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Kelsey Nixon to Star on Food Network's Web Show

partysugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:00:52 -0800

Kelsey Nixon, the perky blonde contestant on the fourth season of the Next Food Network Star, is getting her own show. In the November issue of Utah Valley magazine, she discusses her new role at Food Network:

I've been approached by so many production companies, but I think Food Network is the route I should go. I'm working on a project with them right now — a web show about teaching cooking basics. . . My co-host on the show is Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef and we have a great time. I'm the one to do the 'by-the-book' classic methods, and he uses crazy ingredients from all over the world.

The show will be a part of F2 a new website the Food Network is launching in early 09. According to Kelsey they plan to shoot 65 episodes and have wrapped filming on the first 13. This is an interesting move for Food Network and I definitely look forward to checking out the chemistry between bubbly Kelsey and spastic Spike. What do you think of the unlikely duo?

Source

Lisa Garza Might Be Getting Her Own Show

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:41 -0700

An overwhelming majority of you felt Lisa Garza should get her own show on the Food Network, yet she was the only finalist on last season's Next Food Network Star to walk away without a deal.

Now the food and media world is abuzz with rumors that the Dallas restaurateur scored herself a new show on CBS. When asked about the rumors, Garza reportedly stayed mum, saying she "can't afford to screw it up" by saying anything to the media just yet.

If this rumor turns out to be fact, I'm curious to know what type of format the show will use. Would you watch this chef on her own show, even if it weren't on the Food Network? Stay tuned for further details.

Source

Adam Gets His Own Show on Food Network

partysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:15:24 -0700

The Food Network has announced that the Next Food Network Star runner-up, Adam Gertler, will have his own series. The show will feature Adam demonstrating how food-industry insiders perform their jobs. Entitled "Will Work For Food," the series is scheduled to debut on Sept. 30 at 9:30 p.m. Bob Tushman, a judge on NFNS and senior vice president of Programing and Production for the Food Network explained why Gertler gets his own show:

On the Next Food Network Star Adam exhibited a unique combination of quick wit, passion for food, and an engaging personality. He earned millions of fans across the country who have let us know that we have a second star in our midst. We feel this series is a perfect fit for his talents, letting him showcase his brand of humor while he works for food.

I preferred Adam to the winner Aaron McCargo Jr. and am excited Adam was rewarded a show. How about you? Will you watch Adam on the Food Network?

Source

Were You Surprised by the Outcome of the Finale?

partysugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:48:03 -0700

I was incredibly surprised while watching last night's season finale of the Next Food Network Star. Going into the finale, I wasn't sure if Lisa, Aaron, or Adam was capable of being a Food Network Star. After seeing them cook on Rachael Ray's set, I was amazed at how well they performed. Each one of them was entertaining and informed during the pilots. I couldn't help but wonder if it was the editing that lead me to believe none of them were worthy of a Food Network show. However, the most shocking moment, by far, was when they announced the winner. Did you watch? Were you surprised by the finale? Source

Were You Surprised by the Outcome of the Finale?

Yes! I was very surprised.

No, I thought it was anti-climatic.

I was a little surprised by the winner, but not by the episode as a whole.

Other — I'll tell you what I thought of the finale below.

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star.

Who Should Win the Next Food Network Star?

partysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:45:31 -0700

This Sunday is the season finale of the Next Food Network Star. For the first time ever, three people — Adam, Lisa, and Aaron — will compete in the finals. Who are you rooting for? Source

Who Should Win the Next Food Network Star?

Adam

Lisa

Aaron

None of them has what it takes to be a Food Network Star.

I haven't been following the Next Food Network Star.

Who Had The Hardest Commercial?

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:45:57 -0700

Last night on the Next Food Network Star the final three had to make a promotional commercial for their show and create an over the top buffet for Las Vegas performers. Former NFNS winner, Guy Fieri, coached the contestants and acted as the guest judge. While each finalist ran into certain obstacles (Lisa burned her pork, Aaron bombed his introduction, and Adam went smoking crazy), I felt like the promos were totally unfair. Lisa flew through a huge wine cellar and Adam learned a choreographed dance, but Aaron simply walked around a casino. Did you watch? Whose commercial was the most difficult to shoot?Source

Who Had The Hardest Commercial?

