S10.E10: Promos and Pilots

[cooksdelight]

Maybe she just didn't want to be pigeonholed into that role on TV.

She never should have made baby food, she put herself right into the Mommy mold by doing that. You know how the mentors and judges are, once you say something they like, they stick it onto you forever.

Butcher Babe... etc. :)

[theatremouse]

I think Sarah put the whole "mom" spiel on the table when she made baby food in that one challenge and made her whole Rachel Ray appearance about her kids. So, theoretically, if Suzie and Bob had been paying attention all along, and for some reason what they liked about her was specifically her execution when she did the mom spiel, I think it's fair game in the end to say "hey wait suddenly you didn't mention it at all". I mean, she's been inconsistent. Is her POV Texas? It is Texas mom? Is it something else? I don't know and I didn't really think she was clearly appealing regardless of what she claimed she was aiming to be. I know they don't generally hold people to the POV presented all season long vs what they do in the "pilot", but if the POV they'd seen before was (for reasons unknown) the Sarah the network wanted, and didn't get, it's fair to tell her so. 

 

I really don't like Robert Irvine, but even more than I don't like his schtick, I thought it was very oddly edited last night for the segments with him. It was SO paint by numbers. Contestant says two sentences. He says cut. He tells them they're doing a bad job and to step it up. They get a little farther. Rinse repeat. If I had way too much time on my hands I'd probably splice it and see if the timing even lined up...10 seconds til he yells at you, another 20 and he say's you're doing better, blah blah blah. Hey FN, you're supposed to pretend this isn't completely formulaic.

[Rambler]

I didn’t like Lenny’s pilot at all. I got zero cooking information from it, unless tossing spice mix onto the grill from behind your back is supposed to be some sort of elevated cooking technique. Too much trying to be funny and not enough cooking for my tastes. I thought I was watching a failed pilot for Comedy Central rather than something for Food Network.

 

Nicole’s pilot was a little better since you got more cooking tips, but it was kinda dull. I also find that when I listen to her over an extended period of time, her voice sort of takes on a nails on chalkboard quality for me.

 

Of the three, I preferred Luca’s pilot the most, but only because of the presence of chef Kristen from the Italian restaurant. When he was by himself I thought Luca was so boring and hard to understand that I couldn’t remember what he was talking about. Some sort of fish with garlic on it I think. Maybe they could hire chef Kristen to be his sidekick or something. She could talk and he could smile and cook something. Or since she is an executive chef, she could talk and cook and he could sit off to the side and smile. Yeah that might be the show right there,

[Padma]

That dish though... I don't doubt that it was delicious. A shitload of garlic and anchovies? Over whole fish and roasted potatoes? Yes please.

 

That is my kind of dish (to eat, though, not to make.)  I thought it was different from what we usually see, but Italian cooking? Of all the foods in the world, that seems the least interesting to base (another) show around.

 

I'd love a show about seafood, but not just "American coastal". Why is it necessary for Nicole to only cook seafood in places that she's lived? That's not what cooking is and immediately eliminates so many great seafood recipes.

 

As for fakety-fake Lenny? I don't like bbq anyway (another overdone FN cooking style), but Lenny himself? Just no.

[Rick Kitchen]

 

how many Food Network stars make their kids a key part of their on-screen image, anyway?

 

Tyler and Guy trot out their kids on a regular basis.

[cooksdelight]

I sort of think they were just looking for a reason to dump Sarah now that her usefulness as someone to generate talk about the show was no longer needed.

[Showthyme]

I don't care to see any of these three finalists. However, I am willing to trade Giada for Luca.

Edited August 4, 2014 by Showthyme

[J-Man]

I learned to make bagna cauda with half butter and half olive oil. And although I hate fish, the anchovies really make it work. It's good with vegetables.

[SusannahTaylor3]

Tyler and Guy trot out their kids on a regular basis.

Haven't seen Tyler's kids but I have seen Guy's sons multiple times especially the oldest Hunter, and Giada's little girl Jade. I've never seen Alton's or Bobby's.

[biakbiak]

Bobby's daughter has been on his show at least a few times because I hardly ever watch him and have seen her on more than once.

I actually liked that Nicole used clams as a twist on the shrimp dish, not to mention that she did say you could easily use shrimp (fresh or frozen). Also, I don't think she should have to mention having a non-seafood option. Much like when Michelle a few seasons ago wanted to do a fish/seafood show I don't see why having one show devoted to that concept is a bad idea. A lot of people don't cook fish because they are uncomfortable with it and not every show needs to appeal to everyone.

