Friday, July 19, 2013 Food Network Star - Episode #8
Another Day Another Donut
This week I had the opportunity to spend Sunday night at 9 o'clock with my family watching FNS together. And one of their first questions was..."You really didn't know someone was coming back?!"
The response? NO!!! The production team can be smooth and we really didn't know that when we got down to 5 people we were quickly about to make it 6 again. They just LOVE to surprise you...
I didn't know who was coming through those doors nor did I have a second to think about it. Seeing Lovely come back I was glad for her- I knew how badly she wanted this...
But this is not week 4! We were down to 5 people and now there was another person to beat to get to the end. As nice as it was to see her I would have rather caught up over drinks after the show was done.
For the mentor challenge we were told to make a signature pasta dish. I LOVE pasta and when I spot the grape tomatoes I know I'm making a version of my Burst Tomato Pasta. I can make it in 30 minutes- it's simple and delicious.
Version from Food Network Star: Click HERE - My Original Video Recipe: Click HERE
I end up with a little extra time at the end so I take some goat cheese, add lemon zest and some of the herbs I have in the pasta and place them on top. The cheese will slowly melt into the dish and add a nice tangy brightness to the sweet tomatoes.
Russell and I are told we are up first (it was shown out of order) and I am gathering a story in my head about my father-in-law Bob and my favorite place on Earth, Fire Island, along with a ton of descriptive words about these tomatoes.
Now, I could have thought it was weird that they kept Russell and I together and sent the rest away... I could have thought it strange that I only had to make a single plate, but I didn't see it coming. And as they tell us to switch plates I suddenly couldn't be looking at a more different dish. Oh geez.
I've seen this on MULTIPLE seasons of Food Network Star! I should have known! But apparently in the moment all thoughts go out of your head and are replaced with "ummmmmmmm"...
I am first up and as they ask me if I'm ready, I remember saying "yes" and screaming in my head "NO". I didn't have a clue where to begin. A blur of 30 seconds later and the judges say that I made their mouths water. Since they have nothing too nice to say about Russell's description I'm hoping that I have a chance at winning this.
But we didn't see the other contestants so I didn't know how the cards might fall. it wasn't until they said, "only one person made our mouths water" I realized they are talking about me. Very cool.
My advantage is to choose my team for the next challenge. I don't know what direction to go in and as I realize I am taking far too long to choose teammates in this schoolyard scenario, I blurt out, "Damaris and Stacey". My thoughts are that they are my friends so we'll work well together and have a good chance at winning.
What I didn't think about... If we lose I have a very real chance of going home. And as excited as we are to be on a team together, that fact hangs over our heads. We just repeat our mantra "we are going to win"... "don't worry, we are going to win"... "we HAVE to win" :/
The day couldn't have gone better, we are working great together, the sun is shining and we are eating donuts.
Stacey definitely had to pare down what she was saying and we all help and make that happen. But when our focus is taken away from the actual delivery none of us notice that she is interrupting Jim, the Donut Man.
I get the pleasure of talking to a ridiculously cute little girl and an older gentleman. I discuss what I am going to ask them and in 30 seconds I fill the requirements of taking a bite, talking to two customers and wrapping up the piece.
We all feel good, the only problem is we have no idea what the other team is doing. What if they nailed it? Were we good enough?
In the end our Donut Man Piece is awesome and we win the challenge. A great group and good team work pays off.
Though this was not aired Giada announced that she felt like Damaris was the winner of the day while Bobby Flay disagreed saying he felt like I was the strongest. Either way I am feeling good!
As we see Lovely come through the door saying she is done, I'm surprised. She didn't really get too much of a chance to redeem herself but that's the challenge, to adjust and adjust FAST.
And though FNS didn't see her potential, knowing her personally I KNOW she will have a lot of success in her life. She won't take "NO" for an answer!
Watch the full episode: Click HERE
Get a sneak peak of next weeks episode: Click HERE
Make my Burst Tomato Pasta: Click HERE
Watch the Field Piece from Team Donuts: Click HERE
See behind the scene pics: Click HERE
Reader Comments (27)
I hope you win FNS! I love your "Meat on the side" POV. I'd actually watch that show. I usually just watch the challenge shows and not the cooking shows, but yours sounds good, especially after reading some of your recipes - they look so yummy and so easy. Good Luck!
I absolutely died when Staci is saying "WE HAVE TO WIN" with these crazy eyes. Also - how about y'all work on a recipe for that donut - YUM! Definitely stopped at Dunkin Donuts this morning just because of watching the episode last night!
I've been reading your blog since this season of FNS started. I really hope you win. I love your cooking POV, and after trying a few of your recipes, can't wait for more!
I am so frustrated right now after watching the injustice of you getting kicked off The Next Food Network Star. Not only did you have the best POV on the show, you were the most level headed competitor with amazing dishes. You were yourself the whole time and even helped carry others on the show. Between Russells "SINS" and Rodneys pie blow up in the fryer I still cannot fathom how they are still on the show. It is truly unfortunate that every other contestant has been coached when they "had a bad day" and you had a "so-so" meal and were nervous when put on the spot about what the meaning of rice pilaf was and you get axed while Rodney serves raw dough but because he is funny, he stays. That is crazy! I don't mean to badmouth any of the other contestants but if I thought anyone was going all the way, I thought for sure it was you. I am so sorry you got robbed. You are an amazing woman, with amazing talent and I think the "meat on the side" idea is absolutely BRILLIANT! I will continue to watch you online and I only hope that someone in the television world swoops you up to get you your own show. Myself and a good couple handful of friends will definitely watch! Good Luck! :-)
I can't believe they sent you home! You were the best! We cheered for you the whole way. I know you will be so successful! Keep on keepin' on.
