Guy's Big Project - General Discussion

[formerlyfreedom]

A place to discuss particular episodes, arcs and moments from Guy's Big Project.

[Wings]

This is really what Food Network Star should have been, best road show.  But I am not sure they need another travel show. Maybe that is because I don't watch them.   I agreed with the male producer being bored with the pastry guy.  He only liked two women that I saw, I like his laid back style.  

There was nothing unique.  Traveling the country in search of the best barbecue, deli, grilled food, soups and stews to name 3.  Can you fill an entire season with soup?   I will watch because it is a competition and I like those.  :>) 

[spiderpig]

11 minutes ago, wings707 said:

This is really what Food Network Star should have been, best road show.  But I am not sure they need another travel show. Maybe that is because I don't watch them.   I agreed with the male producer being bored with the pastry guy.  He only liked two women that I saw, I like his laid back style.  

There was nothing unique.  Traveling the country in search of the best barbecue, deli, grilled food, soups and stews to name 3.  Can you fill an entire season with soup?   I will watch because it is a competition and I like those.  :>) 

I haven't seen the show yet, wings, but you've convinced me to take a look.  I like competitions too.

[Wings]

3 minutes ago, spiderpig said:

I haven't seen the show yet, wings, but you've convinced me to take a look.  I like competitions too.

Alex G and 2 producers are giving feedback to Guy which is good and this episode was outside so they are not in the studio.  I hope that continues.  

[mlp]

I enjoyed the first episode.  I think Guy's shtick (which I don't care for) tends to mask the fact that he's actually intelligent and competent.  It'll be interesting to see his decisions as they're made.  I liked the way he handled the elimination rather than the usual big dismissal in front of the group.

I totally agreed with the first elimination.  I hope he also axes the pretty woman with bare shoulders who is acting sexy because she wants to get on TV.  The grandmas' days are probably numbered too.  I don't remember their names but I recognized the black woman right away but I can't think where I've seen her before.  I almost think she was on Chopped a long time ago.  Or maybe that show that had all grandmas competing?

I liked the baker as far as talent and personality went but he's sure not cute.  I'm pretty sure the deli guy is already very well known in his field so I wonder why he decided to do this show.

[leighdear]

Agree with all opinions thus far.  And I also think the grandmas are toast very soon. 

Many "grandmas" these days aren't really doing the traditional recipe pass-downs anymore because we grew up in the 70's and 80's.  And while most of us do have family dishes that came down to us, I don't think we're seeing younger folks wanting the older stuff.  Everything has to have "a twist", include molecular gastronomy techniques, feature quinoa, etc.  

But I'm one of the few Guy F. fans I know, so I always give his new shows or competitions a watch.  And I adore Alex G.  She adds some good "eat cred" to the show.  

[Skyfall]

So the food porn knockoff is going to win this right? Basically what I was advocating during FNS for a Matthew led show except in this case the host won’t be hated by everyone haha. I do think the grandmas should’ve been sent home first. As guy said culinary can be learned and I would’ve given her one more chance to see if she took the feedback and worked on her knowledge. If she didn’t then you can send her home, if she did then you have a great concept with a likeable host. Probably the one elimination he regrets if I had to try to read his mind.

On 11/6/2017 at 9:16 AM, wings707 said:

This is really what Food Network Star should have been, best road show.  But I am not sure they need another travel show. Maybe that is because I don't watch them.   I agreed with the male producer being bored with the pastry guy.  He only liked two women that I saw, I like his laid back style.  

There was nothing unique.  Traveling the country in search of the best barbecue, deli, grilled food, soups and stews to name 3.  Can you fill an entire season with soup?   I will watch because it is a competition and I like those.  :>) 

They do cause all of the ones that’s not Triple D has failed. I think Burgers, Brew, And Que lasted the longest but they kept tweaking the show/presentation until it just wasn’t the same. Also Soups/Stews/souls and BBQ has the longest tail but grilled could have longtivty.

Edited November 8, 2017 by Skyfall

[leighdear]

Yep, probably food porn girl will get the nod eventually.  Everything she'll do can be Tweeted, Instagrammed, Snapchatted and hashtagged, so they get more built-in platforms than just a show on TV.   Plus, she's a young blonde, and that never hurts on TV. 