Lisa — she was hooked to wires and lifted through a narrow wine cellar!

Adam — he had to dance with showgirls while reciting his lines!

Aaron — he walked through a crowded casino!

I thought all of the commercials were equally difficult to shoot.

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star.

Were You Surprised Kelsey Was Kicked Off?

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:00:18 -0700

Last night on the Next Food Network Star, the final four arrived in Vegas, dined with Paula Deen, and competed in a scaled down version of Bobby Flay's Throwdown. Perky Kelsey was sent home for making dishes that were too complicated. Certain she was a Food Network shoo-in, I was shocked when the judges asked her to leave. How abut you? What did you think of the elimination?

Were You Surprised Kelsey Was Kicked Off?

Yes, I was totally surprised Kelsey was sent home!

No. Kelsey didn't have what it takes to win.

Other — I'll tell you my thoughts about Kelsey below.

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star.

Who Performed the Best on the Rachael Ray Show?

partysugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:00:14 -0700

Last night on the Next Food Network Star the contestants had to perform a live demonstration with children on Rachael Ray's daytime television show. For the first time, I thought all of the contestants did surprisingly well. However, I thought Kelsey, whose interaction with the girl scout was wonderful, performed the best. The judges disagreed and she was in the bottom two. Did you watch?Source

Are Shane and Kelsey Too Young to Be Food Network Stars?

partysugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:05:38 -0700

Last night Shane and Kelsey shone on the Next Food Network Star. Shane won both challenges and created a simplified version of beef Wellington. The recipe, which was a collaboration between him and Kelsey, will be featured in an upcoming issue of Bon Appetit magazine. While I was impressed by the youngsters presentation and execution, I wonder if they have what it takes to be the Next Food Network star. Can someone really be an expert at the age of 20 or 23? What do you think? Are Shane and Kelsey too young to be Food Network stars?Source

Are Shane and Kelsey Too Young to Be Food Network Stars?

Yes, they both need more experience before getting their own television show.

No, they've both studied the culinary arts and are knowledgeable and informed.

Other — I'll tell you what I think about Shane and Kelsey below.

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star last night.

Was the Technique Challenge Unfair?

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:05:37 -0700

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? Source

Was the Technique Challenge Unfair?

Yes, the challenge was unfair. When Rachael Ray first started did she know how to clean squid?!

Maybe it was a little unfair.

No, it's a competition. The challenges aren't supposed to be fair.

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star.

Other — tell us what you thought of the episode below.

Can Kelsey Calm Down Enough to Be a Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:34 -0700

After putting their personal spin on the potato, the contestants on last night's episode of The Next Food Network Star created a branded product to dish out to food buyers. When surprise guest Martha Stewart did some sampling of her own, a few of the cooks were utterly overcome. Seriously, Lisa couldn't stop weeping.Jeffrey's seasoned salt failed to impress the judges, and he went home. But it was Kelsey, the self-proclaimed "mini Martha Stewart," who dominated this episode with her undercooked pancetta potatoes and ultra-perky delivery. The judges thought she looked and sounded too forced and rehearsed, and I agree. Do you think she can tone it down enough to succeed?Source

Can Kelsey Calm Down Enough to Be a Food Network Star?

Yes. She understands that she's too perky and will try to change.

Maybe, but it's going to require a major personality makeover.

No — I expect she won't last long.

I didn't watch The Next Food Network Star.

Other — Tell us below.

Should Nipa Have Been Kicked off the Next Food Network Star?

partysugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:00:13 -0700

Last night's interesting episode of the the Next Food Network Star had the contestants running around New York on an ingredient scavenger hunt and cooking Dinner Impossible style on a train. The show started with an appearance by fallen star Robert Irvine and ended with a contestant wanting to quit. Did you watch? Were you surprised by Lisa's success? Should Kevin or Nipa have been sent home? I was personally annoyed by Nipa's righteous behavior — didn't it take her forever to get ready? — and hoped the judges would eliminate her. How about you? Source

Should Nipa Have Been Kicked off the Next Food Network Star?

