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Archive through June 14, 2005

The TVClubHouse: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2006 - 1: The Next Food Network Star: Archive through June 14, 2005 users admin

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Woofy
Member

08-09-2001

Monday, June 06, 2005 - 6:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Woofy a private message Print Post    
Premiered with two episodes last night. Pretty cheesy but a hidden pleasure of sorts.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_nf_vote

Max
Member

08-12-2000

Monday, June 06, 2005 - 8:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Max a private message Print Post    
I watched. It was most interesting to see the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on to make every Food Network show seem so smooth and the cooking seem effortless.

Heck I bet I could make some of that great food if someone was doing all the prep work for me and making the "swap out" items ahead of time. :-) Not that I could do it on camera in an interesting way. LOL

Anyway, it wasn't terrible. :-)

Honeydoozy
Member

06-06-2005

Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 12:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Honeydoozy a private message Print Post    
I thought it was interesting too...BUT...

I watched both episodes, and I felt like it was dragging ON and ON and ON. It wasn't as tight and quick-paced as I'm used to, I guess. The first hour could have been shaved down into 15 minutes, I think.

I think now that they've established the players, it should get better. This makes "Hells Kitchen" look like a bad dream!

Mzzlissa
Member

03-08-2004

Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 3:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mzzlissa a private message Print Post    
I'm so glad someone started a thread for this show! Although I don't cook much, Food Network is one of my favorite channels.

Their behind-the-scenes segment was very interesting. I've always wondered how Rachel Ray gets so much done during commercial breaks. :-) Do her recipes ever fall under 30 minutes??

In my opinion Harmony should have gone over Brook. Perhaps the judges thought he and Hans are too similar. I can't really decide who to root for yet, although Michael did make me laugh while cooking his Bobby Flay recipe!


Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 6:05 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
I love this show! It is on the top of my list with Project Runway.

For those of you who have not caught this, the first two episodes are being repeated, on the food chanel, today at 2 and 3pm, tomorrow at 7 and 8pm and again at other times. Part 3 is tomorrow night at 9pm.

It appears they are sincerely looking for a fresh face to put on their roster. The network exectutives eliminate down to the final 2 and then the public votes. Makes sense they would want to know who we would watch. There are 8 contestants. Brook was eliminated in part II.

I like all of them and the individual competition for a change.

Eric He is uncomfortable for me to watch because his weight inhibits his ability to move around the kitchen easily. I felt this way about Paul Prudhomme as well. His personality does not catch me either but they seemed to like him. He can fill the funny fat man with a heart of gold slot.

Michael He is good and will get better when he relaxes with the format. He is witty and has a unique look.

HarmonyI think she made the cut because the camera loves her. I doubt she will make the next cut unless she improves tremendously. I predict she will lose the pigtails and use the style in her audition tape.

Deborah If she settles back into the sexy, flirtatious cutie in her audition tape she has a shot at the final two.

Susanne is a stand out. She was the most relaxed and has a good angle. Having lost 89 pounds by learning to cook gives her a great shot at the final two. Even though they have Calorie Commando and Low Carb and Loving it there is room for another healthy cooking show.

Hans is the most skilled cook but they are looking for a new personality and I don't think he will make the next cut.

Steve and Dan are my pick to make the final 2. With the main stream success of Queer Eye and Will and Grace they are shoo ins. Their wit and rapport are delightful.

It is hard to guess who will stand next to them but I think Susanne and Michael have the best shot.

Countrydaze
Member

11-07-2003

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 2:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Countrydaze a private message Print Post    
I agree that Susanne is the most relaxed in front of the camera, but I am afraid that I would start to snooze watching her and I was the most entertained by Steve and Dan. While I like to watch the cooking channel I also want to enjoy myself and they made me laugh.

I am enjoying this show, and I wish I had that much help in my kitchen, I have never been able to prepare a 30 minute meal in 30 minutes, has anyone else out there??


Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 2:37 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
I like Susanne but I would not watch her if she did low fat cooking. I don't like the Calorie Commando or Low Carb and Loving it either. It is easy to take most recipes and reduce the calories or carbs if you choose.

