S13.E06: Summer Party Playoffs

[Whimsy]

It's halfway through the competition, so it's time for midterms! Each of the remaining seven finalists must make their best potato dish and overcome the one thing in the competition that has been holding them back. Then it's time to celebrate summer with Tiffani Thiessen, who helps Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay judge the finalists' efforts as they each host a summer social gathering for a crowd of people in a park.

[smiley13]

Didn't see that one coming.  Who would have thought that Addie would go before Amy?  They liked both of their dishes and neither one did a very good job presenting.  Amy stood there like a knot on a log and they had to prompt her to start.

[Blonde Gator]

OMG!  I was watching from my bedroom, as grandson & grampa were watching a movie in the living room.  I came out during a commercial, and Mr. BG asked "What are you laughing so hard over?".

Well...........Corey as a fainting goat, for one.

The big jerk Matthew having a little fit immediately after his demo (sweetened by the fact that he was "I nailed this!!!!!!!!!!!):

And I loved Bobby Flay calling out Jason for all of his little "sayings", so much rubbish unless he backs it up (which he never does, the judges always find fault with his food....and in the end, isn't FN really about the FOOD?).   This episode was one of those beautiful trainwrecks.  So bad it was hilarious! 

Truly, none of these people ever gets it right. 

[susannot]

I would watch a show hosted by the fainting goats.  Srsly, was this the first time the judges were critical of Matthew?  Is this the end of Matthew, soon, I hope?

[smiley13]

It was a good night for Rusty.  Amy's "strategy" of giving him the Garden Party did not work.  Giving Mid-Western Addie the Low Country Boil was a good move though.  

[Thalia]

28 minutes ago, Blonde Gator said:

And I loved Bobby Flay calling out Jason for all of his little "sayings", so much rubbish unless he backs it up (which he never does, the judges always find fault with his food....and in the end, isn't FN really about the FOOD?).  

I admit I was simultaneously watching this episode, reading a book, and playing Free Cell, so I missed a few things, but it did appear to me that unlike a lot of the others, Jason learned (for this week at least) from the judge's criticism and didn't say as much as a "wee doggie!" during his summer picnic.  Instead he talked a lot about Kentucky, and, as far as I could tell, not so much about the food.  But I agree, except on the rare occasions when he's been able to do a sweet of some sort, there is always something wrong with his food.  

[Blonde Gator]

42 minutes ago, susannot said:

I would watch a show hosted by the fainting goats.  Srsly, was this the first time the judges were critical of Matthew?  Is this the end of Matthew, soon, I hope?

One can only hope (cue Jim Morrison & the Doors.....This is the end.........).

He's like a multiple-personality psychopath.  I'm getting to the point where I'm truly enjoying his frustration, though.  Maybe that makes me the psycho, but it is surely entertaining!

[mlp]

I'm wondering more than ever if Matthew is a plant.  He had quite a few back and forth comments with Bobby and Giada after his bacon presentation.  No one else does that.  I don't think it's just a case of they all participate in feedback and we just don't see it because we do see most of them turn and walk out.

I laughed when Giada praised someone's sauce as just wonderful after we saw her put maybe 1/4 teaspoonful in her mouth.  

Jason was folksy on the holiday baking program but he has really amped it up for this show, probably because he knows the judges want a big personality.  I wish he'd tone it down some but he's still my favorite.  

I was a bit surprised they eliminated Addie instead of Amy but I was happy with the decision just because I haven't cared for Addie all along.  I doubt that Amy will make it much farther though.

[LittleIggy]

What the bleep is a "Christmas in July" party? I've heard of that kind of sale but never a party.

[magpye29]

Wow, Giada brought the nasty tonight.  Tiffani said something nice about Matthew, and Giada immediately said something about you never know what you're going to get from him.  Also, I thought she looked rode hard and put away wet, as Jason might say.  

I guess what puzzles me about this show is that they keep talking about people having a story to share with their TV viewers, and they're pushing authenticity, but neither Giada nor Bobby strikes me as particularly authentic--they both seem like they're all about the image.  I feel like Bobby gives better critiques, but Giada can't rein in her inner mean girl.

Just now, LittleIggy said:

What the bleep is a "Christmas in July" party? I've heard of that kind of sale but never a party.