Yes! She wanted to quit and therefore deserved to be sent home

No, everyone deserves a second chance.

Other — if I were a judge, I would have eliminated ______ (fill in the blank below).

I didn't watch the Next Food Network Star.

Yummy Links: From Lucky Charms to Twinkle's New Kitchen

partysugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:45:53 -0700

Lucky Charms has a new charm: the hourglass. — So Good
An inside look at the party Martha recently threw for Emeril. — The Martha Blog
Lisa Garza, the Food Network's Next Food Network Star contestant: love her or hate her? — Serious Eats
Luscious looking lemon squares and more recipes that highlight the flavor of the sunny citrus fruit. — GlamDish
The best herbs to plant in a cocktail-garnish garden. — Imbibe Unfiltered
Use strawberries to make strawberry rhubarb jam. — The Kitchen Sink
Check out Kitchen Goddess Twinkle's amazingly redesigned new kitchen.— CasaSugar
Source

Did You Watch The Next Food Network Star?

partysugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:45:48 -0700

Last night was the premiere of the Food Network's cooking reality show, The Next Food Network Star. I thought it was an interesting, surprising first episode. This season's characters seem more credible than last year's contestants and I'm excited to check out what happens. I love how Bobby Flay has permanently joined the judging panel. How about you, what did you think of the episode? Did you understand Lisa's cooking philosophy? Wasn't it humorous that the comedian was NOT at all funny? Is Giada de Laurentiis threatened by uber perky, perfect for Food Network Kelsey? Did you even watch?Source

Did You Watch The Next Food Network Star?

Yes! I've already set my TiVo to ensure I won't miss an episode.

I watched, but probably won't follow the competition too closely.

Oh man, I meant to watch it but totally forgot it was on last night!

Nope, I could care less who the Next Food Network Star is.

Other — I'll tell you what I think about it below.

Who Will Be The Next Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:00:46 -0700

The upcoming installment of The Next Food Network Star doesn't begin until June 1, however we've got an early sneak peek for you now. If you're wondering who will be the next Amy Finley, then pay attention, I've got the bios for all the folks. Will it be Nipa the marketing manager, Aaron the family man, or someone else? Learn more about each contestant when you click the "Start" button. Then vote for your favorite at the end of the slideshow!

Yummy Link: Are You The Next Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:13:19 -0700

If you think you've got what it takes to be the Next Food Network Star, then get ready, they're holding auditions now. - TV Food Fan

Yummy Link: Bourdain and The Next Food Network Star

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:28:31 -0700

I promised myself that after recapping Sunday night's snooze-o-rama, I would no longer talk about Next Food Network Star. I would have stuck to it too if it wasn't for Anthony Bourdain. He recently posted a new "top secret" memo leaked from the Food Network HQ. Of course it's all just tongue in cheek prose (or is it?!?), but that's what makes it so darn fun. - Ruhlman

Image Source

The Next Food Network Star - Season 3 Finale Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:03:38 -0700

Did you watch the finale of the Next Food Network Star? If so, then you know that it was a weird snooze-love-fest hosted by Marc Summers. I still have a hard time thinking of him as a "food personality," mostly because I can't seem to disassociate him from Double Dare. I spent the whole time expecting him to yell, "On your mark. Get set. Go!" - which, by the way, he never did. Although now that I've thought about it, don't you think NFNS would be more entertaining if the contestants had to go through physical challenges and obstacle courses? But I digress...

