S10.E05: Live Demo at Knott's Berry Farm

[Kromm]

Then maybe they should try to produce a better show.

Why should they care?  People ARE watching.  Ultimately that's all they really care about.  Well, revenue, I guess, but that follows from the viewer numbers.

 

Quality is not Job #1 at Food Network.  Cheap programming and big profits are.

[phoenix780]

As for Christopher, it isn't that I was so attached to him. It was that I hate how FN eliminates good cooks (who in this case were even also telegenic) who are a little awkward on camera while keeping BIG PERSONALITIES who can't cook well at all.

 

For some reasons this makes me wish they would partner up and go for a pair of FN stars.  If they can't find one awesome person who can cook, maybe they can find a couple of people with chemistry who, combined, make up something entertaining.  Plus that'd be better for someone like Lenny, imho, or Butcher Babe who I can't imagine watching for a full-length episode.

[Neurochick]

I wonder how the ratings are on FN.  If they're great then that's why they could care less about who can cook.  If the majority of the people watching want to watch game shows then that's what FN will give them.  Networks are about money; if the majority of the people FN want to entice want to watch a food circus, then FN will give it to them.  It's sad but true and it's why I rarely watch FN today.

[John M]

 

Yeah.

[Intuition]

Ugh, I wish I could un-see that photo of Lenny!!

 

Everyone raise their hand if you want to learn how to butcher meat and would watch Loreal teach you each week how to break down a cow.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

 

*~Crickets~*

 

I took exception to Christopher claiming he was from New Orleans.  He's not, he's from Pennsylvania.  He's simply been cooking in NO for a few years.

 

Emeril wasn't from New Orleans either, he was from Fall River, Massachusetts.  He just happened to be cooking in NO for a while before he became famous.   And no one ever seemed to know that much less have a problem with it....

I wonder how the ratings are on FN.  If they're great then that's why they could care less about who can cook.  If the majority of the people watching want to watch game shows then that's what FN will give them.  Networks are about money; if the majority of the people FN want to entice want to watch a food circus, then FN will give it to them.  It's sad but true and it's why I rarely watch FN today.

 

I don't think people would really rather watch this dreck, I think like us, they're tuning in for train wreck and snark value at this point.  I think it's pretty sad if that's the only way a network can get decent ratings for a show.  It's almost like they're mocking the audience with this garbage. It seems like every season they go even more over the top to find some crazy way to keep people watching since they can't seem to find any legitimate way to do it.  I say it's their own f-ing fault because if they had any clue how to produce a quality program, they would be able to get ratings without descending to this level.

 

Speaking of the ratings, does anyone know how they have been this season?

Edited July 1, 2014 by Intuition

[cooksdelight]

There is someone from TWoP, I cannot remember who, that knows how to find out about ratings. I wish I did, I am hoping they are in the basement. I, for one, won't be watching this Sunday. But I'll still be here for the snark value. :)

[Aquarius]

Emeril wasn't from New Orleans either, he was from Fall River, Massachusetts.  He just happened to be cooking in NO for a while before he became famous.   And no one ever seemed to know that much less have a problem with it....

 

Emeril always mentioned being from Fall River.

 

I barely recognized Lenny without the cocktail napkin around his neck!

[phoenix780]

TV By The Numbers is a good place for ratings info. 

 

Here's last Sunday: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/07/01/sunday-cable-ratings-bet-awards-leads-night-world-cup-soccer-true-blood-keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-the-last-ship-more/278245/

 

Looks like it's just under 2 million viewers, if I'm reading it right (and there's a big chance I'm not).  

[cooksdelight]

Law & Order SVU re-runs beat them. LOL

[karriemom]

Hi! I'm new here and I'm wondering what LBH stands for. Thanks!

[Mrs. P.]

Hi! I'm new here and I'm wondering what LBH stands for. Thanks!

LBH = Little Big Head - Giada's nickname referncing her large head sitting atop her small body

[xaxat]

LBH is an acronym for Little Big Head and is a nickname for Giada. It's a reference to the relatively large head (emphasized by her huge smile) that sits atop her petite body.

 

Personally, I think she's smokin' hot.

 

ETA, Got beat by Mrs. P.