Edited August 4, 2014 by biakbiak

[Alapaki]

It may be that the reason Sarah didn't mention being a mother is that it wasn't particularly relevant to either her "Date Night" or "Texas" POVs.  (although I could see using it as a way to be relatable to parents who find it challenging to schedule 'date nights').

 

IIRC, during the "market your own product" challenge, when Sarah decided to make "gourmet baby food", she sort of casually mentioned to Giada during the prep-stage that she was a mother.

 

Giada them hammered her at Judging for not mentioning it during her spot.

 

Now, I agree that mentioning it would've enhanced the presentation in that it might have conveyed more credibility/authority about the product ("I give it to my kids and they love it!", yadayada).  But not mentioning it didn't actively hurt the presentation.  

 

Of course, Tusch and Suze are notorious for latching onto one, narrow aspect of a contestant and screwing contestants over it.  "YOU FORGOT TO MENTION YOUR GOITER!!!!!!"

 

As far as Luca's POV, I really thought when Robert Irvine asked him about the plot for his pilot, he was going to say "I'm going to stand here, talk in a very heavy Italian accent, and look good."  Then you'll give me a show, no?

[smiley13]

Thinking back on last night, it did not bother me at all that Nicole had a sip of beer while she was cooking, or that she had a beer when her friends got there to eat.  I would have rather seen the dish prepared with shrimp than clams, but it was nice to see the basics of the preparation and know that there could have been shrimp in it.  And yes, she did have to list the ingredients in her Cajun seasoning.  If she had used a pre-mixed seasoning, she would have been bashed for using a spice packet.

 

I did not pay a lot of attention to Lenny.  I would never eat that steak because I can't stand coffee.  

 

The sauce Luca made looked good to me because I like anchovies.

[leighdear]

"FLUFFY BEANS!"

It was worth all the hours of frustration & teeth-gnashing just to hear that. 

 

I learned to make bagna cauda with half butter and half olive oil. And although I hate fish, the anchovies really make it work. It's good with vegetables.

My recipe uses 2 cups of heavy cream, and you cook the garlic cloves in it until it's reduced to 1 cup.  Then you add the anchovies that have been slowly cooked in butter & olive oil, and blend til smooth.  It is BEYOND sublime.

Edited August 4, 2014 by leighdear

[SusannahTaylor3]

Bobby's daughter has been on his show at least a few times because I hardly ever watch him and have seen her on more than once.

I actually liked that Nicole used clams as a twist on the shrimp dish, not to mention that she did say you could easily use shrimp (fresh or frozen). Also, I don't think she should have to mention having a non-seafood option. Much like when Michelle a few seasons ago wanted to do a fish/seafood show I don't see why having one show devoted to that concept is a bad idea. A lot of people don't cook fish because they are uncomfortable with it and not every show needs to appeal to everyone.

I didn't mean that Bobby never shows his daughter, just that I have never seen her.

[Calamity Jane]

Ari333, thank you for reminding me of "debauchery."  I rewound to double-check that that was actually what he said.  I'm certain he meant debacle, but in the context of his online hijinks, how perfect that he made that error.  

[Totale]

Thinking back on last night, it did not bother me at all that Nicole had a sip of beer while she was cooking, or that she had a beer when her friends got there to eat.  I would have rather seen the dish prepared with shrimp than clams, but it was nice to see the basics of the preparation and know that there could have been shrimp in it.  And yes, she did have to list the ingredients in her Cajun seasoning.  If she had used a pre-mixed seasoning, she would have been bashed for using a spice packet.

 

She should have just added Creole seasoning and said "And two tablespoons of Creole seasoning. There are a million recipes for Creole seasoning, which are all slight variations on the same ingredients - you can buy it premade or you can make your own.  My favorite is Emeril's version and you can find his recipe on foodnetwork.com."

[SusannahTaylor3]

Thinking back on last night, it did not bother me at all that Nicole had a sip of beer while she was cooking, or that she had a beer when her friends got there to eat.  I would have rather seen the dish prepared with shrimp than clams, but it was nice to see the basics of the preparation and know that there could have been shrimp in it.  And yes, she did have to list the ingredients in her Cajun seasoning.  If she had used a pre-mixed seasoning, she would have been bashed for using a spice packet.

 

I did not pay a lot of attention to Lenny.  I would never eat that steak because I can't stand coffee.  

 

The sauce Luca made looked good to me because I like anchovies.

I think its sad it is that she can't relax unless she has a brewski. You saw her when she was filming her demo. Once she took a few sips of her drink she loosened up and started to act less uptight. She was even spilling ingredients all over the place and joking about it,Even Robert noticed it by laughing. If she has to get toasted in order to be in front of a camera, maybe this isn't the job for her. She looks unhappy when she is cooking. Robert even asked her if she was having fun before she had the beer.

