Sunday, July 27
The Next Food Network Star, Week 9
AARON McCARGO JR.
How 'bout that Gordon Elliott?
Can't believe the season is already over. Thoughts?
Labels: food network, Next Food Network Star
posted by jacob @ 11:00 PM
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AARON McCARGO JR.
How 'bout that Gordon Elliott?
Can't believe the season is already over. Thoughts?
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204 Comments:
I've been waiting for your post tonight and I'm very disappointed with the choice.
Do you think his winning has anything to do with the new reality show coming on the network?
Are you disappointed that there was no crazy twist from the vids posted, Jacob? I was really impressed with the pilots, and quite thrilled with the winner.
I still think Lisa should have won. I hope that she makes it to TV eventually. I really liked her. Where can I buy her aprons!
Nice job Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I liked Aaron but he wasn't ready for his own show. Lisa was ready and Adam wasn't so bad either.
Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am disgusted.
Aaron.
What in the WORLD can he teach us about cooking????
Penny (usually a lurker)
Yeah...where were the twists? Nothing. Did you see the judges body language when Lisa was mentioned? Bob and Susie didn't like her....shame......
I think we have a politically correct new food network star. Very disappointing. I will think twice before viewing again.
I think a politically correct decision. What shame, I will think twice before viewing again.
They totally edited to make Aaron out to be better. There was no way he got that much applause during his segment. NO WAY AT ALL.
This is a very disappointing choice, and personally, I will not watch his show. He was coached from the very beginning to be the "star", and Lisa and Adam who both had better on-camera personality got the shaft.
I think they made a really bad choice! Lisa should have won FOR SURE! I guess we can only hope that once "Big Daddy's Kitchen" gets cancelled...we can hope for "Beautiful Basics with LISA"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Food Network's answer to LICENSE TO GRILL! 'Just PoP those on there! A little veg, a little grape seed, any old oil will do!"
As far as I was concerned Aaron was the least deserving of his own show....Lisa had the knowledge but Adam was always enjoyable to watch. I would have tuned in for either of these...I'm not so sure I'm watching "Big Daddy Aaron" anytime soon...
Not sure what the judges were thinking but they got this one wrong...
I wasn't sure going into tonight just who might win, so I didn't even bother trying to make a prediction. I kind of thought Lisa might have the upperhand, but I'm a poor judge of this season of NFNS.
Tonight: I was really liking everybody. It's not like other episodes of this series or Top Chef where there was at least a clear unfavorite I was rooting against. I really thought that each of them could've done an excellent job. But I'm thinking I will like Aaron's show.
Lisa was the only one I learned something from. There are probably two audiences to FN - those that watch to learn and those that watch to be entertained. FN must have market data indicating that the latter is a bigger audience, however the number of posts in favor of Lisa on a number of foodie blogs indicate otherwise.
If they wanted to really have a great new show...they would have put all three on the show...all three add up to a decent show.
None of them alone can keep an audience.
Did you notice that Lisa and Adam were both happy and smiling when Aaron was announced at the winner? GOOD JOB!!! Anyone remember how horribly Rory acted last year when Amy was announced as the winner? I hate a sore loser.
even those who watch to be entertained would watch adam and not aaron...
We lost out satellite signal at the last 5 minutes of the show, and for the rest of the evening it seems.
I'd already done my google show and knew who the winner was
I would not have chosen the winner based on what I saw.
Lisa was not my favorite but I will admit that of all 3 of the "pilots" hers was the best. I did not care for Adam's at all--beer can chicken? Thats a throwdown meal around here for the past 5 years. Smoked paprika? Heavens-how clever. Aaron's recipes were simple, yet a lot more sophisticated than Adam's. If anything Aaron was a compromise. Heck--Martha loved him. To me that was a dead give away who would be the potential winner AND that vinaigrette recipe looks yum.
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"even those who watch to be entertained would watch adam and not aaron..."
er no, who wants to watch a Jerry Lewis wannabe with few cooking skills other than smoking food interacting with novice cooks seeking help. It would have been "How to boil water" without the expert.
Glad Adam won, his promo was great and he'll be perfect for the FN demographic focus. Loved Lisa, but in the end she's more Fine Living than Food Network - maybe Scripps could hire her to start a new food show on FN's sister network Fine Living.
Lisa was robbed! I can't believe Aaron won.
er make that glad Aaron won, not glad Adam won. need an edit function here.
I think that Adam should have won hands down. His show was the only one to bring in technology. The other two just cooked and not very exciting meals at that!
I will not watch Aaron's show or the Food Network for a long while if ever. Did anyone notice that not a word was mentioned about the so called winner of last year's challenge.
Her show was cancelled and she is out of the country!
The FN judgement is horrible!
I think that Adam should have won hands down. His show was the only one to bring in technology. The other two just cooked and not very exciting meals at that!
I will not watch Aaron's show or the Food Network for a long while if ever. Did anyone notice that not a word was mentioned about the so called winner of last year's challenge.
Her show was cancelled and she is out of the country!
The FN judgement is horrible!
WTF? Another BBQ show? Yawwwn.
Lisa so should've won. I could've learned a lot from that stylish bitch. Absolutely loved her.
Adam was cute and funny. I would've tuned it.
Ugh, so disappointed.
errrr, gee thanks. The episode doesn't air here for another 90 minutes.
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OH MY WORD!!!!! Is there ANYONE that wanted Aaron to win??????
I am POSITIVE that someone will pick up Lisa and she'll be hosting her own show soon. She's too good of a catch. I'll definitely watch any show of hers!!!
And I want to know where I can purchase some of her aprons, too!! They were lovely!
Kelli in TN
Why does the Food Network think all we're interested in is grilling?
Ok.
Not at ALL happy with who they decided to choose for the FNS. I personally liked all three of them, but Aaron is the last one that I would have watched in a cooking show. I was rooting for Lisa because she has the knowledge and a little bit of humor as well as Adam. While I was watching Aaron, I wasn't getting that from him. I may watch one or two episodes just to see how it is, but I would rather have seen a Beautiful Basics show by Lisa because of all that she would have been able to offer.
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This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sad to see the Food Network completely rig the outcome. In case no one saw it, the outcome was revealed last Thursday on the FN web site...so it was clearly predetermined.
http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2008/07/25/re-next-food-network-star-2008-winner-revealed-on-shows-website-before-final-episode/
I wish Big Daddy well, it's an opportunity of a lifetime, but as a loyal FN viewer I will never watch his show.
Adam should have won for sure, and Lisa did a great job in her show clip as well. I couldn't even understand Big Daddy in his show clip. And how interesting is cooking steak with plantains? Unimaginative and boring, to be kind.
Not happy with the results. Bummer. Don't anticipate watching Aaron. Rooted for Lisa, but really wanted Kelsey. She would have been great.
By the way, great blog. Will have to check back again. Love FN.
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Aaron was a great choice. I've been rooting for him since the second episode.
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This season was a debacle. It's been obvious for the last several weeks that they wanted Aaron to win and were editing the show to put him in the best light. Just like the Next Iron Chef competition--they knew who they wanted and edited the shows to make him look good. The other finalist was the better chef (by far), but the winner had the quirky personality.
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Can FN take Adam's (or was it Gordon's?) idea to use a webcam over the Internet and make an interactive show? This idea seems very much like the Sara Moulton live call-in show she used to do but with video. I think it's a great idea for a show.
Mr. Clean shouldn't have won.
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Can't we enact the Jim Crow Laws of Food Television? You can only have a TV show if your father had a show. Sorry Aaron.
know what i would've taken over all 3 of them? Dave Lieberman in a thong , reading his grocery list.
Big Daddy cooks up some big bold flavorful Watermelon, Collared Greens, Grits! Fried Chicken and RIBS! BIG BOLD FLAVORS! Koolaid too!
Just what were the judges thinking? When Aaron is on camera, he comes across so fake and lacks a personality.
Lisa or Adam would have made an interesting show.
Glad Aaron won. Wish/Hope Adam gets a show. Couldn't relate to Lisa. Too much of an overachiever and seemingly tired to play second-fiddle to her successful husband/chef.