Edited July 1, 2014 by xaxat

[RealityGal]

Emeril always mentioned being from Fall River.

 

I barely recognized Lenny without the cocktail napkin around his neck!

LMAO!  I guess the napkin and napkin ring holder are only for fancy occasions, not for sitting at home watching the game.  But its nice to know he is faithful to the hat, even when wearing pj pants and a tee shirt.

Ugh, I wish I could un-see that photo of Lenny!!

 

 

I don't think people would really rather watch this dreck, I think like us, they're tuning in for train wreck and snark value at this point.  I think it's pretty sad if that's the only way a network can get decent ratings for a show.  It's almost like they're mocking the audience with this garbage. It seems like every season they go even more over the top to find some crazy way to keep people watching since they can't seem to find any legitimate way to do it.  I say it's their own f-ing fault because if they had any clue how to produce a quality program, they would be able to get ratings without descending to this level.

 

Speaking of the ratings, does anyone know how they have been this season?

 

I don't know, I watch Bad Girls Club, Real Housewives, and the recently cancelled I Wanna Marry Harry.  I am probably an awful person, but I'm okay with a show being around for sheer snark value and train wreckiness.  However, this show may have gone even a bit far for me, I haven't watched this Knotts Berry Farm episode, and I'm not sure I want to.  I guess I like my reality shows where the contestants are crazy, but everything ends up okay in the end.  I was so upset about the Top Chef winner, that I seriously questioned whether or not I wanted to watch again.  These reality shows set the stage for people to get emotionally invested, and so to get somewhat invested and to see someone you can't stand win sorta stinks.  And so, when the end result of an episode is that you send a good cook home when they have demonstrated that they can cook over cooks who clearly are annoying and have produced bad food it bothers me a little.  

 

And frankly, maybe more importantly, it makes food network look like a joke.  If you're the food network, and you're telling me you're willing to keep someone who can't cook in a competition to have a show on your network about cooking, you make me question whether anyone you have on a show really knows how to cook or if you just kept looking for a personality without substance.

[cooksdelight]

RealityGal, you may have not liked Nick, but the people sure love his food.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/laurel-philadelphia-2

This is a good example of why Christopher was mis-matched for this show. TC would be a much better fit for him. You don't have to have a winning personality to be a good chef. :)

[Bella]

Right, I didn't like Nick, either, but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to eat at his restaurant.

 

Since the winner gets a TV show and not a cookbook contract or something restaurant-related, I agree that the personality has to be a big factor. Even if they'd kept him for making the best dish, he was never going to win this thing. He's flat.

[RealityGal]

RealityGal, you may have not liked Nick, but the people sure love his food.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/laurel-philadelphia-2

This is a good example of why Christopher was mis-matched for this show. TC would be a much better fit for him. You don't have to have a winning personality to be a good chef. :)

 

 

Right, I didn't like Nick, either, but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to eat at his restaurant.

 

Since the winner gets a TV show and not a cookbook contract or something restaurant-related, I agree that the personality has to be a big factor. Even if they'd kept him for making the best dish, he was never going to win this thing. He's flat.

 

Yeah, I wasn't a fan of Nick, and my feeling was that this recent year of TC contestants, and frankly, every year of TC contestants, I would want to eat the food that ALL of the finalists make.  Seriously, I think one of the Voltaggio brothers (yes, I know I misspelled that) has a restaurant out here in LA and I'm dying to try it.  I always want to try the food the finalists on TC make.  So, at the end, with the finalists, its not necessarily about the ability to cook so much, because I think all of the TC finalists have that, at that point it does become me specifically not wanting someone to win because they seem like a jerk.  Or really rooting for someone because I just like them.  I certainly would love to try Nicks food, and after I was done, I would like to kick him in the nuts.  With the other two finalists, I wanted to try their food and then NOT kick them in the nuts.  Its a subtle distinction I'll admit :)

 

However, with this show it concerns me that there are quite a few contestants whose food I wouldn't want to try.  I guess if you're gonna do one of those shows like one Diners Drive Ins and Dives then personality is all that counts.  But frankly, I have a big personality (although I didn't really know either of my grandmothers) and I feel like I could do that show.  I know what tastes delicious!  I can yell at a camera!  I can make up grandmother stories!  But if the show is going to have to do with cooking, I wouldn't want to watch a show about cooking where the food network itself is unsure if the person can even cook!