I do cook a lot of meals in 30 minutes. Cooking has been a creative hobby of mine for decades so it comes easily and most thing I prepare I can do quickly unless it is something very fancy.

Rachael Ray in uninspiring and she gets on my nerves. I have watched her show only about 4 times. Once it was mac and cheese with chicken in it. How dumb is that? The other times were burgers or grilled meat on top of salad. Another rousing ho hum.

I am with you on Dan and Steve. I intend to vote for them. I love their dry, sophistocated humor and rapport.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 3:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Oh fruitbat I so agree with you about Calorie Commando and (especially) Low Carb and Loving It. The Low Carb guy is the worst. I'd rather watch Giada on Everyday Italian, Sara's Secrets, and The Barefoot Contessa. In fact, I still think the best show on Food Network is Cookworks, but that only airs once a week--Thursday morning at 10--because I love shows that *really* show how to cook effectively instead of "personality" driven shows like Emeril, Bobby Flay, and Paula Deen (who has never made a thing that would pass my lips. It's all deep fried or hyper-sugared).

I want people who cook well more than anything. So far, I like Michael. Dan and Steve are right up there.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 5:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
Tish I agree about the shows you prefer AND dislike. Paula's food is beyond reason. I want to be inspired about some new combination or trick I have not thought of.

I have never seen Cookworks. I will put that on my Tivo, thanks for that tip.



Seabreeze
Member

09-05-2004

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 6:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Seabreeze a private message Print Post    
Rachel Ray shows what you can do with 30 minutes. You are not going to get gourmet 7 course creative dishes. But she has great ideas given the time span.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, June 11, 2005 - 8:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sure. Keep watchin if you like it.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 11:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
I changed my mind about my favorites on this show today. I now prefer Hans and Dan and Steve.

Seabreeze, if you like Rachael Ray, you might also like Jacques Pepin's PBS series, "Fast Food My Way." I have his "Fast Food.." cookbook and I try to watch his show every week. He has great, simple recipes that take no time at all and make you look like a gourmet!

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Monday, June 13, 2005 - 7:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
Tishala, I agree. French cooking is so simple that most can made in less than 30 minutes. I didn't realize he had that book. My next stop is amazon. I have some of his others.

I changed my mind after last night as well. Steve and Dan are still on the top of my list and Hans is my second choice too.

Eric's humor and personality leave me cold.

Deborah will probably be the next to go. I agree that she is forcing a personality that is not hers.

Hans. The premise for his show is not going to get him the win. Foods you fear? How many are going to tune in and learn how to make a squid pizza with anchovie oil? I really like him though.

Michael thinks he is hysterical and he is not. They really like him and I can see him making it to the final 2.

Susanne has really got it together and she has a shot at the final 2 as well. I won't watch that one but there are many who will.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, June 13, 2005 - 9:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Susanne is OK, and I think they are kind of editing for a Susanne win, but she has two things going against her in my book: 1. She's not a chef and her knife skills leave a LOT to be desired. If I want to see someone who doesn't know how to handle a knife on a cooking show, I already have lots of options. 2. I have an aversion to "low fat"/"low cal" shows. If a show happens to feature low cal recipes, fine. But I don't need it as the hook to the show. That seems to be Susanne's hook and, although I'm sure she can do it better than the Low Carb and Loving It guy, I just don't want to see it.

I didn't know until last night that Gordon Elliot produces Paula Deen's show. Yikes. That might mean we'll get Susanne come hell or high water, if only to have a way to clear the arteries after Paula has clogged them.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Monday, June 13, 2005 - 12:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
Now there is a plan, Tish. Paula is a menace.

They have chosen everyone in order, leaving the problems for last. Eric has been first for 3 weeks. For some reason they think he is great. His weight is not a selling point. The days of Paul Prudhomme and James Beard are over.

They told Susanne, "we want you to stay, for now", so she is not that safe. They want more of her personality.

I have no clue how they can follow the teleprompter, watch the time AND show their personality so soon in the process.

When you watch the chefs on FN they rarely look at the prompter so I assume once you get in the swing it becomes an aide to pace yourself when needed.

It is clear now that they have to show more of themselves and hope their timing works. Do they get this though.

When they have the winner I am sure there will be a lot of practice before they go on the air so that cannot be a huge deal for the judges right now.