I can't find a place to leave a comment on FN's site, so I'll leave one here. I'm really disappointed. I thought Lisa and Adam both had loads more talent than Aaron. Aaron was cheerful and apparently could cook, but we hardly ever heard personal stories or got jokes or intriguing bits of food information from Aaron, the way we did from Lisa and Adam. I feel the competition was rigged and that FN kept Aaron in because they wanted him. I hate the way FN seems to be pulling the bar lower and lower. I want a food show that inspires me and lifts me out of the boredom of the day to day eating made necessary by my hurried lifestyle. I don't want to go "downhome" or visit diners. I don't want to know how a high fructose corn syrup-based candy was made in a large factory. I want gourmet food, because even if I have no time to cook it, at least I can live vicariously through my Food Network friends.
I agree. Lisa isn't a chef. HER HUSBAND IS. She isn't a restaurant owner. HER HUSBAND IS. Yet another example of a woman leeching off a succesful man.
I just don't get it. He always seemed to be the least ready for this show, and now he's got a show of his own. I think FN bit off more than they can chew with this one.
I hope FN reads some of these blogs. I don't know what the point of this next star show is? They always pick the wrong person to win except for Guy!
He has a pulse, but this guy Aaron?
What are they thinking?
Wow - a number of anon. comments. Jacob, you got your work cut out for ya tonight *lol*
IMO - and only MY opinion, I am glad Aaron won. Lisa IS better suited for Fine Living and Adam, well, he wasn't a fave of mine.
Again, just my opinion. Let's hope the show is good. We'll see next week.
Congrats to Aaron!
I can't believe Aaron won! He was definitely the least qualified of the finalist and had no on camera charisma despite all the coaching he was given by Bobby Flay and Gordon. It is clear that Food Network is trying to racially diversify the network, which is commendable, but truly qualified people like Lisa and Adam got the shaft.
I think Lisa should have won, she was stylish and her recipes were not the typical recipes on the network. I am very disappointed.
I think they stole Adam/Gordon Elliot's idea with the new Ask Aida show.
Bravo should pick up Lisa. FN sucks!
Did anyone not think Aaron was going to win?
Lisa gave us raw egg yolks. Now I know that that is fine, could have been pasturized. I did keep looking for the Zamboni and the ICE rink though. Generally, the meal was good to look at. I don't mind looking at Lisa. I still think black vinyl and stilletos in the kitchen. LOL
Everyone does the beer can thing. The presentation was excellent. The concept was good. Way better than the silly new "Rate My Space" on HGTV. I would watch that show. I doubt Adam had seen Emeril's new show but it has that feel to it Hmmm I wonder how much imput from Gordon.
The judges said who could start a show the next day. Lisa or Adam sure I bet. Aaron, only as a puppet. I couldn't even understand what he was saying and had to rewind a couple of times.
Will I watch Aaron's show, of courss, I will. I watched Amy's show. Now of course my TV is on if I am in the house. I have a constant ringing in my ears so I alway have the TV on for the background noise.
I think Food Network should give up these shows though they just can't seem to get it right or not give up the winner in advance. Remember Jag problems, the Michael Symon IC challenge before he actually won to go along with this years screw up.
Time to watch DesignStar.
See Adam's show seemed like the same thing as the new show "Ask Aida" right? So was this intentional of FN? They already have a show like that. Maybe not as interactive but the concept is the same.
Disapointed all around. Aaron won't last.
Eegads. NFNS mgmt REALLY got this one wrong. Should have been Lisa by a MILE. And, what's with not giving any insight into the decision process as part of the show. Wasn't well produced. Everyone got lovely feedback. then a jarring decision and sudden lights out. Thought these guys knew television??????
Unbelievable and a totally calculated move, based not on talent but quotas.
I was actually uncomfortable watching Aaron's demo. The whole "big daddy is givin' it to you" thing smacks of bad porn. It made me feel dirty.
I was not a fan of any of them - what a poor season. I guess I have higher standards for "stars."
love this blog. it's the best!
Lisa and Adam were soooooooo much better than Aaron. Great choice, Food Network!
Congratulations Aaron!!! Your hard work payed off and you will only get better. It will be a pleasure to watch your genuine personality as you perfect your craft. Can't wait to see what you cook!
Listening to the judges and hearing them explain the thought process on choosing the winner makes me realize there are fewer and fewer programs on FN that I actually want to watch.
The winner has limited ability to actually be coherent on camera and doesn't cook food that's very exciting. More comfort food? More grilling? Really?
So maybe the FN is right in thinking that Americans like to sit around and get fat on the same formula of overloaded butter, fried foods and BBQ but I have to think there are other culinary points of view to explore.
People keep mentioning Lisa should find something on the Fine Living channel. Maybe I should too.
Weak decision...would have liked to hear why the other two didn't win. Adam could have been the dark horse winner, but Lisa didn't fumble at all. I was convinced that Aaron was the third choice after all three pilots. Oh well, I'll watch his show, but am not too eager to do so.
Gosh, I was soooo disappointed by the Food Network's choice. Adam and Lisa rocked it tonight, and yet Aaron was declared the winner? So, so sad. I agree that he was coddled from the beginning...he could do no wrong even when he committed one faux pas after the next. Boooo!
First of all how many of you "critics" have the guts to do what any of these contestants have done? I liked Lisa and I liked Adam! It seems to have been Aaron’s night. Now how many individuals that have an issue with his ethnicity, own their own food network? I would venture to guess none! All contestants had a great showing but only one could win. For some i guess the lack of education or the lack mommy not holding them long enough would give them the guts to leave such nonsense. There is no reason to comment on his skin color to make a comment. With comments like these should we really get rid of Affirmative Action!! I will end it like this Aaron, Lisa, and Adam all deserve to have their own show in my opinion.
Adam should have definitely won. He had a good idea with the internet and all and he was much more entertaining. Aaron's show will just be the same old cooking food and eating it. Adam's show would be original and different. Oh well. I'll still watch "Big Daddy." His food looks good.
I am disappointed. Aaron seems like a nice enough guy. But I don’t see myself watching a show with him. Adam is hilarious and I think could learn a few things from him and be entertained. But Lisa was the only one that I could see myself making a point to tune into a show with every week. I kept hoping they’d announce, “Surprise! All three of you are getting a show!”
I do hope that someone will be smart and snatch Lisa up quick. I want to see more of her. I agree with some of the others who have left comments here, I’m not sure Susie & Bob liked Lisa. I felt like Bobby Flay was her only real fan on that panel. Too bad.
I really thought Adam should have won. Here's why...he definitely had the most watchable concept. He's delightful to watch and so interactive. FN would be foolish if they didn't find a way to put his talent to use. Lisa was ok, but just another talking cook/host. Aaron's food looked awful but he's certainly likable enough. Oh well...it's over now. I'll wish the best to all 3 and hope FN can find a way to improve their overall content in the future. Thanks for having this forum Jacob. You do a great job. It's nice to have a place to comment on FN.
Wow, I can't believe after those pilots Lisa didn't win. It seemed like the only show that had a purpose, instead they choose another mindless eye candy show.
It was obvious Susie and Bob loved Aaron from the get-go. They had him as their winner long before this final episode was filmed. Really the last few weeks were meaningless. Which is why keeping the three of them was even more pointless. Aaron's demo was by far the worst of the three, but it didn't matter because they clearly wanted Aaron as their new star. They basically wasted Adam and Lisa's time.
I thought Adam had a decent premise, but I really enjoyed Lisa's show. I wouldn't watch Aaron -- and frankly, between his horrible English, lack of on-camera skills and borderline offensive "downhome" slang use I found his demo rather embarrassing.
After the presentation in Vegas, Aaron should have been sent home. It was a total embarrasment and I think if any of the other contestants would have flubbed it so bad, they would have left. Just goes to show the winner was calculated. Not good FN, not good at all. But this blog ROCKS!
I am so disappointed! Lisa was my favorite because I actually learned something new from her, plus she was fascinating to watch. Adam is funny and interesting, so I would have watched him too. Aaron seems like a nice guy, but he was nervous, hard to understand, phony, and he's simply not qualified. (remember CHI POL TEE??) This is not the Food Network I used to love!
Folks, it's just a TV show. There's a lot more things in life to worry about then who won a freaking TV show. So much anger in the world today.
Congrats to all three finalists!
I'm not surprised Aaron won, although I would have preferred Lisa. I don't think it's "affirmative action", I think it's the Food Network playing it safe. Aaron may be boring, but he's middle of the road and no one dislikes him. He's safe. Lisa has her admirers, but she has a LOT of detractors. I tried to read some of the comments on the Judges blog over at the FN site, and the people who dislike Lisa REALLY REALLY dislike Lisa. Even here on this blog, the anti-Lisa comments are much harsher and nastier than the anti-Aaron comments. (I don't think Adam was ever a serious contender, because he was so inconsistent over the course of the season.)