[Bella]

 

I certainly would love to try Nicks food, and after I was done, I would like to kick him in the nuts.  With the other two finalists, I wanted to try their food and then NOT kick them in the nuts.  Its a subtle distinction I'll admit :)

 

This made me snort! Good thing I wasn't drinking anything. Also, at least one of Nick's fellow finalists was a woman, maybe both. I forget them almost immediately, but I remember wanting the African American woman to win and being crushed when she didn't.

 

 

But if the show is going to have to do with cooking, I wouldn't want to watch a show about cooking where the food network itself is unsure if the person can even cook!

 

I see the contestant pool as having those who can talk but not cook, cook but not talk, and both cook and talk. It seems that the winner can usually do both. But yeah, if I doubted their cooking ability, I'd ignore their show.

[cooksdelight]

I would have to think the people tuning in to the winner's show are people like us who watched this competition. In that case... good luck, whoever you are! :)

[Alapaki]

I really think this show has just truly jumped the shark at this point.  

 

Here are some highlights from the de-Mentors:

 

Reuben: Bad food and bad presentation (Oh, and we know from his talking-heads that he's still struggling with speaking!?!).  Of course he's safe.

 

Chris: Inconsistent chicken, but good Obama impression.  Of course he's safe.

 

Loreal: Unseasoned steak, but "my best friend ribeye", which Bobby helpfully explained, was "like that was the steak's name".  They LUUURRVVE IT!

 

Nicole: Good food and good presentation, but spare ribs aren't "jersey shore".  Well, she didn't pick the dish.

 

Lenny: Didn't explain his dish, didn't demo anything on his dish that a child couldn't already do, but: "Finally, someone talked about the roller-coaster". SWOOON!

Emma: I swear Emma spent more time talking before getting to food than Christopher did.  But rather than talk about food, she talked about . . . meeting her husband.  So, of course: "Just has genuineness and authenticity.",  And the topper: "The problem is, can Emma cook?"  You're SAFE!

 

Sarah: "Bad deli pasta salad".  SAFE!

 

Meanwhile, Christopher made "the best dish".  Did just as much explaining as Lenny.  Spoke as long without touching food as Emma, and probably Chris, but goes home because Lil' Pumpkin Head has a stick up her ass.  

 

That's why I LOVE this show!

Edited July 2, 2014 by Alapaki

[Intuition]

 

Emeril always mentioned being from Fall River.

 

Well, somehow that fact escaped me and everyone I talked to who knew of him when he first became really popular, despite the fact that I watched him avidly since 1996.  I never saw him mention it until years later.  How I found out was interesting.  I got tired of everyone I talked to calling him "That chef from New Orleans" because I actually recognized his accent as being from a certain area of Massachusetts.  A friend's father was from Fall River and spoke exactly like Emeril.  It started to bug me so much that I remember trying to find information to confirm this online, but in the earlier days of the internet it was harder to do so.  Eventually I did find something to confirm my suspicions, although that was not until around 2001 or so.  Whenever anyone would mention Emeril, they'd usually say that he was from New Orleans, and at times even go on about stuff like how colorful people were from NO, and how the accent was so interesting, upon which I'd casually mention that he only moved there and opened a restaurant there, but that he was originally from Massachusetts.  They would then usually act completely surprised.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Intuition

[Kromm]

Law & Order SVU re-runs beat them. LOL

L&O SVU isn't a basic cable show.  I think 2m viewers for a show of this type on this kind of channel is regarded as... acceptable. Remember, that episode will re-air in repeats multiple times too.

[cooksdelight]

Kromm, I realize L&O isn't a basic cable show. But for more people to tune into a rerun of any show at all on a cable network (USA)....versus this new episode....to me, says this show has lost it's luster.

Edited July 2, 2014 by cooksdelight

[Bella]

I think comparing a cable show to a network show is apples and oranges regardless. 

 

We have an underused thread for cooking shows that indicates the norm for FN ratings.