But her show title "Crazy Creations" is crap.  Seriously, it's stupid and they need to ditch it quick, fast & in a hurry.  No idea what they should call it, but not that.  I probably wouldn't watch her show, but I think she's got the most workable and on-trend show premise. 

[Wings]

On 11/6/2017 at 11:55 AM, mlp said:

I don't remember their names but I recognized the black woman right away but I can't think where I've seen her before.

I have too but cannot place where, either.  I am going to guess Chopped a long time ago.  She doesn't seem to be familiar with this type of competition or she would have known they were looking for personality.   That is not a priority on Chopped, thus my guess.    

Gayle King, a foodie,  traveled around the country seeking the best cake when Oprah had her show.  I love cake!.  I am not sure if it even took an entire episode but I know I wanted to go visit those bakeries.   It never could have been a series.   She did spot on her show for hamburgers, too. 

2 hours ago, leighdear said:

And I adore Alex G.  She adds some good "eat cred" to the show.  

I agree and adore her too.   She smoked the other chefs on GGG in a comp with well known TV chefs.   Everyone had to use duck from the expensive wheel and the other one added bologna for an upscale meal.  She won with a sandwich!  I want to eat her food.   The menu at her restaurant Butter in NYC is to die for.  

[Skyfall]

8 minutes ago, leighdear said:

Yep, probably food porn girl will get the nod eventually.  Everything she'll do can be Tweeted, Instagrammed, Snapchatted and hashtagged, so they get more built-in platforms than just a show on TV.   Plus, she's a young blonde, and that never hurts on TV. 

But her show title "Crazy Creations" is crap.  Seriously, it's stupid and they need to ditch it quick, fast & in a hurry.  No idea what they should call it, but not that.  I probably wouldn't watch her show, but I think she's got the most workable and on-trend show premise. 

With the Cuban female with the family concept gone (she was honestly one thing away from safety: talk to the family in the pitch or know the differences in the chorizos) I think it’s hers to lose but we can’t discount the Baker given Food Network’s recent trend of shows.

[Wings]

Here is some stuff about Sherry Williams, the black woman we are trying to place. 

http://divafoodies.com/foodtvchat-with-sherri-williams/

58 minutes ago, Skyfall said:

we can’t discount the Baker given Food Network’s recent trend of shows.

I agree.  Guy loves him and his concept is broader than the others.  And yes FN is turning into baking madness!  

ETA.  I am watching again.  Crazy Creations may have this in the bag on second look.  Alex loved her and she has weight.  Plus she gives good internet, that is an area they want more of.   

Edited November 8, 2017 by wings707

[mlp]

1 hour ago, wings707 said:

Here is some stuff about Sherry Williams, the black woman we are trying to place. 

http://divafoodies.com/foodtvchat-with-sherri-williams/

Thank you!  I never would have figured that out and, for some reason, it didn't occur to me to Google her.  Maybe because I didn't recall her name.  LOL

[Wings]

33 minutes ago, mlp said:

Thank you!  I never would have figured that out and, for some reason, it didn't occur to me to Google her.  Maybe because I didn't recall her name.  LOL

It was still on my DVR so I watched again to catch her name.  I was bugging me!  

[hilaryvm]

Was the other grandma maybe on The Great Food Truck Race?  They both look so familiar, and I know I've seen them on other Food Network shows.  Thanks for the info wings707; All Star Academy never would have occurred to me for Sherri.

I like the different format for this show.  It's basically just Food Network Star with Guy as the host/judge, but I like it when he's a bit more serious and has less of his "schtick" but I don't really mind Guy all that much anyway.

[mlp]

I thought the other grandma looked familiar too but I was less sure of that.  Maybe she was on that competition with all grandmas.  I can't even remember the name of that show.

[leighdear]

WWE Grandma's Smackdown maybe?

[Maverick]

 Both grandmas were on the All Star Academy show. (they said they met on a competition show,  so I presume they were on the same show/season).   At least one of them was on Curtis' team.

 Guy is trying so hard to be down-to-Earth and earnest in this.  It's also oh so serious as Guy sets out to make the Next! Big! Star! like him with the Next! Hit! Travel! show like his.  Except the focus of these proposed shows is so narrow they equate to a special themed episode of GGG.  The whole thing is almost comical.  Recording a demo using a selfie-stick doesn't really elevate things.