Luca and Lenny at least seem into it and are happy doing what they do. I have no doubt that Nicole can cook, and cook well. We've heard the judges mention over and over that she is a good cook. This venue may not be the best career choice for her. I think she needs more polishing and experience bring in front of a camera before she has a show. She is young and FN has a way of bringing past contestants back in other circumstances. There's also The Cooking Channel. Kelsey got her experience there and does a great job when I watch the show. She's very polished and relaxed.

[RealityGal]

On a slightly unrelated note:  one of the reasons I adore this thread is because everyone talks about all the delicious food they make.  It's like daily food porn, and if any of you own a restaurant or even a food truck in Southern California, please let me know because I will be there to eat your food.

[smiley13]

According to a bio I read on Nicole, she has already hosted two local cooking shows, so she did not seem uptight to me, a little nervous yes, but who wouldn't be in that situation.  

 

And a couple of sips of a beer is not going to make anyone's behavior change IMO.  I think she just had to get her nerves in check.

[Aethera]

I didn't love her either but perhaps she wanted to be known for something other than being a mom.  They always seem to make certain female contestants feel like they have to talk about their kids, but never the guys.  Maybe she just didn't want to be pigeonholed into that role on TV.  I couldn't blame her for that, although I think they just kept her around to give the female audience someone to hate.  It worked!

 

I'm not saying she has to use it.  But every time they brought it up she was all "oh damn how could I forget my kids! I should have used them".  She could have said "I don't want to make this about my kids" but she agreed whenever they brought it up.  I think since Texas and Date Night were so unsuccessful, they were trying to find her something else.  But nothing worked because she just…sucked.

[SusannahTaylor3]

According to a bio I read on Nicole, she has already hosted two local cooking shows, so she did not seem uptight to me, a little nervous yes, but who wouldn't be in that situation.

And a couple of sips of a beer is not going to make anyone's behavior change IMO. I think she just had to get her nerves in check.

You really don't know how many sips or even beers she had. It may have been edited to show a few sips but her behavior all of a sudden changed enough to make Robert Irvine laugh about it. She comes across to many as being uptight. She is even asked if she is having fun because she is so serious. Even if she has hosted 2 local cooking shows it was probably after this was over and it's in her hometown. Of course she would be at ease. She just looked very tense and on pins and needles to me.

Edited because Siri thinks she knows what I mean to say better than I do.

Edited August 5, 2014 by SusannahTaylor3

[SusannahTaylor3]

I'm not saying she has to use it.  But every time they brought it up she was all "oh damn how could I forget my kids! I should have used them".  She could have said "I don't want to make this about my kids" but she agreed whenever they brought it up.  I think since Texas and Date Night were so unsuccessful, they were trying to find her something else.  But nothing worked because she just…sucked.

Sarah was basically there for the snark factor and when they could no longer use her she was gone. She made it through the whole contest really because now it's just the finale and everyone is there. I think I heard somewhere on one if the threads here that Alton said she was still there because the producers loved her comments and TH interviews.

She would have done whatever Susie and Bob asked her to do yesterday, but it was clear they didn't want her. She never satisfied any of their demands fully because when they said more Texas and she gave it to them they wanted something else. It was clear that she was never really in the running to win.

[howmanywords]

how many Food Network stars make their kids a key part of their on-screen image, anyway

 

They aren't a key part of his frat boy image but Guy is always trotting his kids out.  Not only are his kids often on Guys Big Bite but he's had his son Hunter tag along with him on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  Giada has featured her daughter a lot, Jeff Mauro pretty much has his kid Lorenzo in the kitchen every week on Sandwich King.  Aaron McCargo always featured his kids but considering his show was Big Daddy's House it made sense. 

 

All that said I thought using that against Sarah was stupid.  I think they wanted any excuse to get rid of her so they had to ding her for something. I doubt bringing up the fact that she's a mom would have made her pilot any better.

[RealityGal]

Oh my goodness, I'm dying at Lenny losing his accent!  I guess its hard to keep up that "rootin tootin" accent when you get flustered eh?  How did no one question him on that? And yes those are the same jeans he ripped!  How did he bring 17 belt buckles, 30 neckerchiefs and only one pair of jeans to this thing?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Just an interesting note:

 

Luca's 30 second presentation:

Giada's smile = 10

Suzie's smile = 9.5

Bob's smile = 7

 

Lenny's 30 second presentation:

Giada's smile = 6.5 - 7

Suzie's smile = 0

Bob's smile = 5

Edited August 5, 2014 by RealityGal

[SusannahTaylor3]

Oh my goodness, I'm dying at Lenny losing his accent!