The finale episode was mostly a recap/reunion show. We saw highlights from the season, behind the scene clips, the contestants now (anyone like Jag's little glasses?), and all the tears, whining and goofing off that happened during the season. They pretty much showed anything that would drag the show out for 58 minutes before the winner was declared. So who won? To find out,

Who Should Win The Next Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:31:39 -0700

Don't forget, the Next Food Network Star ends this Sunday. The winner gets a show on Food Network - I hear it's for six episodes, but can't confirm that anywhere. Voting has already ended, but who do you hope wins?Oh, and if you think you can do better than either of them, casting for season 4 has already begun.Image Source

Who Should Win The Next Food Network Star?

Amy

Rory

Undecided

Who Cares?! Why are we still talking about this show?!?

What Do You Think of Jag's Behavior?

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:01:38 -0700

If you had an ounce of respect left for Next Food Network Star contestant Jag, I have a feeling it's about to dissipate. Our friends at Food Network Addict are reporting that Jag offered to reveal the finalists (a super reality TV no-no) in exchange for keeping his background a secret.

"In a bid to preserve his shot at a six-episode Food Network series deal, Garcia revealed in those interviews that he was one of the final two contestants. Military Times did not include this claim in previous stories because it was not clear whether this was another lie, and to protect the integrity of the show."

Wow. That is really something else. What do you guys think? Do you like Jag?Source: Food Network Addict and Air Force Times Image Source

What Do You Think of Jag's Behavior?

Disgusting - The guy is terrible.

He's okay, he's just misguided.

I don't care what he did, I still like him.

Undecided

Who Cares?

Yummy Link: Food Network Star's Rory No Newbie to Reality TV

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 06:28:39 -0700

Thanks again to everyone who wrote in to tell us that Next Food Network Star finalist, Rory Schepisi, was actually the runner-up on Country Music Television's "Popularity Contest". - Route 66 News

The Next Food Network Star - 3.6 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:30:38 -0700

Oh Next Food Network Star, just when I think you can't get any worse... warning don't read on if you're not interested in spoilers.

What should have been an amazing episode - Iron Chef battle! - turned out to be dull and boring. The contestants have to battle against each other in "kitchen stadium junior" and are assisted by former contestants. Paul "The Party Budget" and his sous chef Mike, go up against Rory "The Backyard Bistro" and her sous chef Adrien in a striped bass battle. Jag "Latino Fusion" and his sous chef Colombe (who was made to look as slow and incompetent as possible) go up against Amy and her sous chef Tommy in a whole chicken battle. Now is it just me, or does striped bass seem a bit more difficult than whole chicken?

The challenges are done back to back, and when they're not cooking, the contestants have to provide commentary to the camera. Amy does a great job and even researches Panko crumbs, Jag is okay, while Rory and Paul are just terrible. Paul declares that plum tomatoes are from "plummy" and Rory thinks she's being cute by attacking Alton Brown. Speaking of AB, he should seriously start reading through his contracts better. He does not seem like he wants to be there and it feels as though he is "contractually obligated" to show up - maybe that's not the case, but it sure comes across that way. Not that I'm complaining, he was - for the second week in a row - actually the most entertaining part of the show.

To find out who won and who went home,

Who Should Win The Next Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:40:18 -0700

If you're watching this season of Next Food Network Star, I have to know, who do you think should win?Image Source

The Next Food Network Star - 3.5 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:01:38 -0700

Based on the previews, I was actually looking forward to last night's Next Food Network Star. I'm a big Alton Brown fan and the commercials made it look like it was going to be an interesting drama-loaded trainwreck. So naturally, like all drama-loaded trainwrecks, I couldn't wait to watch.

Let me start with one word: Wow. And that's more of an "Are you serious?" sort of wow, as opposed to an "Amazing!" sort of wow.

We're down to five chefs and at this point none of them look like they're ready (or deserve) their own show. They're yelling, crying, flubbing lines, not cooking anything, and just failing in every way possible. I know that there's a lot of fancy editing, and that they're living in this unnatural pressure-cooker type of environment, but still, get it together folks. Quit your crying, start your cooking, and get ready to be a star!

To see what happened, find out who went home, and discover what causes Alton to breakdown and say, "Can we send them all home and start over?"