The Food Network wants to play it safe, and better to have someone bland than someone who attracts so much dislike (even if other people find her appealing). They're afraid of the criticism.
(And by the way, why is it OK to use the c-word in referring to Lisa? I think if someone had used a similar slur against Aaron, people would be screaming.)
Food Network judges...I'm so disapointed in your selection. I hope you will view this as a wake up call...hey! how bout next year you let the public vote in the finals!! I have been pulling for Lisa because I thought she brought more to the "plate" and I felt a show like hers could teach me more about elegant dining. I love Martha and she has her own design style but I thought Lisa would add a different flavor. I watch food network everyday and I have my favorites but sorry to say I will not be watching for a while. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!
Was it just me or did they use a laugh track for the finale?? lame, lame, lame....not impressed with ANY of the contestants...I am tuning out!!! Not racist, but it seems that Food Network has turned into BET.
I'll probably watch Aaron's show once, which I suppose is one more time than I watched Amy Finley's show. I think out of the demos, I preferred Adam's, and would have watched the show. But then, I'm someone who's never made beer can chicken, ha!
I had a feeling as soon as we saw the listing on the TiVo that they'd chosen Aaron. I couldn't think of another reason they'd have for not allowing voting.
Aaron has no personality. I saw nothing that would make me want to stay tuned for his entire show. Come on! An ex-hospital cook with his own show. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about his new show next week!
You people!! I can't believe all the ignorant, racist comments I've read here. "Quotas" and "racially diversify"? Again, once a black person wins something, it's NEVER based off their accomplishments and work. It's ALWAYS because of their color. Lisa was fake, too mechanical, and had no "soul". Congrats Aaron!!
Well, now we know why Aaron wasn't sent home last week.
The worst part is that throughout the whole show it looked like my favorite, Adam, was going to win. Then it was pulled out from under him. His show is the only one I would have watched. Aaron's I will NOT be watching.
I hope Adam still gets a show somewhere.
As soon as I saw Adam's interactive internet idea I knew he's not gonna win. FN has the new show 'Ask Aida' with similar concepts. They did the same thing last year. Last year JAG brought up lack of hispanic cuisines on FN and then they had Ingrid Hoffman. This year with Adam/Gordon's internet idea and they now produce 'Ask Aida'. Adam would be much much more fun to watch.
I still found Aaron being the worst among the three in last and this week's challenges. His pilot was so edited. A lot of the details about how to make the plantine glaze and collard greens were edited out. I wondered if those were so bad that they had to make so much editing on Aaron's pilot. Well he won. I probably won't remember watch his new show, just like Amy's.
Congradulations to Aaron and all the contestants. Big Daddy's show will do well. He is likable/marketable and his food is really tasty.All my best to him!
I really think Adam would have done very well with his own show. He shows a hidden tenderness, humility and he's a natural "ON" TV personality, I really do like him and his food.
Lisa, I'm Still not comfortable "watching" her.The vibe she gives off is not something a viewer can relate to. By the way where did all these lisa supporters come from all of a sudden, are they the same blogger? And what was with the contraversal blogging done by lisa (letting the cat out of the bag/complaining situation)see foodnetworkaddict.com for details. (Thats if Jacob put the recent blogging back up.)
Aaron earned his win. Way to go!
Ahhhh another new mediocre cooking show to go with the rest of the mediocre cooking shows.
Lisa was robbed. Adam would make a good host, but Aaron? His clumsy, clunky camera work and done-to-death food was clearly propped up to give it the best light so FN could crown him the star long before the final episode tonight.
Lisa brought an element of glamour and style to FN and was a show I would actually watch. Everything Aaron offers, if not just badly, has been ridden 'till the wheels fell off. The only thing worse would have been a chef doing pan-asian.
I know Lisa will pop up again somewhere - in a bigger/better place where she can share her upscale, elegeant, glamorous, quirky talents with the rest of us!
Sorry Food Network, you really blew this one.
pixeluxe
Seattle, WA
What an utter disappointment that Aaron has been chosen. His food choices have been unsophisticated and simple, he is difficult to understand and until a few weeks ago and with the judges prompting, kept a very low profile. Sad to say we think that the decision is based on politics. We will not watch another competition again.
I thought Adam should have taken it, hands down.
Visions of Clay Akin comes to mind. Did I miss something. Aaron blew the last couple of weeks (Lisa should have never made that face about the chicken in Vegas). These network wanted Aaron, that's why when he screwed up at the casino with boring food and a BAD standup, they did "something we have NEVER done before." Aaron should have gone home last week.
OMG! My family has sworn an oath on our Convection Oven that we will NEVER watch the FN again, REALLY.
I am curious who the blog editor is. There are a number of items removed or not published for who knows what reason. They must be REALLY bad, if the 11:28 PM comment that called Lisa the "C" word is OK.
Hey "Editor", you may as well let everything through if that made it. Or are the ones you removed just not PC?
lisa should have been chosen. and it was a mistake she was not.
aaron is impossible to watch and listen to. the way he talks makes me crazy. why was he picked? he has SO little confidence in himself.
the other guy is just an out of work unmarried putz who as he said didn't know what he would do if he didn't win.... cry maybe?
i think its sick how the losers have to stand around smiling and being so happy with all that confetti falling around for the winner when they are crushed and destroyed they went thru all that CRAP for nothing....
then again, perhaps the recognition factor might be worth it???
whatever. FN is a joke.
lisa is the winner.not mush mouth.
FN HAS HAD TO RETURN ADVERTISING DOLLARS DUR TO LOW RATINGS. IN THEIR ULTIMATE WISDOM THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED TO INCREASE THEIR RATINGS AND VIEWERSHIP BY ADDING MORE ETHNIC SHOWS. THISIS GOOD AS DIVERSITY IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING. THIS IS WHY AARON WAS A SHOE IN. I TOLD MY WIFE THE SECOND WEEK THAT AARON WAS GOING TO BE THE WINNER, ESP. SINCE THE VIEWERS HAD NO VOTING IN THE PROCESS. FN IN THEIR WISDOM HAS FAILED TO BRING QUALITY AFRICIAN AMERICAN TALENT IN
BUT INSTEAD GAVE US THE NEELYS . TALK ABOUT DUMBING DOWN. THEIR ATTEMPT TO ATTRACT THE OTHER13%OF THE POPULATION WILL SHOW AN EQUAL DECLINE IN VIERSHIP FROM THE REST OF THE VIEWING POPULACE. THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL EXCELLENT AFRICAN AMERICAN CHEFS ON IRON CHEF THAT COULD POSSIBLY MAKE EXCELLENT FN STARS. PLEASE DON'T CONTINUE TO OVER EXPOSE YOUR CURRENT STARS AND FROR SURE DON'T DUMB US DOWN WITH TRASH TALK AND EBONICS. I GREW UP WATCHING JULIA, GRAHAN, JEFF, CHEF PAUL, AND JUSTIN WILSON TO NAME A FEW GIVE US QUALITY NOT TRASH. I WILL PROBABLY NEVER WATCH AARON.
lisa deserved to win.
period.
aaron is a mush mouth with NO confidence
and whats his name is just annoying....
Adam's was the only pilot I really enjoyed. Yes, we've all seen the beer can chicken before, but I enjoyed his personality and humor. Its too bad. Lisa's was ok, but she just strikes me as fake and it makes me dislike her.
Aaron seems like a nice guy, but I couldn't understand what he was saying half the time. I'll check the show out but whats the point of watching if you don't know what they are saying.
I was rooting for Lisa by far but will give Aaron's show a one-episode audition, although I DETEST the show's name. Is the guy a pimp or a cooking show host? I would also have given Adam's show a chance. I don't dislike any of the finalists, but what I do dislike is how Aaron got to the finale in the first place. It was clear in the Vegas ep that the judges were bending over backwards to make sure Aaron was in the finale; if the judges had actually judged fairly last week and not wussed out on a decision, Aaron would rightfully have been gone.
Wow. You all are so bitter. You're forgetting one thing. The judges have tasted and been wowed by Aaron's food all season. All the pilots were excellent. They were all deserving to win. And, what's with all the comments about this being a political choice. FN can't hire a chef who happens to be black without race being an issue? Sheesh. Expand your mind people.