The programs are 30 minutes so they have time to catch up or fill in. These guys are getting only minutes to strut their stuff.

I still favor Dan and Steve and the vision of foods for entertaining appeals to me.

They narrow the field to two and we vote. I will be shocked if Dan and Steve are not in the finals. Gay men are a hot commodity on TV these days and FN needs to spice up their roster. I am tired of so many of them.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
I think I love Fruitbat. D'ya know... you are the ONLY other person I know in the entire universe who does not like Rachel Ray. I cannot stand her giggle and want to reach thru the TV and throttle her off when she's on. (No, I don't watch her much.)

I'm also not big on the low fat/low carb shows. Really, it's not that difficult to modify a recipe to cut out carbs or fat. And Paula Deen? I actually learn from her, but then I modify her recipes to reduce the fat and sugar.

I don't really watch Food TV to be entertained. I watch it to get ideas of new things to try. If the chef is entertaining, that's like a bonus. Therefore...

Hans: He's getting better, but his personality is still way too wooden for me. He does have chops, though.

Michael: Scares me. He's a bit TOO manic.

Eric: I think he has a good idea (and I like the "touch the heart of" concept). But I don't see what the judges see in him, and he totally FREEZES in front of the camera.

Deborah: Sorry, I think she's fake fake fake (and fake again). I would not watch her.

Susanne: Too bad she's all about losing weight. And something she missed... you can make a full size pizza. Just don't eat the entire thing in one sitting. Hello?????

Steve and Dan: I think these two do have a lot going for them. They seem to know what they are doing (more or less), they have a sense of humor (loved the fire bit), and I would watch them. Not so sure about their "gay" hook (I'm kinda over gay, not that there's anything wrong with that, but why is it such a big deal to be gay and not just a coupla guys cooking in the kitchen?).

Harmony: Sorry, the cam loved her but she was useless. She didn't quite grasp the concept. You can fly by the seat of your pants for only so long.

I think it's about time they've showed exactly HOW the shows get produced. The behind the scenes info has been priceless. It's always ever so much easier when you've someone to prepare your "mise en place" and clean up after you. Although, yes, it's tough to watch the teleprompter, the cams, and the producer all at once. (Believe me, that part I know!)

I'm thinking the rest of the shows will go a bit quicker. That first hour (I finally got caught up by recording all three hours last night) was a bit of a snooze. But that last hour went pretty quickly, and I liked the variety of challenges.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 6:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
There must be more of us Costacat. :-)



Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 8:05 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Sheesh, you'd think so. Unfortunately, I haven't met a single person! Nada. Not a one! Everyone else I know (real friends or cyberfriends, family, mere acquaintances) all think she's "cute" and "just adorable" and love her 30 minute dinners! Ack!

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 10:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Oh don't worry. I'm in that club too. Giggle, accent, "garbage bowl," "EVOO," "my grandpa" stories, etc. I don't know what I dislike most.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 11:14 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
What is EVOO? I have only watched her about 4 times. She is really into huge burgers and frozen French fries from what I saw.

Woofy
Member

08-09-2001

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 11:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Woofy a private message Print Post    
EVOO = Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 1:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
Thanks Woofy. I don't do letters. I tell this to my pilot son all the time. Now that job is one big fat, fat big, big fat ball of letters.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 1:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
What gets me is that she says "EVOO--that's Extra Virgin Olive Oil" on every show. If she has to tell me what her letters mean, why bother "shorten" it in the first place, since she only makes it longer by first abbreviating it and then unabbreviating it? It makes less than no sense.

Fruitbat
Member

08-07-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 2:09 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Fruitbat a private message Print Post    
Ohhhhhhhhh, now that would drive me nuts.

Reiki
Member

08-12-2000

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 3:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Reiki a private message Print Post    
Upstate New Yorkers have gotten to listen to Rachel Ray for a few years now. She has done commercials for a regional grocery store and has done the food spots on local news for some time now. I thought she was cute a first too. Now her voice grates on my nerves. Unfortunately for me it's an accent I hear all too often in this neck of the woods. Oddly enough in the NY Capital District accents vary depending on which side of the Hudson River you live on or how far up the Northway you live.