Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Food Network Star - Episode #9
End Of The Road, Not The End Of A Dream!!
Well let's just get right down to it...I got sent home this week...
I spent the day dreading 9 p.m., knowing the tears I would inevitably have to watch myself cry. But at least everyone would finally know what happened and I could think about what was next.
Being on Food Network Star was a dream come true. I hoped but never really expected that a 3 minute tape of me on my couch would lead to this.
*Drawn by Damaris
The experience was more than I could have hoped for. The other contestants consisted of the most amazing, talented, funny, thoughtful chefs and cooks I have ever met.
I got to share my food and myself with millions of people. I got to cook for Bobby Flay and I got the never ending satisfaction of him telling me how good it was.
There are memories on top of memories that I will keep with me and pull out when life gets tough or I just need to smile.
Don't get me wrong, it was the most mentally and physically grueling experience of my life. Filled with the most stressful of days and the nagging self-doubt that has a way of creeping up when you're put through a competition like this.
But no matter what I say, I would do it again in a heartbeat (I must actually be crazy ;))
I didn't think I was going home that day. I felt that I had proven myself enough to get to the finale.
I think the knowledge and accessibly of a home chef can be taken for granted. But peoples' opinions are their own, and luckily I've had 5 months to come to terms with that. Now I am in a position to console everyone else around me as the shock sticks fresh in their minds.
I spent the competition afraid I would just fail at some point. I was so scared I would leave this experience regretting something, or everything. I felt like it was either regret or winning, with no in-between.
And as I sat there, in front of a camera giving my last words I would speak on the show, I may have had tears in my eyes, but there was no thought of regret in my head.
I paused and realized I simply couldn't have done anymore. I gave EVERYTHING I had, and I cooked a lot of REALLY delicious food, I was disappointed, but not regretful.
Now don't get me wrong, it took a while to shake it off and start focusing on a different path to get me to my goal. But shake it off I did and I am so excited to start down that new path.
Day 1 in LA
Read my Exit Interview on FoodNetwork.com and share your thoughts in the comments section. Seeing over 1100 people post words of support has definitely softened the blow. And who knows? Maybe the Food Network will listen!
Believe me, I ain't going anywhere...
Watch the full episode: Click HERE
Read my Interview with Food Network + Leave a Comment: Click HERE
Voice your Thoughts, Call Food Network Viewer Services
at 865-560-3663
You might also like these recipes:
Cauliflower Soup
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tomatillo Salsa
Burst Tomato Pasta
Broccoli Tacos
Reader Comments (71)
I've never posted about a competition tv show before but seriously, I CANNOT believe Rodney is still there and you were sent home. Not one thing he has made has looked edible this entire season. I can't wait to try some of the recipes on your website - best of luck with whatever is next!
My family and I were shocked. We thought you would win hands down. We love your point of view.
Good luck!
So sad to see you exit the show. I certainly haven't agreed with the judging this season. I discovered your blog shortly before I saw you on Food Network Star. You are a great host and chef and I enjoy making your recipes. You will go far and we can't wait to see where!
I could go on for ages about negative things, but I won't.
I am so grateful that the Food Network introduced the world to you and your vision for food - it's current and speaks to a huge audience. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you - the world needs more of Nikki Dinki!
Dear Nikki Dinki,
My name is Chelsea and I am fifteen years old. I'm a HUGE fan of the Food Network and have been watching you on Food Network Star. You are amazing. I love your point of view. Even though I didn't get a chance to watch episode nine of the show, I was shocked that you went home. I was like "OMG! WHAT?!" I found out you went home in episode nine by going on your website. I am so sorry that you were eliminated. I know that being sent home won't stop you from doing what you love and what you do best. I think you did a great job and I'm so proud of you. You were one of my favorite contestants on the show and you will be one of my favorite TV cooks in my heart. Just keep going with what you do and enjoy it. Hopefully, you will get a chance to read my comment and get a chance to respond. Remember, do what you do best and follow your dreams. TTYLXOX,
Chelsea
P.S. TTYLXOX means talk to you later hugs and kisses.
