Next Food Network Star Finale

Yay! Amy Won!

All the suspense is over until next year. It was nice to see all the contestants together again. Patrick and his wife had a baby boy! Congratulations! It was great to see Tommy and Paul again. I heard a rumor that Food Network is planning a show with two L.A. based caterers. I know that is where Paul is from. My little mind put these two facts together and maybe... I think it would be a great show. Adrien looked a little rough last night. Jag showed up last night looking pretty calm. I don't like the things that Jag did, but it had to take a lot of intestional fortitude to make an appearance. Nikki seemed a little more laid back.

It was interesting to see the videos of Amy's and Rory's home life. I didn't realize that Amy's kids were so young. She looks like she is a great Mom. It's nice that she has her family close by. Rory looks like she has found her niche. She is from New Jersey. She entered a contest and came in as the runner up. The premise of the contest was to take the contestants and drop them in a small town and see who was most popular. After the contest was over, Rory stayed in Vega, Texas. She seems very comfortable there. Good luck, Rory, with your new restaurant and life in general.

"The Gourmet Next Door" will air this fall. Best of luck, Amy!!!

Even though ten of the contestants will not be the Next Food Network Star, this had to be a great adventure for all of them.

The Next Food Network Star Finale

Tonight is the night!

I really, really hope that Amy wins. I have nothing against Rory, I just do not want to watch ‘Real Food for Real People’. Didn’t the Beef Council already use that tag line? So much for original thought. Speaking of original thought, Jag had a lot of original thoughts, unfortunately, they just did not line up with the truth. Well folks, another in the long list of Jag stories. Apparently when Jag was caught, he thought if he told the “Air Force Times” that he was a finalist and would tell who the other finalist was that they would go easy on him and forget about his background. Surprisingly, the “Air Force Times” thought it was a lie.

Jag, I felt a little sorry for you previously. Having to give up something that apparently meant a great deal to you because you decided to exaggerate a few details. You just changed the endings – you were in the Marines and you did go to Culinary School. Because of Privacy laws, the Marines can tell us that you did not go to Afghanistan, but not why you left the service eight months early as a private (or was it corporal?) The Culinary School can tell us that you enrolled for classes, but not whether you showed up for those classes. Somehow, I have the feeling that Jag would not know the truth if it bit him in the butt.

Anthony Bourdain had a few comments on Jag. “JAG can't be allowed win. His alleged problems remembering whether or not he's a war hero--or whether he graduated from culinary school could be...controversial. In a bad way. He comes off as an unstable fantasist--already referring to himself in the third person (which is NEVER a good sign). And his overloading of the grill with chicken parts--causing (surprise!) smoke and flame--was something any backyard griller knows to avoid.”

I have seen a few polls that put Amy in the lead. I sure hope so. We’ll just have to watch tonight to find out.

Thank you for voting for Amy!

The Food Network has another reality show ready. The premise sounds good.
Who Will Be The Next Iron Chef.? More details later.

Vote for Amy!

Vote for Amy! Vote for Amy! Vote for Amy!

Don't worry this site is totally subjective and everyone is entitled to my opinion.

I have to admit that I was very upset with Food Network last night. Amy was not my favorite from the beginning. But she kept showing the judges that she could handle herself and she could cook. But apparently the judges were not interested in those qualities. Oh, I forgot, if you can cook (Michael Salmon), you are asked to leave. Maybe the main ingredient is personality. No, that can't be right, Paul (after he calmed down) was asked to leave. What are you looking for Food Network?

One theme that I picked up on was "dummie down". Apparently, the Food Network does not think highly of it's viewers. Amy gives the network a chance to explore new areas. Italian cooking is featured, why not French cooking? Some people want to watch basic cooking shows, or quick and easy shows, or Southern shows, or semi-homemade shows. But it would be nice to also feature a program that showed a few new skills and recipes without being 'fancy-smancy'.

