On last night's episode of the Next Food Network Star, the remaining seven contestants faced challenges introduced by Tyler Florence and Iron Chef Michael Symon. With Tyler they had to create a 60 second video in which a culinary technique was explained. While some featured a simple skill like slicing a pineapple or trussing a chicken, others had to perform more difficult tasks like Frenching a rack of lamb and cleaning raw squid. Although I enjoyed the challenge — it clearly highlighted the contestants with culinary training — I couldn't help but wonder if it was a little unfair. What did you think?
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Was the Technique Challenge Unfair?
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I don't think it was unfair... they didn't get down on them as much for not knowing what they were doing as much as coming across like they didn't know what they were doing. It was about how they handled the situation more than techinque.
1I agree. Shane was doing the coconut thing all wrong, but he acted like he knew what he was doing, and they did give him props for that.
2They were really looking at how well thay can present themselves to the camera. Several contestants still do not get this and will be gone soon.
3All I know is I hate Nipa more than anything.
4Does Rachel Ray know how to clean a squid now?!? Or does she just talk it to death and then smile at it?
5I agree with seven7. If she didn't know it, she would have to fake it and make it look real.
6I don't like Lisa & would like to see her go. There is something about her when she speaks that comes off SO wrong. Yes, she is knowledgeable, but watching her expressions....I just can't stomach it! And Nipa...quit being such a cry baby! I would love to see more Indian cooking...but don't think Nipa is our girl to do it!
7Most of the challenges have been stupid. They are trying to come up with clever and hip ways to trip them up or cause controversy. Its lame. Top Chef is so far ahead its not even fair. I'm done watching as I couldnt care less who wins. I wouldn't watch any of them. Maybe Lisa, but it wouldnt be to watch her cook.
8I don't think it was fair because the challenges were not the same level of difficulty. I wonder if Nipa got squid as a challenge because they thought she would tank. The techniques they chose were sort of obscure or really common (artichokes, pineapple, chicken)
9Very unfair.
10I thought the squid was harder than say an artichoke but I do think if you are going to be a "personality" that you need to have one. And Nila has none so bye, bye. I also thought it was strange that they combined the Red Lobster challenge with the uncommon ingredient challenge. Kind of lame.
11Even though some were harder than others, the one that one was a hard one, so I don't think it was unfair.
12Bob Tuschman stated that this year they are focusing more on trained chefs than home cooks to compete. With that in mind, I think the challenge was fair. I also agree that is was way more about how you handled yourself on camera than the actual execution of the technique.
13The show is lame, but the challenges are completely fair. Fake it until you make it, or rely on technique that you got from culinary school (or taught yourself, but that doesn't tend to carry as far). Also, it's the food network - their shows are never as classy and dramatic as other networks.
14It was fair. It was about how you can handle yourself in front of the camera. And those who didn't know what they were doing, Jennifer and Nipa, should have just pretended like they knew exactly what they were doing. It was about showing confidence. That's exatly what the task was not the actual technique.
15This show has a lot of whine. If the contestants are so afraid of cameras, why are they there? Nipa had the most whine and deserved to go.
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