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Chelsea,
Thank you for your message. It was a shock to me too!! haha. It still disappointing that I could not get to the end but I'm excited for what's next. Sometimes things just take a little longer than you planned. But that's ok, just going to keep on truckin' or maybe cookin' is more like it ;)
TTYLXOX (Thanks for the explanation, I'm getting old and out of touch ;)
Nikki Dinki
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Hi Nikki,
So much to say. First, you and Damaris were/are my 2 favorites. Still are.
2nd: In my opinion, you deserved to outlast Rodney and also, Russell. I also think you have more audience-appeal than Stacey.
3rd: Know now, that even thru this disappointment, "the viewers know" and they saw, and you have LOTS of people behind you! Just look at the outpouring of response on the FNS Blog now.
4th: As you said: the Dream is not dead! And now you have all this exposure and being in the Top 5 on Food Network Star. A fantastic thing to have on yer Resume'!. Your husband can feel proud and so can you! I said so, and posted about it in the Blog.
I'd be happy if both you and Damaris each had a show. I hope she is reading the FNS Blog along with you. I think you would do much better than the monotonous Sandwich guy. Alot of people are into what you're doing and you communicate it well. You said, you ain't going anywhere. Good for you! Keep on rollin'!--Crouton40
With 1100 posts and growing on the FNS blog, I think its clear you've connected with millions of fans. While I'm still bumming over your departure from the competition, I've figured out a way to get over the disappointment until you get your own show. I am going to try making every Nikki Dinki dish on this site! Mind you, I can barely boil water correctly. But darned if I'm not going to try!
Keep doing what you do and never give up!
I love your blog and all your Vlogs too. You should NOT have been sent home. You were my favorite by a very far stretch. You will have your own show and I am really excited to watch your journey. I found your blog bec you were on FNS and I look for your new posts every other day. You've got a great POV and you're fun to watch. When I watch your videos, I'm like, "Oh yeah! I can totally do that!!!" then I do it and it tastes awesome!!!
Total B.S. girl! Alton got it totally wrong!!! You are the face for 25-35 year old women! I feel like I'm getting perspective on stodgy, out dated pov from food network. I read a lot of blogs, and food network really missed the generational pov that you have. So disappointed! I always thought Alton was a little boring, now I do much more so.
Hi Nikki,
This is not a hate mail- promise! But I was glad to see you leave... ONLY because I do not think you were a good match for the food network. The way that some of the judges spoke to you and belittled you for being an upbeat person was truly disturbing this season. Everyone has a different temperament and just because yours is super light and upbeat, doesn't mean that you are not an authority - it just means that you are an upbeat, light-hearted person. I watch both the Next Food Network Star and Design Star with my girls- and I"m super picky about what we watch together. Their treatment of you, Damaris and Stacey had me feeling like I was watching a cut-throat reality show on one of the major networks this season. I was quite uncomfortable with watching it with my daughters and they are no longer fans of Giada because of it. (They never liked Alton to begin with and Bobby was the most supportive on camera.) We watched that biography show of Giada where it showed her painfully uncomfortable in front of the camera her first few SEASONS- but she's got connections in film, so she still got her own show. There was nothing 'authoritative' about her for many, many shows- and certainly no 'edge' that they kept referring to. It was disappointing to see her forget that so quickly and be harsh and judgmental rather then helpful and supportive. HGTV did a much better job this year of doling out constructive criticism without belittling their contestants. My girls and I all are hoping that you find a much better match to who you naturally are. We love the bubbles, the unsuppressed laughter and the lightness you bring to the camera. DO NOT STOP THAT!!! Don't let one set of judges dim that light and let you believe for a second that you are not able to convey food authority in a way that honors your individual personality and who you naturally are. We love you! And can't wait to see you somewhere where you are honored for that... and I don't think that is the Food Network. This was not a loss for you- really. :) Keep shining your unique bright light. The right match is out there...
Nikki - Just watched the recorded show and was shocked. Your POV is needed on FN - someone above was correct. The FN is getting old and stogy and needs to rethink. I rarely watch anymore and just use the website for an occassional recipe idea. You go Girl! . You were right in what you said - with a name like yours people will remember you. I for one did, have found your blog and will be checking out your postings and looking forward to more. Good luck to you!
