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
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Cauliflower Soup
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Reader Comments (71)
My kids and I were rooting for you the whole show. Love your POV!! We changed our diet as a family in Feb and you line up with how we eat!! We were shocked and sad to see you go. Can't wait to try some of your recipes!! I really want the mushroom pasta you did on auction night!! Maybe it's somewhere on your site!!
You were my favorite, girl! I just watched your episode tonight and was totally shocked to see you go. My eyes got a bit misty as I saw the pain you felt by the finality. I always laugh at myself that I can cry while watching Food Network. It's been a season I've enjoyed and you did great to the very end. I thought Alton was super hard on you about the rice and your answer was cute. He is so incredibly knowledgeable in cooking, he seemed mean. I like him, but not at that moment. Your camera presence was great and your food looked super good too. I hope there is a place for you on Food Network in the future. I'll watch you! Now I'm going over to the Food Network page to comment and let them know we want to see more Nikki Dinki!
p.s. I'm looking forward to following you on your site and youtube!
p.p.s. I HATE salmon too!!
Hi Nikki!
I don't know if you're able to talk much about the show, but I am so curious about a couple of things. I can only imagine that having to think creatively so fast on the fly had to have been extremely difficult. Was that the hardest part? Also, it seemed like there were quite a few times you had to make food in vast quantities. Was it hard cooking in large quantities?
You did such a fantastic job through out the season!!! I really hope FN or the Cooking Channel pick you up for a show of your own. You are so much fun to watch, informative and a fresh face for TV. :-)
Wishing you all the best!!!
Nikki, it is obvious that a lot of viewers wanted you to win! When is Food Network gonna get their s**t together? Really? You are the growing face of America, less meat and more veggies. As a dietitian I can confirm that people are clueless as to how to cook veggies in scrumptious ways, but you were there to show them how! They missed a fabulous opportunity to bring in fresh viewers with you. I have no interest in adding more fat/bacon/butter to my diet, putting everything into a pie crust (yawn) or yet ANOTHER southern cook! A better door will open for you. I have your cooking blog bookmarked and look forward to making more of your recipes! Best of luck to you girl!
Nikki, my mouth hit the floor when I found out that you were eliminated..."Say what?!"
You have so much to offer: great food, great personality, camera-ready, etc.
I do not like Russel's POV. I don't understand it. His "food" contains all the same unhealthy ingredients. To me, it seems like his show could get boring real quick.
Rodney just doesn't seem to know much about anything except for pies.
I have a theory that Alton Brown is a bit of a misogynist. They way he tore into you was mean-spirited and unnecessary, and also unfounded! You're obviously well-versed in the culinary world.
I've also seen him express that dismissive and arrogant attitude towards Giada as well, but I've never seen Alton Brown humiliate any man like that. Furthermore, I think if you're a beautiful and talented women, he somehow feels threatened and will try and take you down a couple of notches. He must have some deep insecurities and issues with strong, beautiful women.
Anyway, I wish you much luck.
Way to go Nikki! You did something terrifying and difficult and I felt you did it so well. You were one of my favorites and I absolutely loved your POV. It is something so helful and sustainable and not already on the Food Network. I don't feel the need to hash over about the other contestants because everyone has some strengths and weaknesses but as a fan or show and the network I 100% thought you were dismissed too soon. From your time on the show you honestly did change the way my MEAT and potatos husband thought about the proportions on his plate. Inspired by one of your recipes we planted a little patio garden this summer wiht lots of tomatoes because he really wanted us to experience picking and preparing our own veggies and passing that value on our kids, so my family was touched and I thank you for that. I thought one of the best things about you was that I always felt like I was learning and expereincing things with you. You have a very approachable and in the moment attitude about you. I am excited to dig into your blog and see what else you have to say, I'm so glad I was exposed to you. Keep up the great work!
I would have loved to see you win!! You are going to go far!
Hi Nikki! LOVED you on Food Network Star. Let us know how we can support you and get your own show on TV! Your POV and personality are sorely needed. Hopefully Demaris will win on Sunday...
Best,
Jon
Just want to say I loved you in FNS. I really love your concept. So excited you have a blog. Can't wait to try many delicious, healthy recipes. Who knows, I may even turn into a broccoli lover.
Clearly, there is a male bias this season. I am so disappointed in the judges this season. I have been a fan of each judge in the past, but I think they have all gotten too big for their britches. I don't know how else to say it! You, Damaris and Stacey were all clearly head-and-shoulders above and beyond Rodney and Russell. No comparison! I still can't believe they sent you ladies home. Pathetic!
Know that there are millions of fans out there cheering for you, hoping we will see you on TV soon. On a network more deserving than this one!