I don't think that Sarah was even in the running. She was not horrible so she stayed in the game, but when it came to doing a demo that was it. She was there for the TH interviews and her snarky comments.

[smiley13]

 

how many Food Network stars make their kids a key part of their on-screen image, anyway?

Ree Drummond, The current ratings champ on FN features her kids all of the time.

 

I like when show hosts feature their families, but that really was not Sarah's focus.  I am not sure why Susie brought it up.

[GaT]

I actually liked that Nicole used clams as a twist on the shrimp dish, not to mention that she did say you could easily use shrimp (fresh or frozen). Also, I don't think she should have to mention having a non-seafood option. Much like when Michelle a few seasons ago wanted to do a fish/seafood show I don't see why having one show devoted to that concept is a bad idea. A lot of people don't cook fish because they are uncomfortable with it and not every show needs to appeal to everyone.

Except that doing a seafood show is exactly what Nicole didn't want to do. I can't remember which episode it was, but I think it was one of the early ones, she was talking about how Coastal Cuisine wasn't just seafood & she didn't want to only cook fish. They basically talked her out of her global coastal cuisine POV, & now she's a seafood cook.

[biakbiak]

Except that doing a seafood show is exactly what Nicole didn't want to do. I can't remember which episode it was, but I think it was one of the early ones, she was talking about how Coastal Cuisine wasn't just seafood & she didn't want to only cook fish. They basically talked her out of her global coastal cuisine POV, & now she's a seafood cook.

Really? Do you remember the episode because I have no recollection of that and she begins nearly every one of her presentations talking about how she was born into a family of fisherman. I am surprised that she didn't manage to work that line into her two segments about ice cream.

[caira]

Ok, I signed up here just to say how glad I am that Sarah was eliminated. But as much as I hated her, that was a stupid thing to eliminate her for. Not talking about her kids? What does that have to do with her Texas POV? Oh well, at least she's gone.

 

Unfortunately, after watching this episode I don't particularly care about any of the final three. I like seafood but Nicole bored me and is forgettable. The only reason I even remember her name right now is because there's only three people left. I have to really pay attention to what Luca's saying to understand him. He's attractive though and his accent is cute. But Italian food has been done to death. Lenny just annoys me. I can't see myself watching any of these people. 

[SusannahTaylor3]

Except that doing a seafood show is exactly what Nicole didn't want to do. I can't remember which episode it was, but I think it was one of the early ones, she was talking about how Coastal Cuisine wasn't just seafood & she didn't want to only cook fish. They basically talked her out of her global coastal cuisine POV, & now she's a seafood cook.

Last night Susie and Bob didn't feel she had enough knowledge about global foods to do a global cuisine show and Nicole actually slipped up when pitching her idea and said she didn't have any experience with global so suggested that she change it to coastal seafood in the US. It really doesn't matter what kind of show the winner wants. It's whatever the producers want her to do. Either they go with it or they suffer the same fate Justin did. Nicole's not stupid so she complied if it will help her win.

I also probably won't watch any of them because none of them really interest me. Italian is boring and overdone even if we get the grandma stories with each meal, I don't like seafood so that's out, and Lenny's concept doesn't thrill me so strike 3 for me. I do wish whoever wins luck and more longevity than some of the previous winners. I still think that this show had run its course or they need to find more interesting contestants. The whole group this season bored me and it's been that way for the past few years..... Yet I still watch. I know, insanity.

Edited August 5, 2014 by SusannahTaylor3

[RealityGal]

Ok, I signed up here just to say how glad I am that Sarah was eliminated. But as much as I hated her, that was a stupid thing to eliminate her for. Not talking about her kids? What does that have to do with her Texas POV? Oh well, at least she's gone.

 

Unfortunately, after watching this episode I don't particularly care about any of the final three. I like seafood but Nicole bored me and is forgettable. The only reason I even remember her name right now is because there's only three people left. I have to really pay attention to what Luca's saying to understand him. He's attractive though and his accent is cute. But Italian food has been done to death. Lenny just annoys me. I can't see myself watching any of these people. 

 

I just find myself confused about Lenny's concept.  If I want country food, wouldn't I just go to a steakhouse that specializes in that sort of thing?  It seems presumptuous to assume that every fine dining establishment wants to be "countrified" by a guy wearing a neckerchief.  Nicole's could be good, but I think it should be more broad, I think she should just talk about fish and seafood.  Maybe making certain dishes healthier by incorporating fish, or even how to use frozen seafood for some of her dishes.  FN is not a huge network, so whatever show they choose has to appeal to a wide audience, and a lot of the audience won't have access to super fresh fish/seafood.  For someone like me, I'm a total beginner so tips on how to prepare fish/seafood would be great for me.  For example, with shrimp, I have no idea what the difference is in what you choose frozen, and I also didn't realize that devined shrimp still had shrimp poop on it!  Gross!  I stopped eating shrimp altogether after that for a while.