Military families do this a lot--when you can't get your family together at the actual holiday (due to deployments, or one spouse's family lives in one state while the other's lives clear across the country), you have Christmas in July when you actually can all get together.  Check out Hallmark Channel--they're doing their Christmas in July movie marathon right now.

[LittleIggy]

7 minutes ago, magpye29 said:

 

Military families do this a lot--when you can't get your family together at the actual holiday (due to deployments, or one spouse's family lives in one state while the other's lives clear across the country), you have Christmas in July when you actually can all get together.  Check out Hallmark Channel--they're doing their Christmas in July movie marathon right now.

Since I avoid the Hallmark Channel like the plague, I'll take your word for it! ;-)

[Irlandesa]

2 hours ago, Blonde Gator said:

And I loved Bobby Flay calling out Jason for all of his little "sayings", so much rubbish unless he backs it up (which he never does, the judges always find fault with his food....and in the end, isn't FN really about the FOOD?).

Is it?  Is it really?  Maybe once upon a time but now it's about food competitions.  I do think his final dish today would be fine for the network.  The fault they had was that the fish was a little overcooked.  That's about execution and viewers can't taste execution. 

I think this was their "bitch eating crackers" week which they seem to have every season where they decide to come down hard on some to most of the contestants.  For instance, Matthew interrupting is something that has recently spiked but Matthew being too polished and "on" has been pretty much his M.O. from the beginning.  And this is the week where they come down hard on it? 

[pinguina]

I just can't stand that they want a story!!!!   That is just so stupid ~ I've watched Tiffani's show and she doesn't have a story for every single dish.  Sometimes it's just "I love how --- tastes."  And that's it, on to the instructions.  

I can't stand Matthew's smug half smile.  He is just so irritating.  His first presentation was really bad.  He sounded annoyed and at the end it looked as if he wanted to toss the plate at someone.   He was a more toned down and personable at the second presentation - but I still didn't like him.

I thought that Rusty did a really good job on his second presentation, too.  He was calmer but with a dash of a hearty personality - if he stayed that way I think I could watch a show of his.  I really don't enjoy when he is loud and over the top like in his first presentation.

I was surprised by Amy - she even said that she would have to come up with a story to go with her sandwiches - what happened???   Perfect opportunity to make up a story and practice it. Why didn't she do that?

I'm sorry - but when they said that Cory had to be more vulnerable - WHAT???  What did they mean by that?   Why didn't they give an example when they themselves showed vulnerability on their cooking show?  But then in the same breath said that he was more relaxed and open?

I can't stand their continued harping for a story.  It really bothers me that this is an important ability for them.  Plus the ones who get a show, I don't hear them tell stories about anything.  Or if they do they are so inconsequential that I don't even notice.   I love to bake (usually follow recipes that I find interesting/tasty/sweet. not even close to being an expert amateur) but I bake stuff that I like to eat.  And guess what? I don't have a story for anything I bake!  

[spiderpig]

1 hour ago, mlp said:

I laughed when Giada praised someone's sauce as just wonderful after we saw her put maybe 1/4 teaspoonful in her mouth.  

 

I laughed too, especially when they followed up with a shot of Tiffani enthusiastically shoving a spiderpig-sized forkful into her gob.

Agree that Rusty came across much better and showed versatility and a genuine folksiness.  Amy seems to make appealing and flavorful food but chokes on cam.  So does Cory from time to time.  I forgot David was still in it after his delivery.  Nothing wrong with him but not memorable.  I'll have to consult The Google to verify Jason's claims about waterfront and Kentucky.

Addie's been a Debbie Downer, so I was glad she didn't ride Martha's apronstrings into the finale.

Matthew is the itch that won't go away.

[cooksdelight]

I had to check Matthew's FB page to see reactions, and now that I'm finished puking.... I noticed this on his personal page under employment: Corporate Executive Chef - National Accounts at Nestlé Professional, Food Network Personality

If we see Nestle as a sponsor, the fix is in. I've never seen him doing anything for Nestle so this is probably an overblown title for someone who demos at trade shows.

Glad Addie's gone, she reminds me of an uptight nurse Ratchett. Amy can go next, and take Matthew with her.

I will NEVER understand Bobby & Giada's critiques because they constantly contradict themselves.

