Sunday, June 2, 2013 Food Network Star - Episode #2
Here we go again!
As we pull up to this massive set up with grills, a stage, tables and more chairs than were at my wedding I quickly realize that though the day will be spent in the sun, I will definitely not be relaxing and working on my tan.
Instead I'm making a burger, for 100 people! A burger that contains my culinary POV of "Meat on the Side" (hmmmm) and somehow rivals the beefy burgers being made all around me.
The obvious thought is a veggie burger, but with a limited pantry and 100 people expecting a meat burger I decide to do a 1/2 veggie 1/2 meat burger.
I'm hoping to appeal to these meat-eaters while still representing my POV.
At home I make what I call "meal balls" they are like meat balls but they are 1/2 veggies 1/2 meat. So why not take that and make it into a burger? It could work...
But it doesn't :( With the volume of burgers I'm making I lose site of the flavors I wanted to create and scared of not making enough food I just keep adding veggies to my meat and of course end up over working my burger.
Times runs out and it's not the worst burger, but it's not what I wanted to serve to Alton, Giada and Bobby.
As it's my turn on stage, I feel confident, and I deliever a solid two minutes. The problem is my choice of words. I should have focused just on the flavors, and maybe left my message of "Meat on the Side" for later.
This isn't exactly my prime audience and I should have considered that more.
So though I miss being in the middle of the pack with 4 others and their 7 tokens, my 6 tokens land me in the bottom 3.
I survive to live and cook another week. But it's a scary feeling standing there with a 1 in 3 chance of going home, so scary I might have shed a tear or two :/
I'm happy to make it through but angry that I'm in this position. I'm suddenly fighting just to stay here, and all I can think is how next week is my break it or make it week.
And I'm not just looking to stick around, I want to win!
( Damaris and Viet offer some kind words and a couple hugs, it makes a rough day better)
Tune in next Sunday at 9pm and find out if I keep my promise of "never being on the bottom again" or if this home chef, goes home...
Watch the full episode: Click HERE
Get a sneak peak of next weeks episode: Click HERE
Read Justin Warner's recap: Click HERE
Recipes from this Episode: Click HERE
Photo's from the episode: Click HERE
Reader Comments (9)
Cheering for you in Buffalo!
Nikki! My husband and I are totally watching episode two right now and we are so rooting for you!! You're just adorable. You said you had a food blog and I immediately had to look you up since we're food bloggers ourselves. Woot woot! I'm really hoping you win girly!!
Hi Nikki! I was in the Pretzel Crisp contest with you and was a finalist like you! I wanted to let you know I am rooting for you! You have such a natural talent in front of the camera, and I want to see you in your own show on the Food Network!! Good luck!
Hang in there! I really like your idea for a show. I'm not a vegetarian, but I really enjoy vegetables, and I think it's such a shame that so many shows/food personalities cater to the "put bacon/butter on everything" mentality. Nothing wrong with bacon or butter (obviously), but you don't need to cover it up; vegetables are not something you need to swallow whole and not even taste. If you can properly handle them with other ingredients and other methods, (I think) they can make your tastebuds very happy!
Good luck! You and Viet are the two I really root for! You both have such a fresh perspective and are so humble.
Hi Nikki, it's Jennifer's from Toronto! so happy to see you on top 3 again in episode 3! Will support you because you have good personality and I hope you can inspire more people to go for the veggie option!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!
Thank you for your great article Nikki.
In fact many carnivores prefer vegan venues, as i found out on this article :
http://animal-welfare.org/worlds-best-burger/
Anybody likes vegan burgers ?
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