulang

[Pomai]

Nate and Carissa's biggest obstacle - besides being overly hung up on themselves - was time management. Especially Nate. He kept preparing dishes that were way more complex than he tried to portray to the viewer; in most tapings never finishing the dish.

Perhaps Nate will have a career as a stunt double for Jim Carrey and Carissa will have a show called "Sexy French Cuisine" on E or the Playboy channel.

Reggie's whole "cute, sassy, girl" approach would do best with a co-host (preferably female) in front of a small, interactive studio audience. His largest demographic would likely be female Gen X'ers and Baby Boomers. I'm still unclear what his culinary concept is about. Is it baking or is it a modern take on classic southern? So far his presentation has been way more "L.A." which is actually where he currently resides.

Guy's testosterone-driven personality would probably appeal to a mixed gender audience of Gen' X'er & Y's. I don't particularly like the title "Off the Hook" though. He needs to put more thought into that. But as a whole I like his "Cali-Eurasian" sports bar/fast food concept. At least that would be something different than anything currently being offered on TFN.

I already cast my vote for the day.

[Miulang]

I was intrigued by Guy's take on a sushi roll that used Vietnamese rice sheets instead of nori. Now THAT's creative. Reggie was getting a little too nervous in his final cookoff segment (hence the "girlfriend" and overuse of the word "sassy" which makes my teeth grind ).

BTW: that chicken glazed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil (I also added some Italian herbs to the marinade) turned out fabulously. Served it over a bed of couscous with steamed green beans on the side.

Miulang

[scrivener]

Reggie has grown on me. Even when he's been off lately, he's been good to watch. Guy is still much more interesting to watch, though. I think I'm voting for Guy.

[shaveice]

although nate might be a nice guy, he always struck me as having a lot of hostility under that beaming smile so i wasn't disappointed when he was asked to leave.

guy's demo with the food/tv guide folks went very well. reggie is definitely personable though i usually get the feeling that he's sweating bullets!

[Pomai]

As expected, Guy won.

IMO that was a rather boring, anticlimactic final episode. They should have called the winner at the end of the first half. Then use the second half to dedicate to Guy's personal life and progress leading up to/and bathing in the win. Showcasing equal time to the eventual loser only brought more sense of pity for Reggie. The final supper with the former contestants should have been held after the winner was called. You could tell there was a sense of tension like, "Who do you think's going to win this?".

Guy has already suggested heavy metal music and drag racing videos on his new set. He'll certainly narrow his audience with that "MTV" concept.

Here's an idea for Guy's new show...

Instead of taping on some gimmicky set in New York, perhaps they should do a reality-based series of him working in his restaurant(s). His businesses will get "free" plugs with him on the air anyway, so might as well take full advantage of the circumstance. That would also showcase his commitment to his business and his growing family - hopefully winning some of the conservative audience.

Lose the "Off the Hook" title, and call it something like The Extreme Restauranteur with Guy Fieri. Start each episode with Guy (energetically) coaching his restaurant staff. Then perhaps a few shots of patrons enjoying their meals. Then have Guy prepare several signature dishes live in his restaurant kitchen while in full swing during business hours. Perhaps a few heckles exchanged between him and his staff.

That would certainly be more interesting to watch than another concocted FN studio production.

[Miulang]

I still don't think I'll watch his show when it debuts in June. He's a little too "edgy" and "off the hook" for me although I was intruigued by that sushi roll... Even if Guy bombs on TV, I'm sure his 3 restaurants will be wildly successful after his stint on FN. Apparently, appearing on FN has already changed Reggie's style at the place he works too, so I'm sure he'll do just fine.

Miulang

[Palolo Joe]

As expected, Guy won.

I only watched the show sporadically, but you're right - I could have told you Guy would win WEEKS ago.

The final supper with the former contestants should have been held after the winner was called. You could tell there was a sense of tension like, "Who do you think's going to win this?".

Well, that is the point of reality TV... to convey a sense of tension.

Lose the "Off the Hook" title, and call it something like The Extreme Restauranteur with Guy Fieri. Start each episode with Guy (energetically) coaching his restaurant staff. Then perhaps a few shots of patrons enjoying their meals. Then have Guy prepare several signature dishes live in his restaurant kitchen while in full swing during business hours. Perhaps a few heckles exchanged between him and his staff.
That would certainly be more interesting to watch than another concocted FN studio production.