Welp! Food nerwork blew it again! I have yet to see a "star" come out of this show! I was SURE you'd be the first. From day 1, you were the ONLY one i wanted to watch. I dont even see a point in finishing the season. The best contestant is gone. Not that the fnw has cooking shows on during prime time anyway! So happy to at least have your blog! :)
I have to admit that I found your blog because of the FNS. I love your food concepts. You have a very solid direction here on your website. I wish I was better at that. I am sorry about the show. I actually haven't watched it yet. I DVR it because of my work schedule. I am really looking forward to what you do here at Nikki Dinki Cooking!
Nikki, I appreciate your food POV, and I like your personality, but I don't know if I'd watch you, if you had a show on Food Network. (That said, I'm a little p.o'd about the Paula Deen thing. Don't take it too hard, few after Guy have really lit up the stage, and after time he get's old, too...and I like him.!
Anyway, now that you're gone, I thik Stacy is the person to beat, but Russel and Demaris are coming on strong...
I thought u were going to be the next fns!! I looove your piv and the food u presented was always the one i wanted to try the most! Now i know where to find your recipes. I am positive u will have success in your endeavors!
You were by far the best personality on FNS. They made a HUGE mistake!
I cannot believe they kicked you off FNS...but now I have found your blog, where I will enjoy your POV.
Sooo bummed - but don't get discouraged! Your POV and watchability are just fantastic. Think of all your new fans and stay prepared for more opportunities to share your talents. You WILL be back!
Nikki,
I am so disappointed that you were voted off. After the show, I looked at my wife and told her I was done watching it. I felt you had the best show concept and best on-air personality. I look forward to hearing more from you. You have a great future ahead of you.
Kevin
Nikki, you had the most solid POV on FNS. You did a great job! Thankfully, we have you online. I watch a lot of FN and I thought that out of everyone, you were the one that I would watch. I think they made a mistake. Keep giving us good veggie recipes !
P
I thought for sure that you and Stacy would be the last two people. They REALLY blew it. I think you were the best!!
Good luck to you. You are great!
Nikki I was very sad for you last night when you were asked to leave. I think you are wonderful and would have made a great new Food Star!
Those judges are TOTAL idiots , which proves more and more to me why Food Network just isn't worth watching anymore. Not to badmouth anyone, but Giada was being SO STUPID! Like Rodney can serve uncooked pies as long as he's unique, but someone who doesn't know what a pilaf is gets kicked off? And why does Robert have ANY say whatsoever, without knowing ANY of the competitors in the first place. Honestly, Giada, Alton, and Bobby aren't the ones who are following recipes and learning how to cook- what I'd rather have is 10 weeks of culinary challenges, and then America decides who they want- the judges really shouldn't have much of a say. That being said, if you get the opportunity to be on the show again, take it, and show America that real cooking isn't going around diners, or telling someone they've been 'chopped.' But for the time being, you have a great fan base here who knows that you belong on that television set. This is not me trying to be nice, but just telling the truth- you were 10X better than all the other competitors, and keep cooking for us here. Advertise your blog, do WHATEVER you can, but make sure that you're showing FN who's REALLY the boss.
Lilly
PS Ditto to what Jennifer said! :)
Nikki, I was so sad to see you go on the last episode of FNS! I was really looking forward to watching your show. I am trying to incorporate more veggies into our meals and I love your "meat on the side" idea. I think that is the type of show that FN needs to have and one that I would definitely have tuned in for. Plus you have such a great personality! I'll be following you online.
Nikki - I am so sad they send you home this week!!!! I couldn't wait for your show to start!
We will never forget you and your awesome pov!!!
Nikki, my hope is that you will be like Chris Daughtry, who was voted off American Idol at number 4, and discovered that because he was booted earlier, AI didn't have the same claim on his future career (which has boomed) as if he had continued to the end. Though I think the final peeps all have their good points, and all would have gained confidence with more time /experience, your "meat on the side" POV is the way I want to eat. Further, your confidence and your on-camera demeanor grew by leaps when they told you to bring your authority and drop the giggles. I am surprised at their decision because in my opinion you developed more than any other contestant, your natural POV fits the direction of health and wellness, and, as others have said, your blunder didn't seem bigger than any other's, whereas when you are on (as you increasingly are) your skills are un-matched. No offense to them, but I think Rodney is an entertainer with food on the side (and I really can't understand much of what he says), Russell has something good but he hesitates and occasionally goes blank, and while Stacey is good I think she is wooden and I would not stick long with her (and in this recent show I'm seeing a side of her I definitely don't care for). I like Damaris' freshness and charm, but I'm still unsure what she stands for. So as it stands, I am very appreciative to have found your blog through FNS, and expect that your on-air growth will continue, and if (when) FN someday wants to jump back in with you, great. Just be sure they pay you triple.