 

I too, think Luca is cute so he has my vote.

[Aquarius]

I am curious. What would be "the motherly reaction" when someone points out that you have children after you make a sales pitch that has nothing whatsoever to do with motherhood? Like, I'm trying to sell, whatever, a show about making bayberry Christmas wreaths, and someone says "You never even mentioned that you have children!"

Was Sarah expected to whip out photos of the precious tots or something? Growl like a mama bear? Get righteously indignant that someone should suggest that her children were not always every second first and foremost on her mind?

If she has other ideas beyond motherhood, does that make her children mere props?

Edited August 5, 2014 by Aquarius

[SusannahTaylor3]

I just find myself confused about Lenny's concept.  If I want country food, wouldn't I just go to a steakhouse that specializes in that sort of thing?  It seems presumptuous to assume that every fine dining establishment wants to be "countrified" by a guy wearing a neckerchief.  Nicole's could be good, but I think it should be more broad, I think she should just talk about fish and seafood.  Maybe making certain dishes healthier by incorporating fish, or even how to use frozen seafood for some of her dishes.  FN is not a huge network, so whatever show they choose has to appeal to a wide audience, and a lot of the audience won't have access to super fresh fish/seafood.  For someone like me, I'm a total beginner so tips on how to prepare fish/seafood would be great for me.  For example, with shrimp, I have no idea what the difference is in what you choose frozen, and I also didn't realize that devined shrimp still had shrimp poop on it!  Gross!  I stopped eating shrimp altogether after that for a while.

 

I too, think Luca is cute so he has my vote.

None of their concepts excite me in the least. Luca's the least. I must be strange but I just don't think Luca is cute at all. I am wondering if/how the producers will tweak the winners concept. I will have to rely on posters who will watch the winner's show.

[SusannahTaylor3]

I am curious. What would be "the motherly reaction" when someone points out that you have children after you make a sales pitch that has nothing whatsoever to do with motherhood? Like, I'm trying to sell, whatever, a show about making bayberry Christmas wreaths, and someone says "You never even mentioned that you have children!"

Was Sarah expected to whip out photos of the precious tots or something? Growl like a mama bear? Get righteously indignant that someone should suggest that her children were not always every second first and foremost on her mind?

If she has other ideas beyond motherhood, does that make her children mere props?

I think its as simple as they needed to narrow it down to 3 and Sarah didn't have a POV that she could actually stay true to. First it was Texas, then baby food/mom, then back to Texas. Nothing stuck for her. The other three had more solid POVs. Nicole's was tweaked to leave out global and just make it coastal seafood. Lenny and Luca's needed no tweaking.

[buttersister]

"My Two Nonnas?" Maybe Luca will describe a grandma recipe and then update it. Makes more sense to me than visiting Italian restaurants, flirting with owners and then coming back to cook something--inspired by the restaurant meal? Containing an ingredient of the restaurant meal? I like what he did and I couldn't quite follow where it came from (besides the slug pasta).

[NikSac]

I officially don't care who wins at this point.

 

If forced to choose, I'd pick Nicole. And I don't even eat seafood.

 

lol I'm with you. I pick Nicole and I'm severely allergic to shellfish. I'd probably never cook most of what she makes, but I could see watching her. The rest of them who are left annoy the heck out of me.

[Lillybee]

If Lenny does win, he can become the new Guy. His personna is not that much more over the top than Guy's is. If he wins, I will probably watch just for the LOLZ.

[mlp]

 

Makes more sense to me than visiting Italian restaurants, flirting with owners and then coming back to cook something--inspired by the restaurant meal? Containing an ingredient of the restaurant meal?

 

That's pretty much what Jeff Mauro does on Sandwich King.  He visits places in Chicago and then uses their special dishes as inspiration for his sandwiches.  I think it works for Jeff because 1) he's a Chicago native and his enthusiasm for the places he goes is real and 2) he's not pretending to improve on or outdo the original dishes.  He's making sandwiches.  The people he visits seem happy to have him visit in exchange for the publicity.  I'm not so sure a POV that implied that the original dish could be improved would go over as well.

[cooksdelight]

QUOTE

Except that doing a seafood show is exactly what Nicole didn't want to do. I can't remember which episode it was, but I think it was one of the early ones, she was talking about how Coastal Cuisine wasn't just seafood & she didn't want to only cook fish. They basically talked her out of her global coastal cuisine POV, & now she's a seafood cook.