[Snarklepuss]

Matthew is IMO definitely a plant and he'll be around as long as TPTB think he's providing entertainment.

It was kind of surprising that Addie left before Amy but I have no doubt Amy will soon follow.  Addie seemed like a much older person.  I'm 59 and I felt like she could be older than me based on the way she acted.  She was overly frumpy and controlled.  She said something about how she was raised to be the way she is, whatever that means.  Was she raised in the basement of a Presbyterian church??   All she needed to complete the picture were the crustless pimento cheese sandwiches, LOL.

[TDT]

2 hours ago, spiderpig said:

Addie's been a Debbie Downer, so I was glad she didn't ride Martha's apronstrings into the finale.

Matthew is the itch that won't go away.

Funny,Addie does kind of resemble Rachel Dratch a little..

16 minutes ago, cooksdelight said:

I had to check Matthew's FB page to see reactions, and now that I'm finished puking.... I noticed this on his personal page under employment: Corporate Executive Chef - National Accounts at Nestlé Professional, Food Network Personality

We'll know the fix really is in if he's eliminated next week,goes on Star Salvation and wins,and ends up back on the main show..

[LennieBriscoe]

Kentuckians apparently count every single inlet and cove....

http://www.kentuckytourism.com/explore/regions/southern_lakes.aspx

I don't know; I just got a "We're all done here" vibe off tonight's episode. Lackluster challenges, presentations, and judging. 

Potato, Potahto. Boring even to Matthew. Anyone remember Guy "Fee-yetti" Fieri's Tater Tot Casserole? Good times. 

Here, add some treacly Iced Tea to your outdoorsy concoction. Because.....? 

Tiffani should probably not have a food show. Like I shouldn't work in a potato-chip factory. J/S. 

Edited July 10, 2017 by LennieBriscoe

[cooksdelight]

2 hours ago, TDT said:

We'll know the fix really is in if he's eliminated next week,goes on Star Salvation and wins,and ends up back on the main show..

It worked for Brooke on Top Chef.

[Catronia]

 I get why Addie's gone. She poses as an expert, but when asked to make a potato dish that reflects her, she made the most ordinary and pedestrian smashed potatoes.

Rusty really stepped it up by embracing his garden assignment.

Amy completely froze in her presentation, but those lamb sandwiches looked awesome.

I wish Cory could pull it together a little on presentation, because his food almost always looked great. I spent a lot of time in Cajun country for a while, and I loved gumbo with the side of potato salad. I didn't mix it into the gumbo, but alternated bites.

Matthew -- heh heh I loved how pissed he was at the judges' criticism of his potato presentation. Also, AFAIC mashed potatoes can definitely have too much cream and butter, and don't need cheese at all (unless you like it in your potatoes, but it's not an essential ingredient).

Loved that they called Jason out on his extreme overuse of "homey" Southern expressions.

Edited July 10, 2017 by Catronia

[Amarsir]

9 hours ago, susannot said:

I would watch a show hosted by the fainting goats.  Srsly, was this the first time the judges were critical of Matthew?  Is this the end of Matthew, soon, I hope?

When Cory said that Amy's assignments showed who she thought the competition was - and she agreed - I couldn't help but realize she'd given Matthew a very easy one. There must be some realization even among the contestants that they don't really plan to let him win.

6 hours ago, pinguina said:

I just can't stand that they want a story!!!!   That is just so stupid ~ I've watched Tiffani's show and she doesn't have a story for every single dish.  Sometimes it's just "I love how --- tastes."  And that's it, on to the instructions.  

Well... yes, not strictly tied to every dish. But isn't her show all about stories though? "Some friends are coming over. Here's how I know them, and why I think they'll love the food I've chosen for this occasion."

I do agree that having a personal connection to every dish will get really phony before long - especially when it's an external theme like "low country boil". But I can appreciate that they want a tie-in better than "here's some random food that fits the assignment".

[cooksdelight]

Here's my stories:

Low country boil: First one I attended was with a bunch of crazy LSU alumni and I learned that eating on a big piece of brown paper was fun. Here, pick your crawdad's head off while I butter your corn and taters.

Picnic in the Park: I served these easily portable dishes when my friend and I picnicked at Maymont Park and saw some real live buffalo grazing nearby. Roast beef with horseradish on a crusty roll will make your day! It's not buffalo, you see....