Jag, we knew it was coming and I think that the reason that Food Network played the situation the way that they did, was to show that when they found out about the discrepancies in your resume, they dealt with it. Their honesty and intregrity were preserved. You could either withdraw semi-graciously or they would denounce you.
Take your choice, but you are leaving.

I do feel a little bit sorry for Jag. You could tell that he really wanted this. He built himself up to be someone that he wasn't, so that he had a better chance to be on the show. We have all exaggerated our qualities at some point in time, but we have not been forced to apologize to the whole world. Hopefully, the people who love him will be there for him.

"Next Food Network Star" - now there are three

After last week's disasters, some of the contestants stepped up to the plate this week. Amy did a nice presentation of her skills. The judges really liked her dishes and she took her commentary seriously. I like the title for her show, 'The Gourmet Next Door'. Most cooks would like to consider themselves to be gourmets, and this program would show them how. Nice job, Amy.

Jag finally took the advice of the judges, but took it too far. He lessened the number of ingredients in his dishes and the results were bland. I really thought that he was going home last night. But his plea seemed very genuine. He talked about his love of food passionately. Bobby Flay described his plea as either totally genuine or worthy of an Academy Award. I know that it did not help that his sous-chef was Columbe. SomeONE out there must like her, but it sure isn't me. Maybe, that's why Jag's food was so bland.

Rory was doing all right until her commentary, which she used as a joke. The Food Network does not joke. Alton Brown quizzed the contestants on their commentary and unnerved everyone. I think I will get some of those Plum tomatoes grown in Plumy. Thanks for the heads up, Paul.

Speaking of Paul. I'm sorry to see him go. A lot of people thought that he could take this contest. Perhaps, Paul's biggest mistake was admitting that teaching was not one of his strong points. Bob Tushmann reminded Paul that teaching is what the Food Network is all about, and that it was a little late in the day to get started on that skill. Paul commented on the pleas entered by Jag and himself. Paul said that his seemed like 'he phoned his in' compared to Jag's.

Jag seems to really love food, which I think is great for a Food Network host. Amy also seems to love food, but not as much. Jag was so disappointed in his work, because he really loves the show "Iron Chef". Since the formet was Iron Chef like, he totally obsessed on winning that challenge. His dream turned into a nightmare.

Here's Your Next Food Network Star Application

You will notice this in the application. Apparently JAG did not get this copy. I heard a RUMOR (this is a rumor only), they have filmed addtional scenes after they thought they were ready for the 2 finalists. So, my guess is that JAG made it to the final two.I acknowledge that all the information provided on this questionnaire is true and accurate, and any false or misleading information submitted herein is grounds for my immediate elimination from consideration.


THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR
SEASON 4: APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION
PLEASE READ THE PRECEDING RULES/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS BEFORE COMPLETING THIS APPLICATION. The Rules/Eligibility Requirements contain important instructions regarding the videotape/DVD/DV, photographs, and other items, which must accompany any submitted participant applications, as well as submission guidelines for your application package. Please remember that any answer is subject to verification.
Name: _________________________________________________________
Any other names you have been known by:____________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Daytime telephone #:____________________ Evening phone #:_____________________
Cell phone #:___________________________ E-mail: ____________________________
What is the best time of day to contact you by phone?______________________________
Weekday?______________________________Weekend?__________________________
Date of Birth: ______________ Age : _______ Social Security #:_________________
Are you a US citizen? _______ Gender: _________________
Why should you have your own Food Network show?
What is your unique culinary point of view?

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I acknowledge that all the information provided on this questionnaire is true and accurate, and any false or misleading information submitted herein is grounds for my immediate elimination from consideration. This questionnaire and any other material submitted by me, including, but not limited to, pictures, film and videotapes, becomes the property of Food Network, shall not be returned and may be used in any manner in all media, worldwide, in perpetuity. I further understand that by submitting this questionnaire, Food Network has no obligation to accept me and my selection and participation in “The Next Food Network Star” is in no way guaranteed, as it is merely for the purpose of evaluating potential participants.
I acknowledge that I have read and fulfill the eligibility requirements and all the information provided on this questionnaire is true and accurate, and any false or misleading information submitted herein is grounds for my immediate elimination from consideration.
Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ______________
Mail The Next Food Network Star application and VHS, DVD or DV of yourself to the following address (no materials will be returned) no later than July 30, 2007:
The Next Food Network Star
PO Box 52943
Knoxville, TN 37950
NOTE: In order to complete your application, please fill out the Release and Waiver found below and mail it with your materials.