I wonder how the food network will feel when take after take after take will drive the production costs of Aaron's show up for the next 6 weeks. From an entertainment standpoint Adam should have won hands down. From a difficulty point of view, by taking questions during his pilot Adam should have won. For bring complexity into the show and making it easy, Lisa. Aaron mumbles his words, or he speaks to fast and becomes impossible to understand at points. He never conveys any comfort or relaxation in what he is doing. Yes, he is likably, but from day one his discomfort made him uncomfortable to watch.
The fix was in... The way the show was edited, the reactions from the selection committee was so over the top for Aaron it was laughable.
I watch the food network on an almost daily basis, while I will continue to watch it will be with a much more jaundiced eye.
I truly hope Aaron becomes amazingly successful and everyone here forgets about how much they love Lisa's outfit or how funny they think Adam and his raw chicken are. Sad to read how many people won't even give it a chance. Funny because the comments here are drastically different than those that I read via the twitter community, who dominantly applauded Aaron.
Also, anon who made the comment about Jim Crow laws - you make me sick. Step into the 21st Century any day now, please.
So fine Aaron gets his show, but how about Adam getting a web show! And maybe Bon Appetit snatching up Lisa;or maybe the Food Network could start a magazine and give her a column!
Horrible, disingenuous, fake
So, I hated Aaron as the choice. I think Adam would have been the best. I personally could not stand Lisa.
But what was worse than the choice was the show itself
1) Aaron did abysmally the last couple weeks. So they have this miracle come to save him
2) The ASK AIDA show is very much like Adam's idea. So he pitches the idea, they steal it, but don't take him
3) Evidently the screw-up about revealing the winner early was exactly that. If it was some PR move, it got zero effect. Only ones that noticed were the most diehard viewers who would have watched anyway.
4) So now they will have the winner be in production weeks/months before the winner is announced. The potential for a leak is great, plus they have zero ways to gauge public reaction to their favorite in the final weeks of the competition.
5) Even the feel of the show was bad. No Emeril. Yes, he is a cheeseball but there was something about dusting him off once a year for the show. More proof of the leaner/meaner Foodnetwork. Also the audience was filled with food industry "professionals" so they could avoid a leak weeks in advance.
Bad every way you slice it. They jettisoned cute people like Kelsey and Shane for Aaron, ick.
I'm surprised Lisa didnt win...
I think Aaron is okay.. but I also wonder if they are realizing the food network talent needs more diversity.
It didn't matter who won this. None of them had the personality to last more than the episodes FN was commited to.
Aaron will be gone soon also. Then again, they keep the Neely's on there for some reason and they are the MOST annoying people on earth, I think.
"Big Daddy's House"? WTF? So would this be an acceptable title if Aaron were white? So let me get this right, it's okay to play up the black factor sometimes, racist at other times? It's nonsensical and precisely why we're still a nation deeply embedded in racial stereotypes. If it isn't an acceptable title for a show with a host of any race, then it isn't an acceptable title PERIOD, end of story! And Bobby Flay with his previous comments about "Compton" wtf? Blacks should be insulted, first by that disgrace Gena Neely and now that FN is throwing them a show called "Big Daddy's House". We really need to move past this ridiculous "white television" and "black television" bit and just try to equally represent people, not represent them in terms of pigeon holes of race stereotypes.
Did you guys catch that Bobbie Boy said all three would have been incredibly likeable? Um, did he forget what the heck he'd been saying about Lisa ALL season? What freakin bs!
Oh and per the poster that said it had already been decided...yes, this episode was filmed a while ago and shooting I believe is already completed on the first 6 episodes of "Big Daddy's House". Yet another line of freakin' bs that they start filming "next week". Yes, perhaps when Tuschie said that, but filming for "Big Daddy" started long ago.
What a racist network! (Loud-mouth, over-the-top Gena and her submissive husband, she rules the house, loud family get-togethers; now "Big Daddy Compton" Aaron.)
DISGRACEFUL and pandering!
The judges seem to go for the person with the hard luck story. Lisa already has a nice career and future, Adam slides by in a cocky way. Aaron winning is an example. while I LOVED lisa's whole retro apron gourmet thing, Adam did the best job with his idea and promo.. Aaron is so nervous and hard to understand. They must have thought more about rewarding his sincere, humble style instead of what the viewers, especially women, wanted- Lisa. I hope to see her on another tv show. Maybe a rival cooking network? Good luck Lisa- Judges,
FOCUS!!!!!!!
Last night's show was taped months ago, and the six episodes Aaron won are alto complete, yet they go on last night and say he would start taping the next day. What the h*%& was that all about? Obviously, they think their viewers are stupid. But, then the Vegas fiasco already proved that, didn't it?
"Anonymous said...
I am curious who the blog editor is. There are a number of items removed or not published for who knows what reason. They must be REALLY bad, if the 11:28 PM comment that called Lisa the "C" word is OK."
I deleted about 15 comments that were spam for a transexual website, if you must know.
Also, I removed the c-word comment--hadn't seen that before (I had moderation off temporarily).
If you must call the contestants bad names, as least we novel about it... and not sexist or racist. I like "douchenozzle."
Wow. I am so surprised by the Aaron bitterness. I like him. I think he has an appealing personality and story.
Wasn't last year's winner picked by fan voters? So we can't blame FN for the failure of picking the Gourmet Next Door. Maybe her point of view was too similar to Lisa Garza's. And I was not a fan of Lisa's to start out. Initially, I found her to be quite pretentious. But she really grew on me over the course of the season. And Adam was likable too.
In any case, I hope Aaron gets a fair shot. Let's dial back the vitriol a bit.
Aaron has a great story and I am happy for he and his family, however, he was not compelling or instructional. FN seems so overtly desperate to bring in an ethnically diverse audience that they would thwart Lisa Garza, who could have been an educator and whose cooking style was actually appealing. While she got off on the wrong foot, she was capable of adapting and being a worthy host.
Additionally, if you think you need to be likeable to be a sucessful authority - have a conversation with Martha Stewart one day and understand that is not a criteria for suceeding in this market...
I for one will not tune in for a future season. It made no sense, smacked of a decision made for equal opportunity instead of competence or marketabilty, and frankly, the guy is just not interresing to watch though, I wish him all the best.
Chipotle says it all for me. He was third place this week!
I don't have any negative feelings about any of them. I just think that they are all lacking in originality and personality. I don't see any of them being "watchable" beyond TNFNS.
Would like to add my two cents:
- I am shocked and ashamed by the racist comments by some of the posters. These comments about "quotas" and such show what a long way we have as a nation to go. Seriously, get over it.
- I enjoyed Lisa's demo the most, but could see how it could overlap with some of their existing shows and also the fact that they have plenty of female chefs.
- Adam's show premise seems to be the new show "Ask Aida"
- It seemed like a cop-out to have Tushelson just comment on how great all the finalists were, rather than making any critique. I would have been really interested in finding out their marketing decisions behind the finalist, like which demographics they thought each could appeal to, the potential for a new show, etc, rather than just, "Wow, everyone is SO GOOD! Love for everybody!"
I wonder who Aunt Sandy woulda picked.
I wonder what kind of cocktail Aunt Sandy got sloshed on last night whilst watching the finale.
Hmmmm....
I figured Aaron was going to win when they didn't eliminate him last week. They were looking for reasons to keep him. None of the three were great, but Aaron was by far the worst of them. They should have stuck to fan voting this year, the judges got it wrong!
Oh yeah...forgot to add this. Food Network President Brooke Johnson looked like she had just rolled outta bed. And she looked really bored.
I'd begrudge no one this victory though I am confused to say the least by the choice of Aaron. He was perfectly decent but does not make an interesting or instructive chef or host, unfortunately.
In any event, he has won and I am proud of him. I hope he makes something great of it.
foodnetworkaddict.com rules!
Lisa's food is something I'd defintely want to try! Adam seemed way better on the finale too. And Aaron...
Good luck, Big Daddy!
There are ALOT of Aaron fans that wanted him to win! I am sure more would be here leaving comments if they knew this was here. Then again they are so happy now they are probably not interested in all the negative comments on Aaron winning. Here are some of my comments taken from another board.
It was in very bad taste for Lisa to be so critical of the other contestants. I rewatched some of the episodes and had forgotten just how critical Lisa was. Do you think she could be critical of the others and not have some others feel the way they do about her? And I didn't like how Lisa interacted with the Brownie. That's great Lisa's child is sophisticated but........