Nikki, so bummed when they cut you in Episode 9. Like others have expressed, I have been really disappointed with the coaches this season. I'm not sure what Food Network is looking for, but it doesn't really seem to be about COOKING. I want to thank you for introducing me to your point of view: Meat on the Side. That is what my husband and I have been talking about doing for several years, but we had never given it a name or fully developed the idea in our heads. Now that you have identified it for us, I feel like I can move forward implementing it in my life. It fits with how we want to eat in the future perfectly. I can't wait to check out your website more fully. I came here today to find something to make for dinner! My kids aren't as open to vegetarian meals as my husband and I, but hopefully if I move slowly, they will come around to the idea of Meat on the Side. (And you were their favorite too! I think I can get my 9yo to eat veggies if I only tell him that it is your recipe!)
Dear Nikki,
My name is Rebecca and I just turned 15 four days ago. I have been watching this season of Food Network Star and I feel like this is my favorite season ever because I felt connected with the contestants this year. I feel like all of the contestants are amazing and funny and have huge hearts filled with kindness. Sometimes the only thing that I talk about with my family would just be Food Network Star. As soon as you said "This is my dream" on the first episode, I immediately connected with you because of how badly you wanted it. My parents and I felt for weeks that YOU were going to win! On the week you were eliminated, I was at band camp, so I missed the episode. I decided to call my parents to tell them about my day and ask what the episode of Food Network Star was like. I was really curious to see who went home, but you were the last person I thought would go home. When I asked my mom and she said that you went home, I was like "How did that happen! I thought she was going to win! She was doing so well!" The next night I watched the episode from the website and read the exit interview. I know you will have a show one day, don't worry! Plus, while watching Food Network Star this season, I realized how much I love cooking. I love creating my own recipes! I would love to make a food blog just like yours when I'm older, and you inspired me to do it! Thank you so much, Nikki! I would for you to write back because it would make my day! Don't forget what an amazing cook you are :) :) :) :)
Love, Rebecca :) :) :) :)
I'm a little late with this but I'm a DVRer and watch the shows a week after they air. Needless to say, I stopped watching when you were kicked off. I've watched the show every season and I can't remember the last time I actually tried to recreate a recipe that one of the contestants made on the show. But you made a pasta - I can't remember which episode it was - where you sauteed cherry tomatoes with garlic and basil, etc and the way you described the tomatoes, "They're going to pop with flavor" or something like that. I IMMEDIATELY went out and tried that recipe and it was AWESOME. My boyfriend and I were rooting for you the whole way. I was totally ready to buy your cookbook! And my boyfriend has to have meat with EVERY MEAL - and he STILL loved you. I'll be letting Food Network know how much they screwed up too. But I wanted to let you know first. You're awesome. You have a wonderful point of view, terrific recipe ideas - and you are AWESOME on camera! The judges got it 100% wrong when they kicked you off.
Hi Nikki, I am Jennifer from Toronto. I remembered I have become your fans starting from the first episode because I love your personality and your lifestyle inspires me. Even though you didnt win the competition, you have inspired a lot of people to cook veggies as the main dish and meat on the side. Please continue to create more recipe for us! SUPPORT YOU!!!!! <3
Nikki ends up winning anyway...and better than a show. A baby! The show can come later and we'll be here waiting for when that happens. Congratulations...very happy for you guys!
Congratulations about the baby!
I seriously think you should have won the Next Food Network Star (and so does my husband). I have no desire to watch any shows that whoever wins will produce. Your idea was fantastic, I love the idea!! I am still (for some reason) watching the season finale of Star and I must say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I now get why they eliminated you...You're having a baby and they didn't want to give you maternity leave because they need a show now. You were and are by far the cutest, best, most entertaining person on the Next Food Network Star! Good lick with your sweet baby!
Nikki,
I started watching Food Network Star on hulu and love watching you. What an amazing (and needed) POV. Your sparkle on the camera was undeniable. I thought you would win. You were so approachable and articulate. I think you could have changed the world... people need to hear this idea and you are the girl to do this. So sorry you didn't win Food Network Star. However, I can guarantee you'll be back. Don't stop.
I'm excited to follow your blog now,
Theresa
I was totally rooting for you as a fellow self-taught food blogger (although I have a ways to go!): http://www.semihealthyblog.com/2013/08/i-am-dork-food-network-star-prediction.html
I don't quite understand where they come off eliminating you because you don't know what rice pilaf is or silly details like that....your cooking, POV and camera presence were amazing enough to have your own show--it's just the stupid competitions! I would NEVER go through that so props to you!!
Your blog is on my reader now! Keep the good things rolling! :)