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 vote you the best of the show and have all along. I am thankful to have found your website. If you couldn't win then Damaris is my choice. You both seem real. The reason you are hands down the winner is your cooking first but your POV is dinamite. I actually continue to use the "meat on the side" concept in my meal planning. I have used the phrase to my husband. I will be signing up on your blog and following your career. You hold on to your dream. You are awesome. Also, congratulations on your pregnancy!
There is such a great market out there for "meat on the side" cooking, and I think you are just wonderful. That is how my husband and I cook, and I am so glad you have that perspective- it is such a void right now. You are right, this is just the beginning for you!
I was so sad to see you go! I love your concept of "Meat on the Side" and am looking to incorporate that into my family's approach to eating. Have you considered doing meal planning? That would be so helpful to see something laid out, especially for us newbies.
Just wanted to add that I was also very sorry to see you leave the show. You were my favorite from the start and your POV is so very needed. I'm really disappointed I won't be watching your show but I'm hopeful I'll be watching it soon. My 7 year old son has been vegetarian for almost two years and cooking for him and the rest of my family is a little challenging. I can't wait to dig further into your blog while I wait for the folks at Food Network to knock on your door. Good luck and I'm looking forward to what you do in the future!
Dear Nikki,
I loved your POV on Next FoodNetwork Star, and I think you should have your own show on television. You made an impact on my own ideas about how to cook for myself and my family, and I thank you for that! Best wishes on your approaching motherhood! I think being a parent will add a new dimension to your approach to food - I loved watching my kids experience things for the first time...
Regards, Helen
I was so disappointed to see you go home and felt the judges got it SO wrong! Your point of view is refreshing and I've been inspired to adapt a similar cooking style. It is pretty clear that Food Network is not really interested in a cooking show and I think their comments about you not having any food authority were so off base. I felt you were very relatable and your methods of cooking instructive. Anywho - I am glad I got to see you on the show and look forward to following your blog and trying some of your recipes! Good luck to you and congrats on your expanding family!
Nikki, I loved your "meat on the side" P.O.V. Please keep posting recipes like what you were making on the show! Loved it.
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