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The
The Next Food Network Star (Season 4)
Release and Waiver
Print Your Full Name:_________________________________
I hereby acknowledge that: (i) I understand, satisfy, and agree to be bound by, the eligibility requirements for THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR (the “Program”) and the instructions of Television Food Network, G.P. (“Food Network”), its employees, producers, and consultants; (ii) I have answered and will answer all questions posed to me honestly and accurately in connection with my application to appear on the Program; (iii) if any of the information that I have provided or will provide is found to be false or incomplete, it will be grounds for dismissal from the Program selection process and from participation in the Program; (iv) Food Network has no obligation to interview me or select me as a participant in the Program; (v) if Food Network cancels the Program, Food Network will have no obligation to me; (vi) Food Network shall have no obligation to air the Program; (vii) all decisions concerning the selection of the participants and all aspects of the Program shall be in the sole discretion of Food Network, are final, and not subject to challenge or appeal.
By submitting my application, I hereby consent to the recording, use and reuse by Food Network and/or the Producers and/or any of their respective licensees, assigns, parents, agents, subsidiaries or affiliated entities (the “Releasees”) of my name, voice, likeness, and biographical material in any and all media whether no known or hereafter devised throughout the universe in perpetuity (collectively, “Likeness”) in any and all media now known or hereafter devised. I agree that the Releasees may use all or any part of my Likeness and may alter or modify it. I further agree that the Releasees shall exclusively own any application materials (videos, photographs, recipes, etc.) that I may have provided in connection with my application or for participation in the Program and any photos and video or recordings of any kind that Food Network will make of me in connection with the Program and my application (collectively, the “Materials”) and all rights therein and thereto including, without limitation, the right to use the Materials and my Likeness in any and all media now known or hereafter devised throughout the universe in perpetuity. I further agree that the Releasees may use my Likeness and the Materials in connection with any promotion, publicity, marketing or advertisement for the Program or any exploitation of the Program of any kind. I grant the rights hereunder whether or not I am selected to participate in the Program in any manner whatsoever. I release the Releasees from any and all liability arising out of their use of my Likeness and/or the Materials. I agree not to make any claim against the Releasees as a result of the recording or use of my Likeness and/or the Materials (including, without limitation, any claim that such use invades any right of privacy and/or publicity and any claims based on defamation or libel or false light). Without limiting the foregoing in any way, to the degree that the Materials include any musical or literary compositions in which I (partially or wholly) own, or to which I purport to (partially or wholly) own, the copyright or any publishing rights, I hereby grant to Food Network, and have the complete, unfettered right to grant to Food Network, an irrevocable, unlimited, perpetual, worldwide, royalty and payment-free license to use and reproduce such Materials in the Program