 

Nothing from the early May sweeps period even comes close to 2 million viewers. In other words, this show gets outstanding ratings for the network.

 

It would be great to have this info updated if anyone here has the time or interest. Unfortunately, I'm over-extended right now.

[Neurochick]

 

Emeril always mentioned being from Fall River.

 

That's right.  I remember in the late 90's thinking he was from New Orleans and finding out he was from Fall River, maybe he mentioned it, but I remember knowing that in about 1997.

[Nutjob]

I was a faithful viewer of Emeril Live! and he always talked about being from MA, as well as his music aspirations, his Portuguese heritage, and his time with Paul Prudhomme. I don't remember him ever trying to sell that NO was his home town, but rather he was a transplant and had adopted it as home. I'd agree that Christopher's phrasing was a bit disingenous, although I don't necessarily think it was intentionally misleading.

 

Regarding Christopher, though, he was never going to win this show because he can't talk on camera effectively. While most "cooking shows" would make me angry by sending the best cook home, I know that FNS isn't looking for the best cook--they're looking for the best host/cook combo (now with more emphasis on the "host" part!). In this group, it looks to me like that'll be one of Nicole, Emma, Lenny, or Loreal, because the rest are just proving to be cannon fodder.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Nutjob

[Bella]

Here's what I found for the June 29 cable ratings. This show was FN's best of that evening.

 

I've been trying to find the weekly cable ratings, and it's been a surprisingly difficult search. I did find that no Food Network show cracked cable's top 40 last week.

[potatoradio]

Wow - the things you learn - I never knew Emeril was from the East Coast. I remember him talking about Portuguese heritage and that he put parsley in everything partly because his mother liked it (and I remember her name being Hilda). But I always thought he was from New Orleans. Well, I'll learn to trust again someday, I suppose...

[Intuition]

Well, the point was (which got lost, I think) that most people back in the 1990s (not foodies who post on boards like this and watch a lot of his shows) did not know that Emeril was not really from New Orleans, nor did they really care.  In fact I'd bet a poll of people today would still show a distinct majority of average people who knew of him not knowing he was really from Massachusetts and not NO.

 

Anyway, I'd like to know what was so off-putting about Christopher's personality that couldn't also be said about Tyler Florence (whom I happen to like, BTW).  I think Chris could have used some spiffing up in the presentation department for sure, but any more than they had to give Aaron McCargo?  I don't think so.  Even Jeff Mauro is still rough around the edges on "The Kitchen" at times.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Intuition

[GaT]

Well, the point was (which got lost, I think) that most people back in the 1990s (not foodies who post on boards like this and watch a lot of his shows) did not know that Emeril was not really from New Orleans, nor did they really care.  In fact I'd bet a poll of people today would still show a distinct majority of average people who knew of him not knowing he was really from Massachusetts and not NO.

 

 

I didn't know he wasn't from NO until I read it in this thread, & you're right, I don't care LOL

[Maverick]

 

Anyway, I'd like to know what was so off-putting about Christopher's personality that couldn't also be said about Tyler Florence (

I'm not a huge fan of Tyler Florence.  That said, to me Tyler's a little more smug and thinks he's the shit while Christoper think's he's the shit, but also think no one else is.  I get the vibe some of Christopher's attitude comes from insecurity.

 

Where is Christopher from?  I noticed the last episode or two a slight NO accent.  Has he been there long enough to pick one up?

[GaT]

 

Anyway, I'd like to know what was so off-putting about Christopher's personality that couldn't also be said about Tyler Florence (

I got the vibe that Christopher was smug about his cooking, Tyler Florence is smug about his cooking, but he also thinks he's hot. I know there are people who agree with him, but not me.

[NikSac]

I couldn't stop laughing when they were all giddy about going to "A Farm!"  Really?  I went there umm... more years ago than I care to admit to but it was probably 25 or so years ago, back when it was still more "farm-like" and even then it was barely a farm.  They sold pies, jams, and if I remember right I think they had a small farmer's market stand type thing that looked like it was there for nostalgia. They were sort of the 'lower key' amusement park and a nice day for a break from Disney if you were doing the Southern CA amusement park circuit. 