You are too fabulous not to be on television. I'm a vegetarian and love love LOVE watching you cook and speak about your food. I had convinced myself that you were going to win, and I'm fighting back my Food Network resentment. I didn't even find out you weren't a professional chef until the middle of the season, and I don't think anyone who watches the show would disagree that you've got what it takes. Thank God for the blog, because it's great to hear you being positive about the whole thing. Keep on cooking, and I hope to see you on my TV soon.
I am crushed that you were eliminated from the competition! You were by far my favorite and you were highlighting my favorite food group. I would have loved to watch your show and I will follow you wherever your journey takes you.
Nikki,
Where did you get that great dress that you wore in the last episode? Loved it!
Nicki,
Just wanted to pass along my words of encouragement. I am a mother of two little girls and enjoy cooking, but only do it for fun and family. I loved your POV and was rooting hard for you. I agree with the earlier comments that to me you came off very knowledgeable but light and upbeat at the same time. The fact that you couldn't spout off the definition of a pilaf doesn't matter in the least to me. When I watch the food network I watch to enjoy the show, and to learn how to make a healthy meal, I'm not training to be a professional chef so I don't actually enjoy a lot of factual information. In fact, I do not enjoy Alton's show... It feels like a food science class (which I already took in college). Anyway, best of luck to you. I, like so many others am quite pleased that the Food Network introduced you to me ; )
- Cindy
I am so shocked and sad that you were sent home. My husband and I were sure you would win the whole thing, hands down. I am a huge fan of food network, but I believe they made a huge mistake sending you home. Please keep us posted on your next venture. I would love to continue watching and learning from you. Best wishes!
-Ashley
Hi Nikki,
Just want to say I love your blog and your point of view. I was totally shocked when you were eliminated - I thought you and Damaris would be the finalists, and I was rooting for you to win. I think your viewpoint of meat on the side is inspired and timely, and while a lot of home cooks might agree with it in theory are hard-pressed to put it into action in a way that they believe will satisfy their picky eaters or their meat-eating spouses and family members. You were able to show how to easily incorporate the point of view, and I truly believe that we need you to have your own show - and that you will achieve it someday! I can't believe Rodney is still there - while I like him and he is certainly entertaining, I don't think he prepared one food item that was actually edible, much less appetizing! While everything you made looked good - even your salad with cereal! Well, just wanted to let you know that I'm one of the many of your fans, and I think the Food Network judges made a BIG mistake. And I don't agree with Alton either. I think you do have the food knowledge, but it's not always easy to articulate it in the 30 second or so you're given! I am glad that the Food Network was able to introduce you to a wider fan base - you're right it's not the end! This will help propel you to even better things. Take care and keep cooking! Best wishes! Marisa
Nikki, I can't believe they sent you home. I am not a vegetarian/vegan person, however I liked your POV, and believe it is needed on FN. I do not understand how the final two were not you and Damaris. You two were clearly the top cooks and personalities in this competitions, and the responses on the FN blog should be some indication to the producers that someone screwed up.
I teach culinary classes in a high school and frequently use FN and other videos as resources to supplement our lessons. I will now be adding you to that list.
God bless you and your future endeavors.
Dear Nikki,
I think you're great! I don't watch very many actual cooking shows on Food Network, but I would have watched yours. I don't ever even care enough when a contestant has been eliminated on Food Network Star to go out of my way to write a note to the contestant, or to post anywhere online about it, as a matter of fact. But I feel so strongly that you were the right person to win this season that I have finally been moved to do so! I love your point of view and I will definitely keep coming back to your website for your recipes!
Dear Nikki,
I am 11 years old and my name is Casey. As soon as I first saw you on Food Network Star this season, I knew you that you were my favorite. I loved that you always seemed happy and very positive about the competition. I found out that you went home because I happened to be watching a preview of Food Network Star for the next week; Four people were left, but you were gone! I was completely surprised. Then, I watched the elimination on the Food Network website. I don't think I have ever been so sad when someone I love goes home from a show. That was a few days ago, and I have been voting for you on the Food Network website about 40 times (I keep hoping that the judges might just change their minds!)
If you have any time, I would really appreciate it if you could write back to me! Thank you Nikki!
Love, Casey