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and in connection with any promotion, publicity, marketing or advertisement for the Program or any exploitation of the Program of any kind, in any and all media now known or which may exist in the future. I understand that Food Network makes no representation that such Materials will or will not be used in any way.
I agree that any dispute between me and any of the Releasees in any way arising out of or related to this agreement, the Program, or any claim by me of any kind against the Releasees as well as any dispute as to the arbitrability of any such controversy or claim, shall be resolved solely by mandatory arbitration between us. In this regard, I further agree and acknowledge that:
A. Arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties, and that judgment thereon may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction;
B. Any Arbitration pursuant to this agreement shall be conducted in New York, New York before a single arbitrator familiar with the television industry and pursuant to the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) commercial arbitration rules;
C. I and the Releasees are waiving their right to seek remedies in court, including the right to a jury trial;
D. If it is determined by the Arbitrator that any of the Releasees is financially liable to me in connection with the Program, the Materials or my Likeness, or any part thereof, or other materials submitted to Food Network, including but not limited to copyright or trademark rights, I agree that the sole remedy that can be awarded in any Arbitration against the Releasees shall be a monetary award in the amount that Food Network has paid for a similar use of comparable materials or performance, (or, if Food Network has not previously paid for similar use, an amount equal to a standard fee in the cable television industry for such material or performance) and I expressly waive any right to any other form of relief, including but not limited to injunctive relief, any form of punitive damages and/or any alternate calculation of damages;
E. The prevailing party in any Arbitration pursuant to this agreement will be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and experts’ fees, which may be incurred in connection with such Arbitration; and
F. By signing this agreement I acknowledge that I am agreeing in advance to arbitrate any controversies or claims which may arise with the Releasees.
G. I further agree that the arbitration proceedings, testimony, discovery and documents filed in the course of such proceedings, including the fact that the arbitration is being conducted, will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to any third party to such proceedings.
This agreement, including but not limited to the mandatory arbitration provision, shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors, representatives, assigns and licensees. Food Network may assign this agreement to any of its parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies.

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I hereby agree that have read and understand this agreement and that no oral representations of any kind have been made to me, and that this agreement states our entire understanding with reference to the subject matter hereof. Any modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this agreement must be in writing and signed by both of us.
Should any provision or part of any provision be void or unenforceable, such provision or part thereof shall be deemed omitted, and this agreement with such provision or part thereof omitted, shall remain in full force and effect. This agreement shall at all times be construed so as to carry out the purpose hereof.
I have signed this release on the _____ day of _____________________ 2007
Signature________________________________________________
Name (please print)____________________________________

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The Next Food Network Star will be back for a new season in 2008. Do you have what it takes to be a TV star and host your own show? This is what we are looking for: - Cooking know-how: You can be self-taught or professionally trained or somewhere in between, but you should know the basics. - Personality that pops: Let yourself shine and show us who you really are. Don't be shy. We are all about personality - show us yours! - Teaching skills: Bring the world of food and cooking to life in your very own passionate and unique way. Completed *online submissions or printed submissions with VHS, DVD or DV must be postmarked by July 30, 2007. *This is only a preliminary application. All candidates selected as finalists will be asked to complete an official application. Before applying, please read the rules and eligibility requirements. There are two ways to apply for Season 4 of The Next Food Network Star: OPTION 1Mail us your preliminary application and videotape, DVD or DV. Read frequently asked questions about The Next Food Network Star. OPTION 2Upload your audition video to Food Network's MySpace page, and fill out the form below. You do not need to download the preliminary application if you choose this format, but a link to your video on MySpace is required. Submissions without a video link will not be considered. Applicants using this option do not need to send us a videotape, DVD or DV. We do not share personal identifying information with any third party without your permission. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.


REQUIRED INFORMATION
Email
Confirm Email
First Name
Last Name
Address
City
State / Country
Zip / Postal Code
Phone -
Birth Year
Gender Male Female
Are you a US citizen?
Why should you have your own Food Network show? What is your unique culinary point of view? (50 words or less.)
If you uploaded a video to MySpace.com, include the link to it here
What is the best time of day and week to contact you by phone?
In order to be considered as a finalist for Season 4 of The Next Food Network Star, you must agree to the terms of our release and waiver as well as the rules and eligibility requirements. Clicking the submit button below indicates that you have read and reviewed the foregoing and accept its terms.
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Submit your questions about The Next Food Network Star

A Comedy of Errors

The "Next Food Network Star" where are you? This turned into a battle of the nerves. Alton Brown commented, "Let's send them all home and start over". He might have a point. There was no shining personality tonight. This will not be a long post, there is so little to talk about. I can understand Amy being torn between her family and her big chance to success; but, the time and place were wrong. This would have better been dealt with a long telephone conversation with her husband, not the judges.