Christmas in July: It may be summer, but it's never a bad time to have ham biscuits, ambrosia salad and my whiskey-drenched fruit cake.

Pool Party: Here, grab a mimosa while I tell you about this watermelon bomb that has been soaked overnight in vodka....

Clambake: You can't have a clambake without Elvis!! Here are some nice steamed clams with my special sauce, roasted corn on the cob, and for dessert you get a slice of fried peanut butter and 'nanner sandwich. Uhuh huh... 

[Westiepeach]

I turned it off after it became one big, huge commercial for Lipton Tea ...

[LennieBriscoe]

'Bye!  I'm on my way to cooksdelight's Clambake! #thangyouthangyouvermuch

Edited July 10, 2017 by LennieBriscoe

[MortysCleaningLady]

Giada was out to get a couple of the contestants.  (Matthew, Addie and Amy)

Matthew, you should have spent your offseason(s) timing and building an algorithm for the amount of chatter Giada and Bobby want to see. 

You know who Addie reminded me of a bit:  Ina Garten.   I don't want stories; I want quality recipes.  And if you are a mini-Martha, I'm even more interested.

If last night is indicative of who the winner will be, Rusty will be our winner.   Now, he brought a garden party, but I was not loving the Guy Fieri attitude.  One is more than enough.

I should have watched Grantchester live instead, but I tape that (and savor it) during the summer tv drought.

[cooksdelight]

1 minute ago, MortysCleaningLady said:

Matthew, you should have spent your offseason(s) timing and building an algorithm for the amount of chatter Giada and Bobby want to see. 

He thinks he's perfect, he doesn't need to change himself. Asking "how many seconds should I spend on XYZ?" And "but I just want to be really good" made me want to smack him and make him cry.

[Blonde Gator]

10 hours ago, Irlandesa said:

Is it?  Is it really?  Maybe once upon a time but now it's about food competitions.  I do think his final dish today would be fine for the network.  The fault they had was that the fish was a little overcooked.  That's about execution and viewers can't taste execution. 

I think this was their "bitch eating crackers" week which they seem to have every season where they decide to come down hard on some to most of the contestants.  For instance, Matthew interrupting is something that has recently spiked but Matthew being too polished and "on" has been pretty much his M.O. from the beginning.  And this is the week where they come down hard on it? 

Jason's "Eye-talian" succotash dish last week was overcooked.  This week, he added (Giada's) riiiiicooootahhh cheese, which was one ingredient too many, per Flay.  Jason's big problem is he doesn't have an edit function, either on himself and his folksy schtick, nor on his cooking.  IIRC, last week he said "just throw it in the pan and let it go".  Maybe that's just a southern thing (think gray green beans), but over-cooked veggies are not attractive.

Now, I've noticed no one mentioned Giada's little blue & beige star dress.  At first I thought it was a cute summer frock, until I realized all of the area between the stars (in beige) were cut-outs.  And she had big cut-outs under her girls, too.  They should rename this show Next Food Network Porn Star.  After joining this site, I now compulsively watch Giada tasting (or not) the food.  Or watch her chase the food around her plate.  You all crack me up....this is the way to watch FN!

[cooksdelight]

Giada is the only person I've ever seen balance four crumbs -- one on each tine -- of a fork on national TV. Then scrape that fork against her 97 teeth.

[Blonde Gator]

6 minutes ago, cooksdelight said:

Giada is the only person I've ever seen balance four crumbs -- one on each tine -- of a fork on national TV. Then scrape that fork against her 97 teeth.

88.  (As in a piano)!  I think I told you that a relative had a rude name for my dad and his new wife.  "88 and his brother", because the step used to dress the same, i.e. red t-shirt and white shorts.  GACK!  That phrase still makes me laugh.

[goldenpuppy]

OMG! These pots are cracking me up today!  It makes the show bearable!   

Giada seems to have major food issues!  She is supposed to be dipping a potato in sauce, but instead she takes her little spoon and eats a tiny drop of the sauce!  

Jason- I didn't mind him on the baking championship, but I can not stand his stupid sayings,!     And hearing words like"eyetalian",  and "juuuulie",  and other strange words, will get annoying and old fast.  I am glad the finally called him out on his folksy little saying. It gets to be too too much.  I don't think I could stomach much of his annoying Forrest Gump voice, and sayings.