 I love how Alex and Guy were gushing over the Instagram tart and the producer was like "Yeah, no."

[Lura]

I believe that Guy lost one of his homes in the terrible fire we had out here in CA.  I've become a real convert to Guy.  I've never disliked him like many have, but he's grown on me over time.  He's no dummy and has some great ideas, so I hope this show gets good ratings.  I really enjoyed it.  Alex is one of my faves at the FN, and she adds a lot to this show, I think.

The two grandmas were on a cooking competition between grandmas.  I liked the black woman very much but not the other one especially.  Somehow, I don't think they'll be around too much longer.  This is a fun show, at least IMHO.

[TDT]

Yeah i think the IG girl/Eden Grinshpan(another food blogger who had her own Food Network show)wannabe will probably win,either her or the baker

The BBQ guy,his show kind of sounds similar to Roger Mooking's Man Fire Food on Cooking Channel

Edited November 9, 2017 by TDT

[Simon47]

The Grill Dads are interesting to me. I like them.

Was Vincenzo Vaccaro on Holiday Baking Championship last year? He rang a bell for me here, so I'm just wondering.

I like the grandmas because I like hanging around old people. I don't think they will win though. As a stereotype, "old people are always bad at doing things." I do not believe this stereotype.

And can Guy Fieri stop making shows on FN that have nothing to do with HOW TO COOK? According to @gingerella, he is a disgusting pig. I agree with you, @gingerella. Thank you for making my mind clear.

On 11/8/2017 at 1:32 PM, wings707 said:

It was still on my DVR so I watched again to catch her name.  I was bugging me!  

Nancy, her name is Sherri Williams. She is from Crestview, Florida. She was on All-Star Academy.

[Simon47]

See, I have to say this: I liked Grandma & Grandma, but it was the right choice for them to get eliminated. I am thinking they are great cooks, but they just need a bit more personality to be on this show.

Ok Lindsey. Really? Why did you choose to wear that dress when not all adults are watching this show?? Maybe you wanted to expose your boobs to all the people that could see? I cannot and will not watch Lindsay's show. There are young children watching this show.  Also, I don't think that cake was a "crazy creation." Crazy creations have to be a food or item with a strange attribute that wows you over, not just a "cake" or "ice cream" or "salad." An actual crazy creation is like one of those ginormous foods you would find with that creep Josh Denny, or some of Guy Fieri's foods.

Grandmas were my favorite. Oh well, I guess I'll have to root for either Vincenzo (I love sweets) or Grill Dads (they are the real deal). Please don't give it to Lindsay. YMMV.

I don't think Guy Fieri is a "disgusting pig" anymore.

[Wings]

I like Lindsay, too bad she didn't do well on the cake. Now I have to go back and look at her dress!  I didn't notice.  

Guy adores the baker.  No surprise, they are very much alike.  In the first episode,  I loved Alex asking what kind of spirit animal thing do you two have going on?  He will win, no doubt about that. 

The grandma's are competition cooks with many wins under their belt. I don't find them interesting so their demise came as no surprise.  

Bet the blue haired dude is next. The deli guy will not make it far and that is more  due to his choice of a show.  I don't see how that would be compelling. 

Love the grill dads but are there enough grill restaurants to visit?  

[Lura]

I'm really liking this show so far!  Guy has a great ability to show what should be shown and scrap the rest.  He keeps it moving, so you never get bored.  The contestants are good, and they make the show interesting and fun.

I like Guy's sincerity and his way with people.  I think he truly cares about their feelings, but at the same time, he's clearly the boss.  He's sort of "the boss with a heart."

I think Vinny is the one to beat.  Last week I thought it would be the blonde girl, but she didn't do as well this week.

[Wings]

39 minutes ago, Lura said:

I'm really liking this show so far!  Guy has a great ability to show what should be shown and scrap the rest.  He keeps it moving, so you never get bored.  The contestants are good, and they make the show interesting and fun.

I like Guy's sincerity and his way with people.  I think he truly cares about their feelings, but at the same time, he's clearly the boss.  He's sort of "the boss with a heart."