The Next Food Network Star - 3.4 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:03:18 -0700

Before I start with last night's Next Food Network Star recap, I have a quick question: Would you actually watch a show hosted by any of these folks? None of them seem that likable. I once rooted for Adrien, but he's coming across as blah. Then I rooted for Amy, but she's too snooty/whiny. Paul is unfortunately too wound up for Food TV, Rory seems too much like everyone else on the network, Michael seems robotic and Jag, well Jag is sometimes downright scary. So, which of these contestants deserves the chance to build an empire? I'm not sure, but to find out who's no longer in the running,

Is Anthony Bourdain Right About The Next Food Network Star?

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:18:31 -0700

I've been waiting for this since the premiere of The Next Food Network Star: Anthony Bourdain's opinion of the latest Food Network reality installment.Naturally he starts off complaining about the show:

Minimally talented wannabe cooks of negligible to moderate experience compete to become "Celebrity Chefs" based on a focus group-like criteria of "likability."

He then determines who could win and who couldn't, explaining how Food Network doesn't let people with accents, leadership, healthy food agendas, or flat personalities in. He does all this with a great amount of disgust. However, in his next post he has completely changed his mind and is now in love with the show!

I LOVE this show! It's brutal (if often accidental) honesty.. it's unflinching lifting of the rock and all the naked, wriggly, ugly and needy ambitions it reveals. Magnificent!

Sure there's still a truckload of snarkiness in his post, but it makes me giggle thinking that Bourdain is also sitting around on Sunday night watching NFNS. If you're a fan of either Food Network or Anthony Bourdain, be sure to check out his full ramblings. And then once you do come back and tell me, do you agree with Bourdain's comments?Source: Ruhlman Wire Image

Is Anthony Bourdain Right About The Next Food Network Star?

Totally - He's spot on.

No Way - He's just bitter.

Somewhat - It depends on how you look at it.

Who Cares! It's still just reality TV!

Anthony Who?

*Yawn*

Other - let us know in the comments.

The Next Food Network Star - 3.3 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:03:18 -0700

Last night's episode of The Next Food Network Star saw the Food Network hopefuls prepping signature chocolate dishes for NBA royalty, as well as serving up courtside food for the fans. It also took us from eight chefs down to six. That's right, in one fell swoop we lost two contestants. So who went home and who got to stick around in hopes of becoming a star? To get my full recap,

The Next Food Network Star - 3.2 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:01:18 -0700

This week on "The Next Food Network Star" the contestants were faced with two interesting challenges. First they had to present one section of a recipe in front of the camera, and then they had to come up with a signature grill dish. I must say, I was actually entertained by this episode, the editing and pacing were comfortable, and unlike last week's ludicrous wedding challenge, the challenges really seemed like a good way to determine a new star. Plus, having Giada de Laurentiis as this week's host/judge was a nice treat. To see what happened this week and find out who got kicked off,

Which Reality Cooking Show Will You Watch This Summer?

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 06:59:32 -0700

Which Reality Cooking Show Will You Watch This Summer?

Next Food Network Star

Top Chef

Hell's Kitchen

All of the Above

Other - Let us know in the comments.

None - Who watches food? I eat it!

The Next Food Network Star - 3.1 Recap

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 09:57:18 -0700

I never got into the first two seasons of "The Next Food Network Star." However, when I heard that the producers were "stepping up their game" this season, I decided to give it another try. Last night's two-hour premiere introduced us to 11 hopeful stars and you know what? It wasn't that bad. As the promos say, it's an all new season, all new rules. And from the look of things, it looks like the producers have taken a page out of Top Chef's rule book. There's more behind the scenes, at the dorms and in the kitchen, as well as faster-paced editing. To see what I thought of last night's premiere,

Yummy Link: The Next Food Network Star

YumSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 10:43:18 -0700

In all of my Top Chef excitement, I've completely forgotten that The Next Food Network Star starts this Sunday, June 3. Word is the show is going to kick things up a notch in order to compete with other food-related reality shows. - Food Network Addict