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)
Hi Casey! We all feel that way. Did you know that you can vote 10 times from EACH computer and device? It's too late to change the outcome of Food Network Star, but let them know how much we want Nikki to get her show. Stay positive and keep supporting Nikki!
Hey Nikki, my name is faith and I am 13 years old. I love the foodnetwork!!! I have watched every episode of Foodnetwork star.You were always my favorite and you still are!! I'm really sorry that you got eliminated from the show. I love your point of view. I thought that all of your dishes were amazing. I was so shocked that you got cut. :(( don't worry that you got cut. Just keep doing what you do. You are doing great! :)))) I hope to hear from you soon!!!
Luv, Faith :))
Xoxoxo
Xoxo
Nikki,
I was sad to see you go. Your cooking POV would have made a unique and much-needed show on Food Network. I hope they'll realize it. Best of luck to you, where ever your talents take you.
Can't agree more that you deserved to be in the finals and that Rodney hasn't presented professional, or even edible dishes. You have great charisma, super stage presence, and a healthy and appealing point of view. I plan to follow your blog to learn about meat on the side!
I can't figure out the judges not forgiving a few gaps in your food knowledge, while ignoring Rodney's seeming inability to serve delicious food. Hang in there Nikki! Your day will come!
You were robbed!! You had the great camera presence and the fantastic point of view. More extensive food knowledge would come. Your hurdles seemed so much smaller than that of the others. They got this one so so wrong...I would've watched your show :)
Keep cooking and blogging pretty please!
xoxo
Jenny
Thanks for opening my eyes to the option of meat on the side. I was raised that you either had meat as the main item or were vegetarian and there wasn't another way. I have been looking for ways to make vegetables a bigger part of my meals and you've got my attention.
I really felt your point of view would have made the most watchable new show on Food Network and was so disappointed to see you leave. However, you absolutely have my attention and I'll keep following your blog and hoping another outlet (PBS maybe?) finds you and your cooking worthy of a wider audience. Oh, and no matter what the judges said about your bubbly personality, I found you to be the most authentic and real of the contestants on Food Network Star.
I just wanted to encourage you because I LOVED your concept and style. You were by far my favorite. I pray you find much success and joy in what you do.
Dear Nicki,
I am 14 and a huge fan of the FN- and from day 1 you were my favorite contestant! I am still shocked that you were eliminated:(
But I know that you will go very far with your "meat on the side" POV and personality! Keep doing what you do, and you're definitely right about America not forgetting you!!;) I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Lylas,
(love ya like a sister)
Victoria
So upset you were sent home. You had the best point of view on the show. I was really wishing for a show that isn't all about the meat. It would have been nice to see a show with more healthy food. Looking forward to trying some of your recipes. Please keep at it! Who cares what a pilaf is, we want good food.
Hey Nikki,
I just wanted to say that I absolutely adored you and and your point of view on Food Network Star. You were incredible. You may not have won the competition, but you have certainly gained fans and followers (including me). Best of luck to you, and I can't wait to see what you come out with in the future!
- Allie
Just wanted to say that I wish you had won your own tv show on the food network - I love your point of view & thought you were wonderful on the show. Wishing you & your point of view much MORE success in the future! In the meantime, I'll be checking out your blog. Thanks for being an inspiration, who doesn't need more vegetables & less meat in their lives anyway?
Nikki,
Keep on rocking girl!
It wasn't your loss to be eliminated, it was the Food Network's.
Believe with all your heart that you will do what you were made to do.
I was very disappointed to see you leave the Food Network Food Star. I really thought you would be the winner and kept rooting for you. I know the Universe has better things for you and really can appreciate your POV since its what I strive for too. Good luck to you! I will be reading and following your blog and online cooking show. I can't wait to try out your recipes.
Hi Nikki,
I am a big Food Network Fan and I have followed all the seasons of the Next Food Network Star and to say I am shocked is an understatement!!!!!! When they said you were going home, I could not believe my ears!!! This is the VERY first time I have ever strongly disagreed with their decision. I feel they really made a big mistake. That decision ruined the rest of this season for me. I really thought you were going to win!!!! I refuse to vote now. How can I possibly? I feel you were the only one worthy of the title this season.
Good Luck to you and I hope to hear more about you in the near future.
I really thought you would be the winner. Can't wait to check out your recipes :)
Of all the contestants, you are the only one whose site I've visited to get recipes!! Looking forward to making broccoli tacos and cheddar cauliflower soup this week. Hope FN gives you a show!!!
Nikki--
From the first episode of FNS, I knew u were going to make it far. I couldn't believe that u got voted out at the final 5 when ur point of view was the most interesting. Please keep on cooking, I know you'll do amazing things with meat on the side... ;)
Thanks for all ur inspiration!!
Allesyn
*pronounced like Alison
PS: u were a great inspiration for me... a teenage vegetarian!!
I was so sad when you had to leave FNS! I loved your POV! I will definitely be reading your blog! :)
I thought you did great on Food Network Star, you definitely should feel proud. I have been a "meat on the side" kind of eater for a couple of years, and I love that you brought some attention to that idea. I am excited to have found you through watching the show and am happy to add your site to my food blog roll.
Nikki,
My husband and I just got back from vacation and caught up on the FN Star episodes. We were SHOCKED that you were eliminated! You have great presence we know you have a wonderful future presenting your brilliant and relevant POV! Keep it up!
Hugs,
Mandy