I mean children should be allowed to decide if they want to eat
foods that usually just adults like. As long as a child eats healthy is not that all that really matters?? In the beginning Lisa was so bossy and definitely came across as being better than
others. She was very critical of some of the other contestants! Most people just don't like that. I agree with comments I read elsewhere that Lisa changed in front of the camera because she had to in order to move on but to me her personality did not change. The majority clearly wanted Aaron to win!! And if it is in the rules that the rules are subject to change and can be changed by the judges then all the outrage over all three contestants moving on is moot. Kelsey was the clear viewer favorite winner (with Aaron clearly in second place) and even Kelsey thought Aaron should win and that Lisa belongs on another network!
Lisa is talented and I believe she will receive a great opportunity, maybe one she can be more herself and maybe one she would really love!! I hope so as I do wish her the best.
Aaron great cooking skills are there whether you like his foods or not and he has a great personality. I am happy he won! If you aren't, just don't watch his shows.
No doubt Tuschwipe got his wish for more visible minorities on FN, cause he has yet to fully exploit that sector, but a few positive things can happen.
If FN desparately needs to attract African Americans, maybe Aaron's presence will help dull the pain of the Neelsy's who are being crammed down pur throats.
Anybody.ANYBODY but Gina Neely.
That said, Lisa deserved the win based on camera appeal and cooking skills, so perhaps we will see her somewhere soon.
I can see why she harbours animosity towards these FN pumpkinheads though.
What most people dislike about Lisa is the fact she has style and substance, probably because most of the viewers who watch FN lack it or have the style of say Aunt Sandy, Paula or Rachel or even Giada, which is middle of the road,ordinary and for them comfortable. Lisa has the right to be arrogant and pretentious, she earned it but she doesnt belong on FN they would remove what makes her her and turn her into some FN clone-ette but thats what they want. well most of them, those of US who would have liked a little something different and unique didnt get what we would preferred but good luck to Aaron, hopefully his show will last longer then Gourmet Next Door, or they will just replace Guy with him and he'll be going to all the "diners drive in and dives" while Guy is sent to Fine Living with Emril and Ming, or back to obscurity
I love Susie!
From my perspective, Aaron's cooking was consistently impressive throughout the show, but he had difficulty acting naturally on camera. With some coaching he'll get over it and do fine. Lisa's cooking was excellent but she had too steep of a curve between her off days and on days as a tv personality. Adam was all about having the right personality but ranked third in his dishes. Good luck, Aaron. - Erik H.
Exactly what kind of yummy dishes was Aaron preparing in the hospital? What did he present to FN that made him a shoe-in at auditions?
It has been obvious that FN is trying to push more black talent. The Neelys are just horrible. Sunny Anderson seems OK. She is at least not as annoying as Gena Neely. The new reality show that has a boot camp feel is intriguing.
A couple of things that disappoint me...
1. Food network has bowed down at the alter of political correctness. Does Jesse Jackson have a pending lawsuit against FN?
2. Food Network insults the viewership by pushing Aaron on us as the winner. It was obvious he was the looser last week. The network wanted him to win from the get go so they propped him up and did something they had "never done before"...ooooohhhhhh!
Don't get me wrong....I think Aaron is a nice guy but he is not someone I want to watch. The Food Network is obviously trying to make him into a personality he is not. Maybe the network sees mass appeal for a superficial loudmouth pimp turned chef personality.
I just watched the show on Tivo. Well I am sure glad I waited to see who won and didn't check the other blogs.
At least we know a REALLY WONDERFUL human being got the brass ring. Nice guys don't always finish last thankfully.
Time will tell if Aaron can pull off a show or not. I am certainly rooting for him.
I also wish Lisa and Adam all the best. They are champions who could just as easily be standing where Aaron is today.
It's really been fun watching this season.
Completely disappointed in their choice, definitely won't be watching his show.
Jacob wrote:
"If you must call the contestants bad names, as least we novel about it... and not sexist or racist. I like "douchenozzle." "
So what is a "douchenozzle" is it what I think it is and can I get one?
So you are anti Transexual. Don't they deserve a vote and a food show, to fit a demographic? LOL
TNFNS has lost all credibility simply because they obviously pre-selected their winner and then put all the other contestants (and we, the viewers) through the sham of thinking it was a fair contest.
I think Aaron is a likeable guy and it looks like he can cook; but he was definitely the weakest of the final three in terms of on-camera performance. I thought Adam's show was great and I could see myself watching Lisa. Aaron's show seems like same-ol-same-ol to me, and I agree with the above comments that some of his slang was rather porn-like!
If FN wants a more diverse group of show hosts, that is GREAT and I'm glad they are making the effort. But they totally shammed the contestants and audience going about this the way they did. If viewer voting doesn't return for the next go-around, I will not be watching TNFNS again.
I am pleased with the outcome of the show. Aaron has consistently made good food and has learned a lot on being made comfortable in his own skin on camera. I think he will do well as long as he remains true to his personality.
Lisa doesn't belong on FN, although she was a wonderful chef, and entrepreneur. She would be much better on Fine Living doing a Martha Stewart type show where she could integrate style and fashion. She has got more to offer that the FN needs. I don't think she would have been well received by ht FN's viewers either.
I can guarantee we haven't seen the last of Adam. He has the personality that is needed on the FN and made pretty good food. I think we will see him on a Diner's Drive-in's, and Dives or Road Tasted type show.
I enjoyed TNFNS this season, but the selection committee needs to be rethought before next season. Bobby Flay is a little too arrogant for me. And Bob and Susie......I have had enough of them. Perhaps TNFNS should go to viewer voting like American Idol?!
Good Luck Aaron!
If you want to hit Aaron on substance, that's fine, but this racist (watermelon, Kool-Aid, Jim Crow) sentiment that permeates a lot of the comments is disgusting. Take that garbage and ram it up your turd circle.
Now, having said that, what a friggin' waste of time it was to watch this show. Aaron was clearly annointed really early and regardless of how poorly he performed, he was going to be the winner. He could have worn a welders mask and crapped in a pasta maker in his pilot and he'd still have won. That should have been obvious when he absolutely bombed in Vegas and they kept him around.
It was interesting to watch some of the NFNS marathon that preceded the finale. I'd forgotten that his food for the coast guard members was bad. I'd also forgotten how awful ALL his on-camera stuff was. His appearance with Rachel was OK, but nothing special. All that undercuts Tushlick's "7 great weeks, one really bad week" statement. Aaron seems like a great guy, he really does, but honestly he just doesn't have the camera presense or confidence to carry a short segment, much less an entire show. His grammar and enunciation aren't great (though I won't throw rocks from my glass house on that one...that just means he talks like me). His pilot was also the least inventive of the 3...Adam had his web-cam interaction going along with his normal easy on-camera demeanor, Lisa had her "beautifilly basic" theme that she really worked the whole season. Aaron's pitch seemed to be "umm, I'll cook something." Tushbite, right before coming out of the "judgement room" said something about how they needed to pick the person most ready to do a show the next day. I don't think that's Aaron, judging by all the retakes it took him and the fact that he still didn't seem real comfortable to be... but I'm just a country dumbass, so maybe I don't detect "star power" as well as a TV exec.
BTW, the totally uprorious laughter at everything Aaron said in his pilot was ridiculous. Shane looked like he was having a seizure over "you need to get your eyes checked".
Lisa actually did well, I thought. At one point I didn't care for her, but she grew on me as the series wore on. Her food is a little over my head, as I don't have a very sophisticated palate, I can't pronounce some of what she cooks, but she'd fill a niche on FN that's slowly fading away.
I thought Adam's pilot was the best. I know beer can chicken is pretty common, but he has BY FAR the most ease in front of the camera and interacted well with the girl on the web cam.
Also, Susie is hot!
T
I agree with Elizabeth and a number of others that we don't need more of the kind of cooking Aaron does. Big, bold? Gee, that's new, huh? How much you want to bet there's not a single healthy recipe in his first six shows? He strikes me as an Emeril clone except I can understand Emeril and he at least most of the time uses sentences in which the subject and verb agree. I could have learned something from Lisa, but not from either Adam or Aaron. I think Aaron's food was really good, but how do you screw up a steak? How could potatoes not be good when you wrap them in bacon? If I ate like that I'd weigh 350 pounds.
Bad choice FN. You are a bunch of douchenozzles.
Love this blog.