Rusty actually was tolerable, and showed some ability to be  creative and flexible.  I just wish we could get a way from having another Guy Fierri on the network, but he  annoyed me the least of anyone.

Matthew is just arrogant.  I am sure he is only there for entertainment, but he's so annoying!

Addie-So robotic and boring, but I didn't think she was the worst.

Amy - She is wearing thing. She always seems crabby and annoyed, and she did a horrible job on her presentation. I think they might just be keeping her because they find her life so interesting, which I do not get at all.

Cory - Very good cook, but so so full of himself.  I think he could be a good addition to the FN in spite of his arrogance. I think they need to stop going for the "personalities",and get someone poised who can cook.

[TomCorps]

I'm surprised they let Adderall Addie go before Amy.  Addie may have been more low-boil than low-country boil, but at least she had something to say.  What drives me nuts about Amy is that when she's out of ideas, rather than simply smiling or just being still for God's sake, she stares at the judges and does this strange sort of undulation in their general direction, as if she were trying to secretly signal them that she has to pee.  I find this infinitely more cringeworthy than anything Addie did.  

How bad is it that I find myself waiting each week for Matthew the Doucheberry to step up to the plate?  If he's there for entertainment's sake only, maybe that's a good thing, because everyone else this season is so dreadfully dull.  Even Cory, who seemed to me a shoe-in from the start, has become more boring than anything else.  And really, potato salad mixed into a gumbo?  How would you even know it's there, as potato salad, per se?  Or is potato salad just cubed, boiled potatoes now?  Because I always thought "potato salad" would be either mayo- or vinegar-based, and would have things like bits of bacon or tomato or celery or whatever.  In any event, it's not Cory's food that makes him unlikable to me so much as his supreme vanity.  

Then there's Rusty: "BAM!"....get him off my TV screen.  He's multiple cliches wrapped up into one, an even-less-likable Guy Fieri.

David seems like a decent enough guy, but I keep forgetting he's even there.  Like, he steps up to present, and I say, "Oh yeah....him."  I guess that's not a good thing.

At this point, though his cutesy/folksy thing has become a bit tiresome, Jason is the only one here I could honestly see being both knowledgable about food and comfortable before the camera.

 

Some things I'm wondering.  Why are the contestants universally comfortable and even engaging in those "private cut" moments with the camera, when so many of them suck so fantastically in the camera challenges?  Do they rehearse and re-take those shots until they're professional quality?  I mean, even Addie was animated to a fair degree when she spoke to us alone in front of the camera.  The other thing I'd like to know at this point is, exactly how old was Matthew when he started "working in restaurants from the time he was 'this' big"?  Six?  Seven?  Aren't there child labor laws in Arizona?  Could this explain why he's so maladjusted?  I'm probably just being an idiot here, but I keep feeling like there's this really smart, good kid underneath all the smarm, but he just can't get out of his own way.

[cooksdelight]

1 minute ago, TomCorps said:

How would you even know it's there, as potato salad, per se?

The seasoned potato pieces are deep fried first then put into the gumbo, leaving them somewhat crispy. I think. I'm waiting for Cory to share that particular recipe.

[Maya]

25 minutes ago, TomCorps said:

Some things I'm wondering.  Why are the contestants universally comfortable and even engaging in those "private cut" moments with the camera, when so many of them suck so fantastically in the camera challenges?  Do they rehearse and re-take those shots until they're professional quality?  I mean, even Addie was animated to a fair degree when she spoke to us alone in front of the camera.  

I was coming here to post this exact thought. During their talking heads, they come across as normal, pleasant, animated people (particularly Jason and Corey and even Addie). How come they all turn into complete idiots and caricatures of themselves during their presentations? It's the same thing, a camera in your face. I don't understand the problem.

Also - Both Giada and Bobby seemed miserable and borderline angry during the whole show. 

[MerBearHou]

Quote

9 minutes ago, Maya said:

Also - Both Giada and Bobby seemed miserable and borderline angry during the whole show. 

 

I think they've both read and been told about how much people dislike their flirty behavior together (count me in as hating it).  So now they've dialed down their camaraderie and interactions and Giada's screechy laugh to seem "all business" but Bobby looks dead behind the eyes like a shark and Giada's smile seems even more fake than ever.  Terrible duo IMO.