 

Did they really not know it was an amusement park? And they couldn't tell from a distance, or until the roller coaster was right over their heads?  I have to think they were playing that up somehow.

 

I was pretty sad that the one who could cook got sent home when people who screwed up total basics (i.e. when to season steak, or how to put things on the grill so they don't stick) stayed.  Yeah Christopher wasn't that entertaining to watch and I don't see him making it much further - a host does need to be at least somewhat fun to watch - but I'd rather have someone a little dry than someone giving out wrong information.  I could overlook the guy who just mashed up some avocados or the girl who put that whole pepper on the burger, because those things seemed pretty easy to fix if need be.

[Kromm]

I'm not a huge fan of Tyler Florence.  That said, to me Tyler's a little more smug and thinks he's the shit while Christoper think's he's the shit, but also think no one else is.  I get the vibe some of Christopher's attitude comes from insecurity.

 

Where is Christopher from?  I noticed the last episode or two a slight NO accent.  Has he been there long enough to pick one up?

It's funny that Tyler Florence gets brought up right after the thing about Emeril not being from NO.  Because I bet a lot of people assume Florence is from California--because that's how he's marketed (as a "California Cuisine guy".) Heck, he was even the "West Coast coach" for that crappy America's Best Cook show... but in actuality he's from South Carolina.

Edited July 3, 2014 by Kromm

[cooksdelight]

Did they really not know it was an amusement park? And they couldn't tell from a distance, or until the roller coaster was right over their heads? I have to think they were playing that up somehow.

Yeah, the more I think about it, either Emma and a few others are really, really stupid, or they were told to pretend they thought they were going to a farm.

I was there 44 years ago. :) Even then, you knew you were at an amusement park.

[potatoradio]

 

It's funny that Tyler Florence gets brought up right after the thing about Emeril not being from NO.  Because I bet a lot of people assume Florence is from California--because that's how he's marketed (as a "California Cuisine guy".) Heck, he was even the "West Coast coach" for that crappy America's Best Cook show... but in actuality he's from South Carolina.

 

Stop. It.

 

I completely bought Tyler's sunny California image.

 

So, if I keep reading these forums, I suppose someone's going to tell me Santa Claus isn't real, too. Well...lalalalala....

 

Speaking of Tyler, he's acting positively oddly each time I see him on the teevee. Just weird gestures, blinking, and, despite all those antics, still seeming out of it. Perhaps he should stop hanging out in food courts. Those can really do bad things to you...

 

 

[Intuition]

I am LOL about the posted differences between Christopher and Tyler Florence.  Yeah, I kind of see that, although despite that neither one really bothers me that much.   That doesn't mean I'm a fan of either, mind you.  Although I have to say that every Tyler Florence recipe I've ever made (which might be all of 5) has been outstanding.  I personally think Christopher is more attractive, and yeah, I guess I'm being more forgiving of him because I'm just not above being that shallow, lol.  Hey, at least I admit it, LOL.

 

Regarding Emeril not being from New Orleans, I think he so owned that cuisine (in the sense of dedicating himself to it) that it could easily seem (if one didn't know better) that it was his personal heritage and not something he acquired later on.

 

Regarding the contestants not knowing Knotts Berry Farm wasn't really a farm, the only reason I knew what it really is is because way back when I was a teenybopper, I used to read fan magazines, some of which were based in Southern California.  It was hard not to get to know some of the local attractions when Donny Osmond, David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman were always turning up at Knotts Berry Farm for one reason or another.  If not for that, it's possible that I might not know either.  The southernmost part of California I've ever been to is San Francisco.

[cooksdelight]

Intuition, trust me, as soon as you were within a mile or two of the place, you can't miss the coasters. :)

 

BTW, Bobby Sherman was my man back in the day. I got to meet him once. I thought I'd faint dead away!

[potatoradio]

 

Regarding Emeril not being from New Orleans, I think he so owned that cuisine (in the sense of dedicating himself to it) that it could easily seem (if one didn't know better) that it was his personal heritage and not something he acquired later on.

 

Oh, yeah, that totally makes sense! That's exactly why I assumed he was from N.O. I admire chefs who are so enamored with a cuisine that they dedicate themselves totally to understanding it. I remember watching an interview or talking head with Rick Bayless where he talked about spending months in search of perfecting a mole recipe. Pretty impressive.