Aaron was a disappointing choice. I don't really think that he has the on camera personality OR the "cooking chops" to pull off his own show. I think FN needed a politically correct winner. I predict one season if he is lucky. I was rooting for Lisa Garza. She would have been a much better choice. I will not actually watch Aaron's show and I doubt I will watch the TNFNS ever again. The whole season was filled with non-talent (Lisa was the only stand out person with both qualifications). Really,the trainwreck factor was the only thing that kept me tuning in week after week...and now that it is over the whole thing seemed trite.
One last note: What is the deal with Bobby Flay's horrible fake tan? His hands were a totally different color from his face. I am not a Flay fan under normal circumstances, but he just looked plastic. Is he trying to go for the cheesy game show host look? Totally ridiculous! I remember when Flay actually had red hair and a normal skin tone...you remember...back when the FN actually put people who could cook in their programming line up???? A long, long, long time ago.
I'm not sure with the Food Network thinks we need yet another variation on the theme of down home cooking? I really don't buy that the target demographic of new programming really wants to create meals that could be served at TGIF.
I think that the network is so saturated with this kind of programming that it will ultimately backfire. And in a way, I feel bad for Aaron because it's so much harder for him to succeed with his own show, particularly because it seemed like the rules of the competition were bent just to keep him in.
They have been pitching this "Big Daddy" idea for awhile. That producer guy just HAPPENED to ask Aaron what the other contestants call him... he was totally coached and it's completely fake. If he had asked Lisa or Adam that question, it would have been ridiculous because the only answer they could give would be "Lisa" and "Adam."
This was a really bad choice, and I hope Adam sues about the "Ask Aida" thing, which is identical to his show.
If people want to make this about race, then where in the hell are the Latino or Asian chefs on Food Network?? And, NO not Ingrid Hoffman, she is so washed out and fake!!! Take about timing...The Neely's, then Sunny, now Aaron, next up is The Chef Jeff project..come on...don't even go there about being racists!?!?!? WTF!??!?!
No one has mentioned the fact that Lisa may be responsible for Aaron winning. When they were doing their throwdown, the only reason Aaron remembered he had to make chicken parm (duh!) was because Lisa gave him a look when he was about to make a side dish to go with his signature dish. So I don't buy the argument that Lisa was overly critical or mean to the other contestants -- she really saved his ass there. It would have been pretty hard for them not to send Aaron home if he failed to complete one of his dishes.
Bad move Lisa!
I was rooting for Lisa....I hope she finds a home on another network. I will check out Aaron's show at least once, but will pine for my girl Lisa and her beautiful basics. You go girlfriend....
Just to back up on a previous post... that's the thing that's so frustrating: Bob and Susie clearly picked Aaron from the start. It was obvious they wanted him to win, which makes the entire season pointless. He was exactly what they were looking for -- a nice African-American cook with a family and a hard-luck story who made simple food.
They got stuck on Aaron and never really considered anyone else. That's unfair.
As for this whole "black" issue... I don't mind if FN wants to diversify -- in fact, that's very healthy -- but I find it offensive that when they think "black" they think of people like the Neelys and Aaron. There are educated, articulate black chefs -- why not put one of those on your network? Why do you need cliche slanging blacks who come off as stereotypes? Do they think this is the only type of African-American a white person wants to watch? They'd greatly expand their network's diversity if they went out and found the black Alton Brown or Tyler Florence. Whites won't be threatened by a smart African-American.
I don't recall in any of the other episodes anyone referring to Aaron as Big Daddy... It was a fix and maybe we can get a congressional investigation ala that movie "quiz show"
I was shocked when Aaron won, but looking back at the season I really shouldn't have been. It became clear early on that the judges had a thing for Aaron, but I thought in the end they would make a qualified decision. Aaron has great qualities, no doubt, but he came in third. I assumed the judges would respect that. They wanted someone who would be ready "tomorrow." So they pick the contestant who routinely messes up takes, has no concept on an inside voice, slurs words, clams up, and forgets lines?
The judges lost complete credibility in my eyes. How can I trust anything Aaron made was as good as they claim when their bias is obvious? They treated Aaron like a child, to be honest. I wonder how Aaron feels about this. I would be horribly insulted.
Come to think about it, most of their eliminations made little sense. They ragged on Jennifer for having no confidence, and then when she finally showed some, they canned her. They kept Nipa through a break down and horrible peanut spice, but axed her the one time she showed personality. And why did they get rid of Jeffery, exactly? I wonder if they decided long ago Aaron was their guy, and pretty much assigned everyone else an elimination week.
I hope Adam and Lisa get shows. I am dying for that chicken recipe, and I could learn from Lisa. Who wouldn't want to make sophisticated food fast?
Aaron, buddy, congrats on the win. You didn't earn it. Sorry.
Although I agree it appears to have been fixed for Aaron from the start, it's a little absurd to insinuate he only won because he's "diverse" when there were two other non-white contestants who didn't get very far.
I was still hoping some magic would happen and Kelsey would randomly become the winner. I truly looked up to her and felt I could learn something from her.
Aaron just seems way too nervous all the time.
Although, slightly funny in his pilot, I think Adam did way better.
i agree w/earlier posting about the cost of Aaron's show. How many retakes will the food network suffer... it cost money to constantly reshoot.
at the very least, we can mostly agree that this season had one if not three very likeable finalists, who could have gone on and done shows that are worth watching. no one from last season seemed remotely interesting. i wish they had brought back some of season 2's cast and given them a second chance. that was a really strong group of contestants.
I always enjoy watching the season and sad to see it over. I have to say I was pulling for Lisa, but I'll support Aaron and give his show a chance. Love your blog! I check in just about daily!
Picky Palate
Best of Luck to Lisa. I know we will be seeing her agin. She really has something to offer. Any ideas on how to get in touch with her? I hope she reads this and sees all of her support.
She out classes FN anyway.
someone said: DIVERSITY IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING.
FN IN THEIR WISDOM HAS FAILED TO BRING QUALITY AFRICIAN AMERICAN TALENT IN BUT INSTEAD GAVE US THE NEELYS TALK ABOUT DUMBING DOWN.
really? if "diversity is always a good thing" why call this a failure???
the way this country is headed we are tolerating so much diversity pretty soon the "official" language of the USA will be Spanish......
To the editor of this Blog:
What are we goint to talk about now. Somebody has got to step up and stir the pot.
Find something good. I Love this site.
To the people saying that the winner was based on affirmative action or some sort of quota, it's really not that serious or that political. To be truthful, all three of the finalists were deserving of shows, but there could only be one winner. There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with who won, but to pull the race card is ludicrous and makes no sense.
I thought this season stunk. I did not like Lisa and I'm glad she did not win. I thought Adam had the better demo show and idea and I think he should have won. Aaron was not that good and I might watch his show once. I do not think there should be a Next Food Network Star show ever again, unless they can find better talent.
2:35 anon:
It's good to be diverse because creatively it helps to have different themes and personalities. However, the Neelys and Aaron do not, in any way, represent African-American cooks or blacks in general. I know black cooks and none of them say "y'all" or "dagnab." Most are trained in one classic style or another and are not limited to a grill. In FN's presumed attempt at diversifying they've revealed their limited and closed-minded opinion of minorities and their audience.
Is no one concerned about Bobby's bad tan? I think one other person noticed. He looked horrid.
TNFNS is a joke. This round just proved it!
Last year they tried to force JAG down our throats and this year Aaron... this show is starting to stink up the joint
foodnetworkaddict.com, you complete me.
anonymous said:
"I was actually uncomfortable watching Aaron's demo. The whole "big daddy is givin' it to you" thing smacks of bad porn. It made me feel dirty. "
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that.
"Who want some of Big Daddy's meat?" Bow chicka chicka bow wow wow.
Oh Jake , I forgot one thing. The picture you selected of Tuschman above embodies the very soul of what weaseldom is all about.
Count your fingers after shaking hands with that dude.
Jennifer - Adam can't do his own show because FN kept his idea. Sean, do you actually think that Aida's show was in production before NFNS started? I find the coincidence a tad too strange. Also, Lisa's back to basics idea was taken from her and now there's a show about that, too. Are the producers that hard up for ideas that they have to steal from losing contestants on this reality show?
there is no doubt that brain dead execs like bob t. ripped Adam's idea. he seems like a very cut throat, two faced individual.