Really? Do you remember the episode because I have no recollection of that and she begins nearly every one of her presentations talking about how she was born into a family of fisherman. I am surprised that she didn't manage to work that line into her two segments about ice cream.

I think it was the episode where she was stuck with pork, when they were cooking at Knott's Berry Farm. She had no choice but to come up with some reason why her pork dish was spectacular. And, if I remember correctly, Bobby really liked it.

[howmanywords]

I remember an interview with Alton Brown during season 7 where he said he had Jeff pegged as the winner the 1st week of the competition. Because not only did he have the right personality and was ready for TV, but because he knew what he wanted to do, was't being a phony about it, and was enthusiastic about what his concept was. IIRC he said too often they're so desperate to be liked they get lost in that. I think that's probably why he was one of the few who the network didn't go and make change his concept.  I feel like that's my issue with this crop, either I'm not getting any genuine enthusiasm about what they want to do or I don't quite understand exactly what the concept is.

[bluepiano]

Behind Sara's down homeTexas gal act I always sensed an air of entitlement. Like she grew up hearing she was just the most adorable little thing and she still believes it. So it was great seeing her face crumble when she was eliminated. I bet she thought she had it in the bag.

 

I know she's not the only one who does it, but I hate when women say "I'm a Mom." No, you're a mother. "Mom" is what your kids call you. Would we not understand how special you are if you just said "I'm a mother." Like a grown-up.

 

I'm on the "anybody but Lenny" train. I have not seen those offensive videos, but he's always creeped me out. (And yes, I did get a weird vibe from his reaction to meeting Robert Irvine. I thought he was going to start fanning himself). I can not imagine ever tuning into a show of his, because that "pilot" was about 5 minutes and I was already worn out by his corny shtick (including the gun shot sound effects when he threw the salt a la Emeril) and the endless self-promotion. I think he's deluded enough to believe he could be another Guy Fieri, with multiple FN shows, his own food line etc. On his show the cooking would always be secondary to promoting the Cowboy Lenny brand. 

 

Fart jokes? "Cook you up some vittles." Really???

 

It also wasn't even clear from the pilot would the format of the show would be. Would he be cooking in a different restaurant every episode? And on the BFN (Bobby Flay Network) do we really need someone else showing us how to cook a steak? (Which is also why I think they finally dumped Sarah. She mentioned "Tex Mex" in her promo, but all she ever showed was that she could grill meat).

 

I would be okay with either Luca or Nicole. I'm not a big seafood person, but it's something a little different, I thought she easily did the best of the three at actually showing how to cook something. And if women like looking at Luca, I will be a shallow male and say that I like looking at Nicole

 

If Lenny does win, next season there will probably be some jerk in a pirate suit going "argh matey, my name is Pirate Pete and I'm here to show you how to cook like a real buccaneer."

Edited August 5, 2014 by bluepiano

[RealityGal]

You know, I would think they could play around with the show concept if they needed to.  In fact, they were playing around with Nicole's on the spot...with Suzie giving her the side eye about not knowing anything about global coastal cuisine.  I think Nicole's concept, if tinkered with, might be interesting.  I don't know a lot about cooking fish, or which fish to use for certain things.  I pretty much just go for tilapia or shrimp, but there are so many fish that have different textures/flavors and it would be super cool to understand that.  Especially if she could focus on how to cook the seafood and some of the techniques, but thats just coming from me, because I refuse to eat shrimp until I know how to effectively get rid of all the shrimp poop, which is all I can think about now when I look at shrimp.

 

Luca's could also be interesting, because it could be part introduction to certain Italian restaurants that are awesome, and part cooking, especially with grandma's tips.  I know I was excited last season to see a donut stand that used fresh strawberries close to my area (I haven't been there yet, but its only because I haven't had time to stop) and I'm interested in Italian food that isn't the typical Italian food.  When I go to an Italian place, I generally stick with what I know because I don't want to get burned, but if I knew a little better what other, less popular dishes were like I might feel a little more adventurous.  I think generally Italian cooking that most Americans are familiar with comes from one region, and doesn't have a ton of variety. And then I guess he shows you how to make a dish that reminds him of the dish he just ate in the restaurant, and hopefully its one thats a little easier.  Although I was unclear as to whether or not he was going to make a dish that reminded him of the dish he ate in the restaurant, or a dish to complement the one he just ate.  The first makes sense, the second does not, IMO.  But yeah, I think it would be cool if he featured a cool Italian place and a less popular, but delicious dish and then made a similar but easier dish at home.