 

As for Christopher...well, he was always just sort of "blah" to me, but if they worked with him to develop his authentic devotion to N.O cuisine, I definitely would have paid more attention to him.

 

But...authentic is not exactly the name of this gameshow. I'm really wondering when they're going to roll out the big gong for Tuchsie to bang when he gets bored.

 

[Lillybee]

Yeah, the more I think about it, either Emma and a few others are really, really stupid, or they were told to pretend they thought they were going to a farm.

I was there 44 years ago. :) Even then, you knew you were at an amusement park.

 

Funny, I was there 44 years ago, too. It definitely was an amusement park with better than average food.

[Rambler]

Did they really not know it was an amusement park? And they couldn't tell from a distance, or until the roller coaster was right over their heads?  I have to think they were playing that up somehow.

 

 

I live in Southern California so I know that Knotts is an amusement park, but would someone who lived on the East Coast necessarily know that? Is the park really that well known outside of California?

 

I believe they are filming in Los Angeles and Knotts is in Orange County so it was probably a one hour commute depending on the traffic. So Emma could have made her comment while they weren’t in sight of any roller coasters. And even if there were roller coasters visible how would they know that was their final destination?

[JTMacc99]

Here is Nicole's explanation of her POV and her recipe for the pork kebab.  Actually, it is a whole blog that has an entry after each episode and then a whole bunch of stuff before she started on the show.

[Kromm]

Here is Nicole's explanation of her POV and her recipe for the pork kebab.  Actually, it is a whole blog that has an entry after each episode and then a whole bunch of stuff before she started on the show.

I already wanted her to win even before seeing her blog, but that just reinforces it. I like the voice she projects in her writing. Edited July 4, 2014 by Kromm

[cooksdelight]

Agreed, Nicole is clearly heads above the rest of the clowns.

[FavFable]

I think Emma has a good chance to win... If her cooking gets better.

[cooksdelight]

Yeah, that's the thing with Emma. She's up and down. I remember Damaris may not have been the best at presenting, but her food was always good. I've made several of her dishes and they are to die for. Can't say I've seen Emma do anything "star worthy" yet. Especially when she stuck the crab cakes. Her voice is the one thing that bugs me, personally, she is too monotone. Did much better with that during the live thing in this episode.

[Totale]

Here is Nicole's explanation of her POV and her recipe for the pork kebab.  Actually, it is a whole blog that has an entry after each episode and then a whole bunch of stuff before she started on the show.

 

Interesting to read on the about page comments that some other website wanted to feature her posts, and she said that all requests had to go through the FN publicity office....

Edited July 4, 2014 by Totale

[FavFable]

Yeah, that's the thing with Emma. She's up and down. I remember Damaris may not have been the best at presenting, but her food was always good. I've made several of her dishes and they are to die for. Can't say I've seen Emma do anything "star worthy" yet. Especially when she stuck the crab cakes. Her voice is the one thing that bugs me, personally, she is too monotone. Did much better with that during the live thing in this episode.

I agree. I think if Emma could cook like Christopher, she would win. Christopher could cook but he was horrible at demos.

[cooksdelight]

 

Interesting to read on the about page comments that some other website wanted to feature her posts, and she said that all requests had to go through the FN publicity office....

 

Once you sign that thick contract, you have to give them your first born.

[theatremouse]

Interesting to read on the about page comments that some other website wanted to feature her posts, and she said that all requests had to go through the FN publicity office.

That sounds fairly standard, given the context. If we were talking...a year later, she didn't win, a little more surprising, but given the show is still airing right now? Professionally, she is basically FN's property.

Edited July 4, 2014 by theatremouse

[JTMacc99]

Agreed, Nicole is clearly heads above the rest of the clowns.

Maybe it is the Game of Thrones fan in me, but I have this feeling that now that I've decided she is okay, I fully expect her to bitterly disappointment me and get the (figurative) axe this week.

Also, heh, I love calling FNS contestants clowns. Even though I have a few over the years I ended up really liking, an awful lot of them really have been clowns.