Aaron has that "deer in the headlights" look that I don't think I can get past. He's about as much fun to watch as America's Funniest Home Videos' clips of men getting their family jewels smashed. Don't get me wrong... he's a very sweet guy and I would love to have him teach my kids how to cook. But the camera certainly does not like him.
To the last "Anonymous" comment: FN cut off the viewer blog last Wednesday or Thursday. I was heavily involved in that blog and the intellectual property theft was discussed before they shut us off. I am also finally able to chat with fine folks who care about our Food Network and I am too "complete". Thank you, Food Network Addict!
Yorkie,
It is the same premise as Throw Down. Making locally famous cooks think they got a FN show, scooping their recipe, taking it back to BF and letting the FN kitchen rip it off so that BF can look like a rock star. Emeril's recipe search for the best of whatever. I wonder how many recipies he took credit for. Give me a break.
There are real stories our there, real cooks with GREAT ideas and original recipies. Enough already. And Please don't send another STUPID couple out there looking for something new that they can just make a buck on.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yorkie,
It is the same premise as Throw Down. Making locally famous cooks think they got a FN show, scooping their recipe, taking it back to BF and letting the FN kitchen rip it off so that BF can look like a rock star. Emeril's recipe search for the best of whatever. I wonder how many recipies he took credit for. Give me a break.
There are real stories our there, real cooks with GREAT ideas and original recipies. Enough already. And Please don't send another STUPID couple out there looking for something new that they can just make a buck on.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yorkie,
It is the same premise as Throw Down. Making locally famous cooks think they got a FN show, scooping their recipe, taking it back to BF and letting the FN kitchen rip it off so that BF can look like a rock star. Emeril's recipe search for the best of whatever. I wonder how many recipies he took credit for. Give me a break.
There are real stories our there, real cooks with GREAT ideas and original recipies. Enough already. And Please don't send another STUPID couple out there looking for something new that they can just make a buck on.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beach: From what I've seen of "Throwdown" (and I've seen most of them) Bobby doesn't win that much! He even lost the squash Iron Chef challenge recently.
Is there anyone in here who recognizes "Johanna" from the FN blog?
Is there anyone in here who recognizes "Johanna" from the FN blog?
I really wanted Lisa to win. She was unique and I enjoyed seeing what she was going to wear. I liked her whole fashion angle.
Cannot stand Aaron. We do not need another show about grilling. Too many of those already!!!
I didn't like Adam either. His dishes were boring and everyone does the beer can thing with the chicken. Give me a break!
I hope Lisa gets a shot at a REAL network that actually values talent!
I mean really, why are we surprised? Just look at the FN lineup these days... tons of Paula, Rachael, Aunt Sandy. And now we've got the Neelys and Big Daddy.
What the hell are we supposed to aspire to anymore !?!?!?!?
We hear you LOUD AND CLEAR
They pick the least interesting of the three remaining contestants. But does that surprise you? This is what the Food Network has become. With very few exceptions, it's one big blur of bland cooking shows. You can hardly tell one from another.
was it me or were gordon's lips moving after he'd ask aaron a question ..... like gordon was aaron's own personal ventriliquist. trippy! maybe he only did it when aaron forgot to answer the way they told him to. big daddy....... porn........that is too funny! Adam rocked. I would watch him all the time. A cute guy with such a great sense of humor cooking???? Isn't that every woman's dream? Adam, if you're reading this........ if I wasn't married...... sigh. Lisa should stick with "fashion". If I heard beautiful and basics in any combination one more time I was gonna toss. It was like listening to an Avon catalog. Keep trying, Adam!!!
Really... seriously, this decision had to be made in the name of diversity or something. I was really voting for Lisa because I thought she definitely brought a fresh new perspective to the network, even Adam's internet idea was somewhat entertaining. But Aaron? He had nothing to offer. He was TERRIBLE on camera, had no personality, and had the same tired old food everyone is sick of. Foodnetwork - give me a break. Let America choose who they want to see.
I just saw the preview for Aaron's new show. It looked really fun. He was all smiles and seemed comfortable. GIVE HIM A CHANCE.
Hmmmm,I remeber in the 'Unwrapped' special of FN,where behind the scences of some shows are showned,they said that the bar for having a show is raised very high cause of Rachel,Paula Giada that FN needed to have a 'talent contest' to find the next star,hence TNFNS was born.Yet,Aaron is no where as great as anybody curently on FN and is not different or unique or special.He does not rank as high as anybody(which is what the point of this show is soposed to be about)as some of the most fanous FN personalities.I think this season was an EPIC FAIL!!
I wanted Lisa!!!!!I was sooo geared into watching Beautiful Basics with Lisa Garaza(i think thats how her last name is spelled).This was a major boner killer!!I feel empty that Lisa didnt win.Cause Lisa didnt win and no talented Aaron won,i feel this season was a big waste of my life!I regret ever watching this show!!!!ARGGGGGG!!!When Flay anounced the winner,my heart droped and i was Oh hell no!!This no talented loser won!!The point of this show was to find a chef personality who can match some great FN chefs,but instead it produces a f***ing loser.Way to go FN!!
Paul n Austin
"Get Ready for a Treat!" ...Gina reminds me of Flip Wilson when I hear FN play that audio clip...
Could you believe in the next to the finale episode, Bob Tuschwipe sez about Adam..."I just dont trust his cooking inspiration."...I about fell out of my seat. Then they go on to send Kelsey home!! W T F
I always knew it was ultimately between Kelsey and Aaron. They were my choices in that order. Give Big Daddy a chance. He can definetly cook. These peeps are working with producers and all kinds of folks. Aaron may indeed turn out great! Heck, Oprah may already be taking a shining to the guy. And when O gets involved behind you, your going to the top! He's got a great story, in anycase.
Someone common tater, previously, indicated last year's winner, Amy, got her show canceled. Technically, yes. After FN offered her a second season, Amy turned it down, citing family reasons. Fair enough.
Kelsey, imho, will be on national tv someday. She's got spunk, on-camera sense, cooking chops, and is loveable to huge sections of the viewing public. And oh, I'm not a Mormon.
I noted another common tater from the last FN judges blog, indicated that, 'just as Ron Paul gang-loaded internet political polls, so did Kelsey's backers on the FN poll.' Those are scurrilous uninformed comments. Kelsey is genuinely loved, as is Ron Paul. And while we may have seen the last of Ron, we have definitely not seen the last of the gracious Kelsey Nixon.
Good one FN! Don't send home a contestant after the absolute worst performance this whole series, then pick that same guy as your winner for a mediocre performance in the finale! You buttheads obviously underestimate the intelligence of your audience. Which probably explains why you think you need to recruit unqualified underachievers for TNFNS pfft! Lisa's promo actually taught me something. Adam's was entertaining. Mush mouth was neither informative or entertaining. Oh by the way, great over the top editing of the audience reaction to Aaron's fake staged catch phrases. Yeah.. I fell out of my seat laughing when I heard him say "you need to get your eyes checked" too... yeah.. sure.. FN, just keep on throwing out that propaganda, trying to convince us that mush mouth deserved this victory and wasn't just handed it. I hope Aaron was worth it, pretending to hold a competition and sacrificing your integrity. As a loyal viewer I will always keep this in the back of my head now.. Always wondering now, if an Iron Chef might know the secret ingredient early.. of how much preparation Bobby Flay really has before a Throwdown challenge.. how much food knowledge a so called FNS really has and how much is BS. I'm just gonna say it, Aaron is a stupid dumbsh*t loser who shouldn't win but the suits decided otherwise and rigged it. I hope you f*ckers fail miserably and your ratings drop to the level of your decision making :P
-Pissedoff
I wonder if Lisa returned her necklace to Wilma Flintstone after the finale.
It was so obvious that the judges WANTED Aaron to win. I personally think they're just looking for more African-American people to diversify the network. They had A LOT of great talent in front of them (Lisa, Kelsey and Adam) and threw it away on the mush mouth chef who can't cook and talk at the same time. These judges are idiots. I won't watch Aaron's show OR anymore of TNFNS. What a waste of time. They knew the winner before the whole thing started. Idiots.
ok who is going to break it to the guy."if an Iron Chef might know the secret ingredient early.. "
I guess it is me, On Iron Chef they sort of know what the secret ingredient is. Each chef is given 3-5 possibilities.
Personally I think everyone should give Aaron a break!! He needed the job, he was the best cook and has the best personality. I loved Lisa, but she has a good job and a promising career, Adam was a complete goof, the only reason he was still on the show was that they wanted to appeal to a younger crowd. People go back and check your info!! Almost every episode Aaron had a recipe people liked. HELLO, did you all forget that Adam's food was RAW the first several episodes.