Behind Sara's down homeTexas gal act I always sensed an air of entitlement. Like she grew up hearing from that she was just the most adorable little thing on the planet and she still believes it. So it was great seeing her face crumble when she was eliminated. She was so sure she had it in the bag. And I know she's not the only one who does it, but when women say "I'm a mom" it bugs me. No, you're a "mother." Mom is what your kids call you. Would we not get how special and wonderful you think you are if you said "I'm a mother." Like a grown-up.

 

I'm on the "anybody but Lenny" bandwagon. I have not seen those offensive videos, but he's always creeped me out. (And yes, I also got a weird vibe from his response to seeing Robert Irvine.) I can not imagine ever tuning into a show of his, because that "pilot" was about 5 minutes and I was already worn out by his corny shtick (including the gun shot sound effects when he threw the salt a la Emeril) and the endless self-promotion. I think he's deluded enough to believe he could be another Guy Fieri, with multiple shows, his own food line etc. The food is secondary to his promoting the Cowboy Lenny brand. "Vittles." Fart jokes? Really???

 

I would be okay with either Luca or Emma. I'm not a big seafood person, but it's something a little different, I thought she easily did the best of the three at actually showing how to cook something. And if women like looking at Luca, I will be a shallow male and say that I like looking at Emma.

 

Well if Cowboy Lenny does win, what will get on Food Network Star next year? A jerk in a pirate suit going "argh matey, my name is Pirate Pete and I'm here to show you how to cook you up some real pirate grub."

 

I like the idea of pirate pete!  But if he is going to be a real pirate, a la Lenny as a real cowboy, he is definately going to need a peg leg, a shoulder bird and an eyepatch.....preferably in multiple colors.

 

Hey, its a TV show, I certainly don't mind shallow.  Nicole is a pretty girl!

 

Having considered the corn video and his crazy eyes, I think its a matter of time before Lenny tries to have sex some food on camera.  And boy, food network would be regretting having him around.  The fart jokes were awful, who does that?  why would you ever mention farting on a show about food?

 

Sarah was the worst, especially when her face would squish up and you could see the double chins coming out.  My first smile of the day was the one I had watching Sarah get the boot.

[cooksdelight]

with Suzie giving her the side eye about not knowing anything about global coastal cuisine.

I am fairly certain Suzie and Bob watch all the footage even if they are not present. I think Nicole's biggest problem was lying about the prosciutto, and hence Suzie's telling her she doesn't know what she's saying she knows. That, and Nicole saying she's not traveled much. That was the biggest foot-in-mouth moment of this episode, for me. I have gotten jobs when I was young by never admitting I didn't know how to do something...then working hard the weekend before I start the job to teach myself what I needed to know.

That's what has frustrated me about this season more than others in the past... these contestants didn't do their homework, didn't practice their presentations, and had no real clue about how to own a point of view.

[Uncle Benzene]

That, and Nicole saying she's not traveled much. That was the biggest foot-in-mouth moment of this episode, for me. I have gotten jobs when I was young by never admitting I didn't know how to do something...then working hard the weekend before I start the job to teach myself what I needed to know.

 

Fake it 'til you make it! Words to live by.

 

I was trying to coach her through my tee vee screen. "Just say that your love for Jersey 'Coastal Cuisine' inspired you to investigate dishes from other coastal regions, and although you haven't (yet) had the opportunity to travel to those places in person, you taught yourself through trial and error and lots of practice to properly prepare those dishes, and that's where your expertise comes from. After all, it's not like everybody on FN has personally visited every single place a dish they've prepared comes from." I mean, sheesh, "selling it" really isn't (or shouldn't be) that difficult.

[Aethera]

I am curious. What would be "the motherly reaction" when someone points out that you have children after you make a sales pitch that has nothing whatsoever to do with motherhood? Like, I'm trying to sell, whatever, a show about making bayberry Christmas wreaths, and someone says "You never even mentioned that you have children!"

Was Sarah expected to whip out photos of the precious tots or something? Growl like a mama bear? Get righteously indignant that someone should suggest that her children were not always every second first and foremost on her mind?

If she has other ideas beyond motherhood, does that make her children mere props?

 

I think you misunderstood me.  I don't think the kids need to be in the show, or have anything to do with her concept.  I think it's ridiculous that she got hit over and over about her kids, when her POV had nothing to do with kids.  I think the FN people are in the wrong on that, and it wasn't fair. If I didn't think Sarah was a ridiculously stupid waste of air, I'd be rooting for her to win despite them trying to sabotage her.