I think Vinny is the one to beat.  Last week I thought it would be the blonde girl, but she didn't do as well this week.

I agree.  I didn't used to like Guy, even a little but I do now.  He grew on me and I think he has matured over the years and dropped some of the behavior that grated on me..  

I loved him stopping to notice the new tattoo on a crew member.*  The male producer, who I love, was unintentionally hysterical in his reaction!  Very cute.  They were probably on the 12th take and he could not believe Guy screwed it up again.   I am glad they decided to show it.  I would like to see more of that.

 

* That smacked of a line used for ADD "I don't have ADD I just....... oh LOOK! a bunny rabbit!"     

Edited November 13, 2017 by wings707

[mlp]

AFAIC The sooner they get rid of Lindsay the better.  She is clearly using the "sex sells" approach and her voice is awful.  Guy doesn't seem bothered by either.  Also she talks like a teenager.  I got a laugh out of Guy telling her that "Loud" doesn't make her an authority or whatever.  He must never watch DD&D.

I liked the Grandmas but they were the right ones to eliminate.  They were so awkward and scattered that their bit was hard to watch.

[Simon47]

1 hour ago, mlp said:

AFAIC The sooner they get rid of Lindsay the better.  She is clearly using the "sex sells" approach and her voice is awful.  Guy doesn't seem bothered by either.  Also she talks like a teenager.  I got a laugh out of Guy telling her that "Loud" doesn't make her an authority or whatever.  He must never watch DD&D.

I liked the Grandmas but they were the right ones to eliminate.  They were so awkward and scattered that their bit was hard to watch.

What you just said x 20,000.

[WritinMan]

I'm glad that Lindsay didn't do well last night, particularly after Guy said the competition is hers to lose (or something like that). I find her to be really pretty dull.

A close second is the guy who talked about the seafood soup. Probably a nice guy, but not a TV host.

[leighdear]

Total agreement, after a kick-ass first challenge, Lindsey totally lost whatever mojo she had.  She never even talked about the flavors of the cake.  If she had even lied & said "The cake layers are flavored with lemon and okra, it's filled with a goat cheese and olive marshmallow filling and topped with candied cricket brittle"!  she may have gotten some points for the crazy part.  That's why I said upthread it was a stupid show name.  Just too hard to sustain and people will be saying "blech" more than "yum".

I was really enjoying the grill dads.  Some twisted humor and they were really in each others heads.  I'm glad the lamb burger didn't throw them off too much.

BBQ RJ was awesome with that brisket, and Vinnie the baker was really good.  He may have to branch out from just sweet stuff though.  But his personality really sold the tiramisu.  Though his correctly Italian pronunciation of Tiramisu made me think of the way Giada pronounces "spaaaygeeettti".  *LOL*  And honestly, I've had Tiramisu with chocolate chips.  Yummy, but not revolutionary. 

Edited November 13, 2017 by leighdear

[Skyfall]

16 hours ago, Simon47 said:

See, I have to say this: I liked Grandma & Grandma, but it was the right choice for them to get eliminated. I am thinking they are great cooks, but they just need a bit more personality to be on this show.

Ok Lindsey. Really? Why did you choose to wear that dress when not all adults are watching this show?? Maybe you wanted to expose your boobs to all the people that could see? I cannot and will not watch Lindsay's show. There are young children watching this show.  Also, I don't think that cake was a "crazy creation." Crazy creations have to be a food or item with a strange attribute that wows you over, not just a "cake" or "ice cream" or "salad." An actual crazy creation is like one of those ginormous foods you would find with that creep Josh Denny, or some of Guy Fieri's foods.

Grandmas were my favorite. Oh well, I guess I'll have to root for either Vincenzo (I love sweets) or Grill Dads (they are the real deal). Please don't give it to Lindsay. YMMV.

I don't think Guy Fieri is a "disgusting pig" anymore.

I doubt many kids are watching a show on Food Network at 9 PM, and if they are they’ve seen much worst with Giada on FNS...

7 hours ago, mlp said:

AFAIC The sooner they get rid of Lindsay the better.  She is clearly using the "sex sells" approach and her voice is awful.  Guy doesn't seem bothered by either.  Also she talks like a teenager.  I got a laugh out of Guy telling her that "Loud" doesn't make her an authority or whatever.  He must never watch DD&D.