Aaron is a good guy and deserves a break. He's a damn good cook and I look forward to watching his show.
...so the person who wins NFNS is supposed to be the one who most needs a job?????
It's possible I've heard everything now!
BOO! Lisa had the whole package. We watched Aaron stumble the whole way. Food Network needs franchise personalities like Guy, which Lisa could have been. Hopefully I'm wrong since Aaron seems like a nice fellow. Funny how this show usually ends up in frustration.
Bob Tushyman here, PLEASE stop the death threats. There were three judges, so you can't hold me accountable for the winner. I asked Susie and Bobby and no one is threatening them. Just because the winner looks like a deer in the headlights of your 4X4 and it is not deer season in Texas is no reason to want to hunt weasels like me.
In light of all the that has happened since we aired the finale, I just want to say that no matter what the winner of the fan favorites no matter who that is, will be also be given a show.
"Kelsey's Kollege of Kooking" will be coming. Thank heavens she got married. I would hate to have a "Nixon" show with a bunch of "Tricky Kelsey" comments. In order to spice up the show we are going to give Kelsey a secret ingredient, which will be whatever is on "Follow that Plate", I mean "How did that get on my Plate?'
As we were not planning on the Fan Fav Show we have decide to not air the Ina Gartner show, production costs will be to high on an offsite shoot and we need the extra cash we have to produce "Big Daddy's Fried Chicken Kitchen" I am grateful that we went digital, so we don't have to pay for all the film for the retakes. In another cost savings measure we are going to use the oil from the old Emeril chandelier, I don't think the green food color will affect the chicken that much. Everyone seems to liken green eggs, why not green chicken. "Green" is in you know.
The rumors about me running for mayor of New York are untrue, but contribute to my campaign if someone asks.
Aaron looks like a couch tater.
Lord of light, too funny. You guys are fun! Wilma Flintstone! Yes!
You know, Bobby Flay came from a background similar to Aaron's. I wonder how much that influenced his decision. At least we can understand Flay.
I watched the marathon before the finale except maybe one episode and I’m happy that Aaron won. I know people are very upset that Lisa didn’t win. Yes, she does have a wide range of culinary knowledge but people have to remember that this is still televison. Is she a good chef? Sure she is. But the question was could she connect with the home cook well enough to get them into the kitchen to try her dishes. I would say no. She proved this when she worked with the brownie and practically talked the little girl into going along with steak and couscous and the horseradish sauce. Lisa also mentioned that her own son has sophisticated tastes. Well of course he does because his parents are both chefs. As a pretty good home cook myself, I would like to try new dishes and ingredients too but without feeling intimidated and feeling like I have to search high and low for ingredients that I may use once or twice. Lisa’s promo was good but I was left wondering what would I do with the rest of that sauce that she made? Would I be able to use it for anything else? Lisa would do good on a show on maybe Fine Living network.
Adam was just scraping by week after week. The only reason he made it that far was because there was always somebody worse than him. I couldn’t see myself making that beer can chicken. His culinary knowledge was very limited considering all he knew how to do was mac n cheese and smoking meats.
It pains me to see that people think that Aaron was an “affirmative action” win. I also have no idea why people just assume he’s going to just be cooking soul food or grilling?? That’s just like when people talk about the Neely’s. If you think the Neely’s cook just soul food or bbq, then you clearly don’t watch the show. I for one am glad that he won. It’s obvious that shows like The Neely’s, Paula Deen, and other shows are working or they wouldn’t still be on. These shows work because they use simple everyday ingredients that regular working 9 to 5 people with familes can find and meals that the whole family would enjoy and can afford. This is 2008 and people don’t have time during the week to spend untold hours in the kitchen making over the top meals unless you’re a homemaker. This is just my opinion, if people can’t stand foodnetwork, then turn the channel.
Aaron wasn’t always crisp on camera but once he relaxed and he let his personality shine through he is fine. The only time he bombed was that Las Vegas thing. Everybody always liked his food. If you go back to a lot of foodnetwork’s tv chefs 1st shows, nobody was perfect. All in all, I wish Aaron the best and I will be watching Big Daddy’s House.
Do a lot of people think Aaron's going to be grilling and cooking soul food? I didn't get that impression at all. I just wasn't blown away by anything he ever did.
Sorry about that. I've read different blogs where people have said that we don't need another soul food or grilling show. I thought someone may have made that statement here but I could be wrong.
anon: I don't recall in any of the other episodes anyone referring to Aaron as Big Daddy... It was a fix and maybe we can get a congressional investigation ala that movie "quiz show"
According to Bob T, via his prewritten trainwreck of a blog: "All the finalists nicknamed [Aaron] “Big Daddy”, and that’s who he is."
gina n (that's miss neely if ya nasty): Your nickname wins at life.
Blah blah blah Lisa was robbed and I'm skeptical about Aaron's show not because of his race and the recent influx of people of color on the Food Network but because I just can't see him successfully hosting a show douchenozzle.
How the devil do you cook a douchenozzle????????????
I think they mop the floor with susie fogelson's hair.
I'm not saying that the person that wins is supposed to be the one who most needs the job. If that had been the case it would have been Adam.
I'm saying that Aaron has a family, has busted his butt for a lot longer than Adam, and that he has the better personality for TV. He was the only one who never showed frustration over the judges constructive criticism.
I was pulling for either Aaron or Lisa, but it seems like with the economy the way it is right now, that Aaron is a little more budget friendly as well as down to earth.
"I think they mop the floor with susie fogelson's hair."
Wrong, so wrong.
Lisa could of sold her aprons and had a line of home economic stuff on FN.com or in William Sonoma(sp?).As the winner,it would of been quite sucesiful.
I couldnt help but say 'bitch' outload when she said 'If i could aster it at 13,then you can too'.Sorry Lisa.
Aaron deserved to win.. you haters need to get a life.. any of them would have been great of course.. but this guy made delicious food week after week and I'm sure has more recipes you will most likely use and enjoy than the other two.. they congratulated him why not do the same!
He's a hard working father of three!
Why not just say WOW GOOD FOR HIM!!!!
I don't know why my comment was deleted as it is the same as all the other "Aaron should not have won" comments.
The fix was in and the Food Network is ridiculous.
QUESTION for Jacob,Susie and Bob,
Why would FN even consider having any connection with lisa? She and her friend at d magazine(in Dallas) have been blasting FN by blogging on D's website and in my opinion ,pretty much leeked the ending,( even before you did.)
Lisa 's blogging was NOT beautiful or basic. Talk about sour grapes!Then there's the magazine coaching her on how to continue to blog before the final show aired( via the editor) so she wouldn't be breaking her contract. Lisa Garza and D magazine have painted NFNS very black.I'd flag her as a RISK.
And did you check out the final viewing party viedo with lisa and her friends (It was posted today.)dmagazinesidedish.com
Please! It was my final turn off, she came off very insincere.
All in all, the negativity, bitterness, and the " I'm so happy for Aaron" isn't beleivable. Did the other contestants blog and complain.
Give me team player any day over
So...how do I look?
Wait isn't that a show?
In regards to my question for Jacob, Susie and Bob.
Make that sidedishdmagazine.com
I just watched that video on sidedishmagazine.com. What a self promoting hefer. Can she not stop talking about her clothes. She is not the glam girl she thinks she is (and not even pretty at all). she tries way to hard. She wants Aaron to have what she already has.... I'm so glad she did not win. I would have preferred Kelsey, but I'm happy for Aaron.
I'm addicted to you, foodnetworkaddict.com!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Ok, seeing some of the posts that have nothing better than to criticize Lisa for the way she looks is ridiculous. Let's take a look at the other finalists now shall we? If the winner should have been picked solely on appearance then Adam should have won. He looks good and is relaxed on camera, the perfect combination. Aaron is out of shape and comes off like ED mushmouth Charlie Brown. His incoherent speech is a total turnoff, and a detraction from him as an authority figure. FN really boned this decision, I don't put all the blame on the judges since they were mostly there for show and never had the final say on this season's winner. The last season of TNFNS I'm ever going to watch, maybe the last time tuning into FN too.
So,was "Big Daddy's House" really a name that Aaron made up,or was it something FN told Aaron to say was the name people called him(off camera mabey)and was a title he thought up?The world may never know.
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