I will say that from the waist up, I very much liked Giada's yellow dress at judge's table.  Didn't see the full dress so have no idea what the entire thing looked like.

[penbrat]

I like Jason.  He is who he is.  However, I agree with Bobby that he needs to cut down on the sayings and talk more about the food.   I think with some polish Jason could be fun to watch.  I do not think he will win but I hope he makes it to the end to make a pilot.   I also think he would be a good judge on any of the baking shows.

Giada and Bobby both act pissy that they even have to show up and do this show.   They aren't even phoning it in any more, they are not even pretending to be interested or care.   I laugh every time Giada takes a "bite" of food.   I think she just pretends to taste some of it.

[spiderpig]

4 minutes ago, penbrat said:

I like Jason.  He is who he is.  However, I agree with Bobby that he needs to cut down on the sayings and talk more about the food.   I think with some polish Jason could be fun to watch.  I do not think he will win but I hope he makes it to the end to make a pilot.   I also think he would be a good judge on any of the baking shows.

 

I'm tending to agree about Jason.  Remember when Damaris first appeared on FNS and constantly did that annoying shimmy?  I thought she was another dimwit.  Granted, she's not Julia Child, but she has enough culinary insight to make some valid points when she judges.

Which is what the winners of FNS end up doing anyway.

[LizBug]

Ok ... I'm ready for this season to be over.  Can't they get rid of two or three at a time?

[Pallida]

I'm really tired of the "we need to hear about your family" push. I don't think it's exclusively foisted about the women on the show, but it feels like it's more common towards them. Perhaps it's more the "home cooks" receive it over the "professional chefs?" Not everybody grew up in a loving household, and not everybody wants to shove their family members into the spotlight. (This isn't to rage against those who choose to tell family stories, but I find it problematic to demand family stories.) 

As much as I don't like Matthew, I actually appreciated him pushing back on the "how much time do I devote to the story versus the actual process of cooking?" You know what will incentivize me to try a recipe? Seeing how hard it is to prepare and seeing the steps along the way. I don't need to hear about how your grandmother wooed your grandfather over with this great dessert back in the 40s and you've modernized it with some fancy twist - but time's up so you have to look at the website. If a presenter can do both at the same time, that's great! 

Addie seems so repressed and it makes me want to corrupt her. But, I still would prefer her approach over others that feel like used car salesmen.

Maybe I'm not the norm though :) 

[cooksdelight]

2 hours ago, Maya said:

I was coming here to post this exact thought. During their talking heads, they come across as normal, pleasant, animated people (particularly Jason and Corey and even Addie). How come they all turn into complete idiots and caricatures of themselves during their presentations? It's the same thing, a camera in your face. I don't understand the problem.

Also - Both Giada and Bobby seemed miserable and borderline angry during the whole show. 

When they film those "talking heads" there is someone sitting there across from them, asking them questions, prompting them to say things. The camera is behind that person. So, it's a lot easier to talk to a person than to a lens, I guess.

[catrice2]

 maybe I don't remember the old school cooking shows well or I tuned out the stories. I don't remember listening to a whole bunch of stories when I listen to The cooks on the PBS network.  Unfortunately Masterpiece comes on later than this show and nothing else is on on Sundays because this is just gotten worse each year.  I know Padma admitted that she gains 15 to 20 lb during the season of Top Chef so maybe Giada wants to make sure she doesn't put on weight.   it is weird however to watch her pretend to judge the food when she looks like she's not even eating.   I've never watched an entire show of Bobby or Giada but do they constantly tell stories throughout their entire presentation? I could see that with Giada but I don't see that with Bobby.  Addie wasn't a favorite, however I find it odd that they chastised her for not being animated enough when some of their biggest stars (whom I will not name) are so boring that I have literally gone to sleep on an episode.

[Pallida]

4 minutes ago, cooksdelight said:

When they film those "talking heads" there is someone sitting there across from them, asking them questions, prompting them to say things. The camera is behind that person. So, it's a lot easier to talk to a person than to a lens, I guess.

Plus they aren't being judged while giving the talking heads. Some people deal with the nerves of testing/judgement better than others.