I liked the Grandmas but they were the right ones to eliminate.  They were so awkward and scattered that their bit was hard to watch.

He said that loud doesn’t make something crazy in response to her going loud because she got the crap end of the stick for the filming location. Either that or she didn’t look hard enough. Either way her bite wasn’t in line with her POV so she went loud to compensate and he called her out on it.

[Skyfall]

4 hours ago, leighdear said:

Total agreement, after a kick-ass first challenge, Lindsey totally lost whatever mojo she had.  She never even talked about the flavors of the cake.  If she had even lied & said "The cake layers are flavored with lemon and okra, it's filled with a goat cheese and olive marshmallow filling and topped with candied cricket brittle"!  she may have gotten some points for the crazy part.  That's why I said upthread it was a stupid show name.  Just too hard to sustain and people will be saying "blech" more than "yum".

I was really enjoying the grill dads.  Some twisted humor and they were really in each others heads.  I'm glad the lamb burger didn't throw them off too much.

BBQ RJ was awesome with that brisket, and Vinnie the baker was really good.  He may have to branch out from just sweet stuff though.  But his personality really sold the tiramisu.  Though his correctly Italian pronunciation of Tiramisu made me think of the way Giada pronounces "spaaaygeeettti".  *LOL*  And honestly, I've had Tiramisu with chocolate chips.  Yummy, but not revolutionary. 

I think it was more so that the addition of chocolate chips was his favorite way of making it and the place he chose that did it as well. Remember FNS, always add a personal story!

[Lura]

What a difference a week can make.  Last week, I thought that Lindsey had the win wrapped up.  This week, she dropped the ball and Vinny and the nice black guy stepped up.  I guess we have a contest after all!

Guy has made a believer out of me on this show.  He's a good host.  He keeps things moving and shows his kind side, but he still has enthusiasm and a good sense of humor (sometimes) without overdoing it.  I'm surprised!  I could watch him on this show anytime and enjoy it.

[Skyfall]

14 hours ago, Lura said:

What a difference a week can make.  Last week, I thought that Lindsey had the win wrapped up.  This week, she dropped the ball and Vinny and the nice black guy stepped up.  I guess we have a contest after all!

Guy has made a believer out of me on this show.  He's a good host.  He keeps things moving and shows his kind side, but he still has enthusiasm and a good sense of humor (sometimes) without overdoing it.  I'm surprised!  I could watch him on this show anytime and enjoy it.

It’s also showing just how good he is at his job, and why Scripps has had issues replicating the formula.

[spiderpig]

I caught up on the first two episodes tonight, and I like the format.  Guy goofs around a lot, but when it comes to presentation and food analysis, he knows his stuff and doesn't embarrass the competitors on camera.

I like RJ for his food knowledge and engaging video presence - but he resembles Eddie Jackson, another athletically built, handsome BBQ guy who's already on Team FN.  So I wonder if that will hold him back in the final analysis.

After RJ, I liked the Grill Dads.  They were funny and appealing in a man-cave way.

Too many baking shows on FN already, so despite Guy shipping him, I don't think Vinnie will be selected.

Zane leaves no impression whatsoever (neither does Christian), and Lindsay's cutesy cheerleader schtick is grating.  If I want crazy cuisine, I'll watch the ever-adorable Andrew Zimmern.

[Wings]

4 hours ago, spiderpig said:

They were funny and appealing in a man-cave way.

I love this!  Perfect.  

4 hours ago, spiderpig said:

Too many baking shows on FN already, so despite Guy shipping him, I don't think Vinnie will be selected.

I see that as an indication he could win.  A travel show would be adjunct to the competitions.  And Guy loves him.  

Edited November 17, 2017 by wings707

[leighdear]

1 minute ago, wings707 said:

  I see that as an indication he could win.  A travel show would be adjunct to the competitions.  And Guy loves him.  

Yep.  Because while there are travel shows, and there are baking shows, I don't think there are any travel baking shows!   Thus, we have a previously untapped market.  And Vinnie wouldn't be limited to evaluating just traditional bakeries, he could showcase any type eaterie that features a standout baked product.   

[Wings]

I like Guys Ranch Kitchen. There should probably be a Guy forum with all of his shows under that one heading.  

