The Next Food Network Star 2008: The Rachael Ray Segment
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Last night the Next Food Network Star contestants had to show their chops in front of the camera with a Girl Scout in tow. There was only one challenge this week: make a kid-friendly, healthy meal with the help and inspiration of a Girl Scout.
We are down to the last 5, there wasn’t a huge time constraint or any real restrictions on ingredients, so the food was all good. The judges didn’t have a lot to complain about regarding the taste of the food. This challenge came down to being able to navigate the food segment. The contestants were in front of a live audience, had to talk with Rachael, involve their Girl Scout Sous Chef and cook within a 4 minute segment.
Aaron did an incredible job. I was so thrilled for him and it was a great feeling seeing him shine. There has never been any doubt that he can cook, but he has continually frozen in front of the camera….not this time. He seemed at home and did a great job engaging the child and Rachael without losing his main purpose…to cook the food. I was a little worried at first when he went to go wash their hands…I thought he was going to blow it, but he recovered and ended up winning the challenge.
Mat did great and came in second. So, it was down to Lisa, Kelsey and Shane. Neither of them did that great during their cooking segment. I was surprised at Lisa. First, she kind of manipulated her 8 year-old helper into food that I don’t think that the girl really wanted. But it was a nice meal and I do agree that it is important for kids to try new flavors. The couscous was a good idea. When the cooking segment came she just froze-up. I was surprised to hear her say that Rachael Ray intimidated her more than even Martha Stewart. What Lisa has going for her is the food and the fact that I do think that it is in there. She just needs to stop over thinking every little camera moment.
Shane basically ignored his Girl Scout and Kelsey put everyone else to work except herself. Watching her made me realize that she doesn’t understand what they mean when they tell her that she shows not authority. Showing authority doesn’t mean you take over your hosts job. It was VERY uncomfortable watching her and unless she has an epiphany I think her days are numbered.
They ended up choosing Shane to leave. I thought that Kelsey should have hit the road, but I understand their choice and in the long run I think it will be the best thing for Shane. So far, Guy Fieri is the only winner who has really reached the Food Network Star status. More than likely this winner will not and Shane is only 19 years-old. He needs to go out and experience life. He talks so much about France and I really think he needs to pack-up and study there for a while. I really do think that we will see Shane in a few years either making a name for himself at some restaurant or maybe even the Food Network will come a-knocking on his door.
Next week the final four head for Vegas. I think that it is going to end-up as a show-down between Lisa and Aaron. Who do you think the final two will be?
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POSTED IN: TV, The Next Food Network Star
4 opinions for The Next Food Network Star 2008: The Rachael Ray Segment
Linette
Jul 7, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I really like Lisa, but I also root for Aaron. I’d love to see them in the final two:)
Heather
Jul 8, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I’m on Team Lisa :D I think she really knows what she’s doing, she just needs to *chill out*.
Stuart Reb Donald
Jul 21, 2008 at 12:38 am
I think Kelsey and maybe Shane were the two best bets to have an actual star come out of this season. Lisa, too, but for different reasons. None of the rest are memorable.
Lorraine
Jul 28, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Who won.. Everytime I tried to stay awake to see the winner I pooped out!!
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