 

My point is that when the kids WERE brought up, we got the stupid Sarah look and the "oh man they're right" line multiple times.  You feel that's motherly?  To go "oh man, I should be using them as props", which is how it came off to me?  It honestly looked each time like she'd forgotten she had them, and that she was totally on-board with the mentors' idea of mentioning them more.  I had expected either indignation at their pigeonholing, or thoughtful consideration about the idea and perhaps including it if she WANTED to, or an actual response to the mentors like "I have thought about it but I don't want my show to be about my kids, I like my Texas POV", or "yeah my kids don't want anything to do with my showbiz career" or at least a story about her kids to camera or SOMETHING that felt genuine.  There were a lot of things that would have felt more genuine and like she cared about them, but instead it felt like she was saying "duh, I should have used my kids" both of the times they got brought up, like they ARE props, and that she didn't have any thoughts for them beyond that.

 

And that might be editing, but all we can respond to is what we see.

[Intuition]

I feel like that's my issue with this crop, either I'm not getting any genuine enthusiasm about what they want to do or I don't quite understand exactly what the concept is.

 

I agree - I think the reason Nicole doesn't have enough genuine enthusiasm (especially in her pilot) is that the POV they have fit her into isn't what she went into this wanting to do (I think it might have been the kiss of death, "healthy" cuisine).  Plus it isn't really appealing enough to make her win and she probably suspects that.  She just looks like she is trying to please the judges, not be true to herself.  Jeff Mauro's POV was clear and it was also GOOD.  Then again, he didn't need to be coached into that POV, it was his and he owned it from day one.

 

WTH is "Cowboy Cuisine"?  I think that one's a little weak but they don't care because they're banking on Lenny's "star power" and over the top personality to carry him through, plus his POV is consistent with the cowboy persona.  What bugs me about this show is that the finalists always seem to be the ones with the most "star power" with the POV taking a back seat to that.  But I think the POV is just as important, and if the contestants need to be coached into something that the viewers will find more interesting, it's as bad as no star power, especially if it makes them act less committed and more disengaged. 

 

And how many more country cooks does FN need?  Aren't we already overloaded with Italian?  Luca is cute but I think he gets boring after a while.  I thought his pilot was good but I felt ho-hum afterward.  I hate to say that because I like the guy.  Seafood would be a great angle if Nicole seemed more engaged and committed to it.  I suspect her real POV going into this was probably more the "healthy" angle (given what I have seen her post on her FB page) and as we all know, this is the kiss of death on FNS, so this "coastal" thing was an invention of the producers after finding out some of her family were fishermen.

[Alapaki]

My point is that when the kids WERE brought up, we got the stupid Sarah look and the "oh man they're right" line multiple times.  You feel that's motherly?  To go "oh man, I should be using them as props", which is how it came off to me?  It honestly looked each time like she'd forgotten she had them, and that she was totally on-board with the mentors' idea of mentioning them more.  I had expected either indignation at their pigeonholing, or thoughtful consideration about the idea and perhaps including it if she WANTED to, or an actual response to the mentors like "I have thought about it but I don't want my show to be about my kids, I like my Texas POV", or "yeah my kids don't want anything to do with my showbiz career" or at least a story about her kids to camera or SOMETHING that felt genuine.  There were a lot of things that would have felt more genuine and like she cared about them, but instead it felt like she was saying "duh, I should have used my kids" both of the times they got brought up, like they ARE props, and that she didn't have any thoughts for them beyond that.

 

 

I see what you're saying.  But I don't think Sara's response indicated that she thinks of her kid as props.  I think it was simply a matter of her never ever ever wanting to say anything contrary to what TPTB suggest.  Maybe that makes her a syncophant.  Maybe that makes her 100% insecure and unmoored to her "POV".  But I think those are more likely explanations than anything to do with how she views her kids.

 

And, ultimately, I learned a loooong time ago that if you're looking for authenticity and genuineness from FNS, you're in the wrong place.  He doesn't work here anymore.  

[tomorrowgirl]

When this season started, I assumed that there would be a person in the final three that I would want to vote for.  I assumed wrongly. 

[JTMacc99]

The show worked very hard this year to make the contestants look foolish.

 

I generally assume that a majority of the people they roll through this show are, in fact, reality show clowns and would look foolish regardless of the challenges. But I also assume that there are a few who genuinely love to cook and teach and really want to do it for a living on TV.

 

But this year, with the Youtube and the create and package your own product, but pretend you are on the Eiffel Tower when you do it, and so on...

[Surrealist]

The best thing about this episode was Lenny giving the recipe for his steak rub. I like coffee. I like steak. Occasionally, I don't even mind salt and sugar.  ;-)