Sorry Pomai... I disagree. There's nothing "extreme" about that idea, and it's sooooo not Guy's style. If FN is trying to broaden their appeal, they need to go after a different demo than the over-50 crowd.

[Pomai]

I disagree. There's nothing "extreme" about that idea, and it's sooooo not Guy's style. If FN is trying to broaden their appeal, they need to go after a different demo than the over-50 crowd.

O.K. How about this concept...

Title it FEEDBACK! with GUY FIERI (Get it.. "feed" "food" "guitar feedback"). Guy would go behind the scenes of a major (rock) concert or (motor) sports competition and interview the band members and/or athletes (drivers/riders) about eating on tour and at home. Then he would go back to his restaurant or studio and prepare dishes that he felt would entice his featured guests; preferably with them on the set cooking with him. I can just hear his intro's music byte: a screamin' Hendrix-style lick or riff with some whalin' feedback.

High hopes, I know. FN probably aren't willing to expend that much logistical and financial resources booking interviews with busy, high-ticket celebs for a risky, off-the-ground show. But hey, many successful endeavors began on a risk.

Rachael Ray had a similar FN show called Inside Dish, but she never did cook on it, and her interviews often strayed on topics not related to food.

[Miulang]

O.K. How about this concept...

Title it FEEDBACK! with GUY FIERI (Get it.. "feed" "food" "guitar feedback"). Guy would go behind the scenes of a major (rock) concert or (motor) sports competition and interview the band members and/or athletes (drivers/riders) about eating on tour and at home. Then he would go back to his restaurant or studio and prepare dishes that he felt would entice his featured guests; preferably with them on the set cooking with him. I can just hear his intro's music byte: a screamin' Hendrix-style lick or riff with some whalin' feedback.

High hopes, I know. FN probably aren't willing to expend that much logistical and financial resources booking interviews with busy, high-ticket celebs for a risky, off-the-ground show. But hey, many successful endeavors began on a risk.

Rachael Ray had a similar FN show called Inside Dish, but she never did cook on it, and her interviews often strayed on topics not related to food.

I dunno if you guys in Hawai'i ever got to see the series with Dweezil Zappa and Lisa Loeb (then sweeties, but no more). They kinda did the X-gen thing and actually did some cooking, touring, talking to other celebs etc. It didn't last very long though. I think the demographics of the FN is gonna be skewed: it's either gonna be serious foodies who like off-the-wall shows like Alain Bourdain or Alton Brown, or the Mrs. in the kitchen in middle America who's trying to figure out how to make mac and cheese seem a little more "upscale" than what comes out of that blue box. True yupsters probably like Rachel's "Dining on $40 a Day" because it combines travel and eating in restaurants.

Giada's behind the scenes of the big bashes sometimes can be fun, too. The Naked Chef was supposed to appeal to the younger generation, too.

Miulang

[Palolo Joe]

FEEDBACK! with GUY FIERI

Better... sounds like it might work.

[Pomai]

So how much do you think that 6-episode contract for Guy Fieri is worth?

Emeril himself asked the general in yellow (FN president) for a peek, so it must have been something significantly valuable.

$250,000? More? Less? Dunno.

[Miulang]

So how much do you think that 6-episode contract for Guy Fieri is worth?

Emeril himself asked the general in yellow (FN president) for a peek, so it must have been something significantly valuable.

$250,000? More? Less? Dunno.

Since he already owns 3 restaurants, the contract could have been for $10 and he STILL would have come out ahead, just in the free publicity for his restaurants. But he's probably getting about $40-60k per episode, + residuals.

Miulang

[Palolo Joe]

But he's probably getting about $40-60k per episode, + residuals.

And you would know this... how?

[Miulang]

Guy isn't as famous as Mario, but with all the restaurants, books, TV shows and endorsements, Mario makes approximately $4 million and Emeril around $9 million. Hard to tell what Food Network Stars make because many of them also have other gigs so their TV contract revenue is mixed in with their salaries from their restaurants.

In any case, it's waaaay more than a good executive chef would make (around $140k annually).

Miulang