[Totale]

3 minutes ago, catrice2 said:

I don't remember listening to a whole bunch of stories when I listen to The cooks on the PBS network.  

To be fair Pepin sits there and tells stories while his hands apparently on their own make these amazing knife cuts and assemble things like I will never be able to do thinking about it let alone on autopilot while babbling away.  He's charming, though.

 

I think we're being set up for Addie/Asshole Star Salvation final.

[Lura]

I'm sorry to see Cory having such a hard time of it lately.  When the show began, Cory led the pack, cooking delicious food and making good, relaxed presentations.  Then, something happened.  Even now, he struggles to figure out what it was, but he can't.  I  firmly believe that Cory is feeling frustration, NOT arrogance.  He started out at the top and has been slipping.  Others behind him have been improving.  As he says, he's trying "to cook his own food," which has helped him to win contests in the past. 

Rusty really showed what he can do in this episode.  I was happy to see him feeling good about what he'd done.  He has such a likeable personality. 

I've liked Jason ever since he was on the baking show.  I think it's impossible not to like him.  I think he'd make a good game show host, or a baking show host, but I'm not sure about a cooking show.  His cooking can't stand up to some of the others'.

I feel that this hasn't been the strongest field of contestants this year, and the contestants are not as strong as they were in past years, which has resulted in limited choices.  It has also resulted in some boredom for the viewers, who must wade through all of the lesser contestants until we get to the final few who will be the real choices.  I think the FN should have striven to make this show as interesting as it could for as long as it intends to run the show.  IMHO, they surely stumbled on this one.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

[Westiepeach]

21 minutes ago, Totale said:

I think we're being set up for Addie/Asshole Star Salvation final.

I'll take Addie any day of the week.

[cooksdelight]

30 minutes ago, Lura said:

As he says, he's trying "to cook his own food," which has helped him to win contests in the past. 

And that's the biggest problem people face on this show. Giada and Bobby constantly contradict themselves when critiquing, or giving bad advice. Telling them one thing one day, something entirely different the next.

[meowmommy]

LBH: "If you don't give us the storytelling, tell us about your family, you will be going home."

I haven't watched every show BF has ever been in, but I've watched enough and I've never, ever heard him tell a story or share family tidbits.  I know he's an Irish guy from NYC and that's it.  And somehow he's managed to be a celebrity chef and a star of shows people want to watch.  Kermit and Medusa aren't around any more so who's pushing for these family tales?  I'm still waiting for the finalist who is an orphan raised by wolves.

[jackjill89]

I don't think the whole family thing has anything to do with hosting a FN show or being a celeb chef, it has to do with THIS show and them wanting the audience to get to know the contestants. It's a way of getting these contestants to go through the paces. I don't care about any of it. Show me someone who can actually cook and seems pleasant and authentic on air. That's all I want. That's all I need. It's like on Chopped -- don't give me a sob story, just cook the hell out of the food. Since no one gets a show anymore I don't know why they are pushing the storytelling so hard. I miss the days when the winner got a six-week gig starting in just a few weeks. That was fun. This is all blah.

[Westiepeach]

I think the whole Lenny fiasco killed that dream. Plus "Miss Fleek" from last season didn't last long at all on her stint on "The Kitchen Sink" along with 2 other co-hosts I could not name if my life depended on it. Maybe Spike from Top Chef and ...?

[smiley13]

3 hours ago, spiderpig said:

I'm tending to agree about Jason.  Remember when Damaris first appeared on FNS and constantly did that annoying shimmy?  I thought she was another dimwit.  Granted, she's not Julia Child, but she has enough culinary insight to make some valid points when she judges.

Which is what the winners of FNS end up doing anyway.

I loved Damaris during her season and as a culinary instructor, she has plenty of insight and knows her stuff.  She stood out instantly to me.  

Out of this season's crew, Rusty stood out because I was already familiar with him.  Cory, Jason and David stood out too.  David has faded a little though.

[Mabinogia]

Damaris is possibly the only person on this show I've genuinely liked. Of this crop it is more like who can I tolerate the most. I guess that would be anyone who isn't Matthew, Amy or Rusty. Matthew is the poster boy for everything that is wrong with Millennials. Amy is an airhead trying too hard to be a funny. Rusty is just too much shouting for me. I'm not a fan of Guy's SHOUT to show excitement way of hosting.