He invites chef friends to his ranch and they cook.  They are the usual suspects, most of whom I like.  Johnathan Waxman was there which surprised me.  It changes each episode as to cast.  

[chessiegal]

As soon as I saw Justin and Aarti, I changed the channel.

[Wings]

6 minutes ago, chessiegal said:

As soon as I saw Justin and Aarti, I changed the channel.

And I said, oh goody, Aarti and Justin! 

[leighdear]

I like Aarti, but I can do without Justin.  But then, he is so much more acceptable than Matthew.....*shudder*

I'd rather watch Trump, Al Franken and Roy Moore cook together than watch Matthew.  

[Wings]

I have come to like Justin a lot, it wasn't always that way.  Love his sense of humor.  

[Skyfall]

2 hours ago, wings707 said:

I like Guys Ranch Kitchen. There should probably be a Guy forum with all of his shows under that one heading.  

He invites chef friends to his ranch and they cook.  They are the usual suspects, most of whom I like.  Johnathan Waxman was there which surprised me.  It changes each episode as to cast.  

I thought about suggesting that but I don’t think the Mods would want to move some of the more established Guy forums.

[Wings]

1 hour ago, Skyfall said:

I thought about suggesting that but I don’t think the Mods would want to move some of the more established Guy forums.

I suppose.  At the rate he is going there will be many more.  Fine with me, I have come to like him a little better and really like his new shows.  

[mlp]

Guy made no bones about liking Vinnie and the show was edited to make us think Christian would be eliminated............ and it worked.  I was surprised at the end.  I like the way Guy sits down with them in private and just talks.  I like him much better that way than yelling in DD&D.

I do not understand what they see in Lindsay.  She's awful.  FN really doesn't need another female with a grating voice.  Of course, she's the last female standing so they may be afraid to send her packing and end up with an all male group which a lot of viewers seem to resent even if the men are better.

[Wings]

I thought he eliminated Vinnie, too. I guess not.  He is clearly Guys favorite.  I agree with the producer, I don't like him either. 

The bald black man is my favorite and I like the dads.  I will never watch any of their shows so I am going on peronality alone.  

Edited November 20, 2017 by wings707

[mlp]

He did eliminate Vinnie.  Christian got another chance.  At least that's the way I understood it.

[spiderpig]

Wow.  That was harsh.  Vinnie seemed to be Guy's special snowflake and then - boom!  His intro was lousy, but so was Christian's.  It seems like a tossup whether Christian or Zane goes home next week, although Lindsay wore out her welcome a long time ago.

RJ or the Cave Bros for the win.

[Simon47]

Lindsay continues to grate with her voice, her "sexy dresses," and her personality. She tends to want people to think she's sexy.

[Wings]

Seems the male producer has the final say.  He disliked Vinnie day one and trumped Guy's desire to keep him.

Vinnie was not good in front of the camera but it was more than that. I bet there was a discussion about his weight that did not air.  An obese man shoving, and he did shove, pastries into his face is not compelling.  It is a bit of a turn off if you watch your weight.  He almost sends the message. DO NOT EAT THESE THINGS. 

A few of the men at the round table favored RJ.  He has a calm authority they appreciated.  I think Guy exhausts the male producer.  It showed when Guy stopped to comment on the the new tattoo.  That was funny but he was not amused. 

[Skyfall]

Based on Stand Up alone I would’ve been fine with both. Overall though Christian has always been a bit more sure/confident with himself and on camera. I think he survived to see what he does with the note of “you thought you were toned down but we all thought you were still over the top.” If he doesn’t hit that sweet spot next week he’s surely gone. Lindsey has quickly fallen from first to last and I’m hoping she goes next. Notice how everyone else says “this is me/my way of life/my soul” and she says “this is my concept.” It rings as false to me and as she saw Food Porn and wanted to bring it to Food Network as opposed to living that crazy creation life. I also don’t GET the grill dads. Most of the time they feel like they are trying to hard to be funny to me. Rashad has really come into his own and Zane is in consistent.

[Wings]

FN Star was not really looking for a new stand and stir cook and this show is not really looking for another on the road show.   They are looking for a personality they can work with for something, probably not yet determined.  All the alum are now judges or competition show hosts.