Adrien, you showed such promise in the beginning. You seemed to lose more and more momentum with each episode. It's surprising the differences of perception that people have. Most of us could see you fading. You, on the other hand, really seemed surprised that you were sent home. You kept bringing up the fact that you quit your job to be on the show. The Food Network does not owe you anything because of this. This was your choice.

Sorry, none of you got my vote tonight.

What's next on "Next Food Network Star"?

What's next on "Next Food Network Star"?
It's Alton Brown's turn to be the judge. This will be the first full demo for the contestants. What is your least favorite ingredient to cook with? In this episode we find out about the least favorite ingredients of the contestants. Just so that they wouldn't make me cook a squid. It would be hard to cook if you couldn't stand to even touch it.


The four finalists become Iron Chefs. In two competitions, each of the four finalists will complete three dishes. There is just one catch, they each have a surprise sous chef: an eliminated finalist. This should be fun!

Watch tonight. See if your least favorite ingredient makes the list.

Do you have what it takes to be the "Next Food Network Star"?

They're getting ready for next year. Are you ready?

For the next few days, we are going to review the application process for becoming a contestant on "Next Food Network Star". Let's start with their Q & A segment.

The Next Food Network Star
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone, 18 years or older, professional or non-professional cook, who currently does not already have, nor is committed to for the future, a national television show, nor is a political candidate, is eligible to apply. Please refer to the official rules for further clarification.

OK, I am definitely over 18. I am not committed to a national TV show. And I did not get my petition to run for President in on time, so I'm all clear on each of these.


What comprises a completed application?
Option 1:
· A 3-minute VHS tape, DVD or DV
· Your completed and signed participation application and release waiver
Option 2:
· A 3-minute video uploaded to myspace.com/foodnetworkstar
· A completed submission form sent via email

Option 2 sounds a whole lot easier. This is also the perfect excuse. I don't understand why they didn't select me. You know, I have been having some computer problems lately, I bet they didn't receive my application.


What should I submit on my VHS tape, DVD, DV or MySpace video?

State your name and show us your personality by telling us a little about yourself. Explain why you should have your own show on Food Network and demonstrate how you cook by making your signature dish. Please do not include music, logos or brand names. Your VHS tape, DVD, DV, MySpace video cannot exceed 3 minutes. Please label it with your name and phone number.

Three minutes!!! State your name, OK that part was easy. Personality. What personality? My life history, starting from day one, this may take longer than 3 minutes. Day One, I was born to cook! Day Two, decided that Similac or Enfamil should not be my signature dish. Day Three,...
Why should I have my own show on Food Network? Because I'm DAMN GOOD! That's why.
Make my signature dish in under 3 minutes. I know; I'll make the dish and then use fast, fast forward on the camcorder.


Can I send in my signed application and VHS tape, DVD or DV separately?

No, you should send them in together.

No comment.



Can I submit more than one completed application?

No, only one per applicant is allowed.

Sorry folks, this is not a random drawing. Someone has to watch all these videos. After watching the same video for the fourteenth time, they're going to drop you, just out of spite.


When is the deadline?

Completed applications and VHS tapes, DVDs and DVs must be received by July 30,2007



Can I hand-deliver applications and VHS tapes, DVDs and DVs to a Food Network office?

No, they must go directly to the P.O. Box listed on the application.



Can my VHS tape, DVD or DV be returned to me?

All materials become property of Food Network and cannot be returned.



If I am considered as a finalist, how will I be notified?

You will be officially notified by phone and mail directly. Please do not call Food Network as the receptionist will not be able to provide you any information.

The receptionist also has the power to burn your video after the 10th call.



If selected, what dates will I be required to be in New York City?

Late January to early February 2008 (although exact dates are still TBD)



If selected, do I have to pay for my visits to New York City for the production?

No.

Thank goodness for that!

All previous contestants have one word of advice - Have fun! I guess a nervous breakdown could be fun, depends on how you look at it.