NFNS 5: Episode 4

One Of You Will Be Going Home Tonight

 I loved the challenges – they actually showed what each chef could do as opposed to hindering them.

Thoughts:

• Brett – went home week 2.
• Teddy – the human roller coaster – started okay but then took a nose dive.
• Katie – remains her own worst enemy.  Better on the second challenge than the first.
• Michael – bounced back well after a sub-par showing last week.
• Debbie – don’t think anything in the history of this show was as satisfying as the sound of that sheet pan when it hit the “snake.”  She started to blame it on Michael but first rule of the kitchen – if you are behind someone you have to say, “Behind.”
• Eddie – went home week 3.
• Jamika – sounded too forced.  “Pitch woman” was Fogleson’s description.  Food was not good.  Off night.
• Jeffery – was off his game, much like Michael last week – still the best of the bunch.  Even on an off-day he was better than most.
• Melissa – great energy – really good food.  Full blown contender.
• Jen – went home week 1.

It was clear from episode 1 that Jamika is who Tuschman/Fogelson wanted to win.  But it is not as bad as their thinly veiled McCargo bias from last year.  Jamika has not bombed a challenge as badly as Aaron did.  Granted she won the second challenge in episode two making essentially the same dish that got Jen booted in week one, a questionable verdict to say the least.  Jen was told a side dish was not a Food Network worthy dish.  Apparently the rules are different for Jamika .  However, unlike Aaron, she is a natural in front of the camera.  She is likable and her food is at least as good as Aaron’s.  Granted neither has really been the strongest cook among their cast but neither was the worst either.

The first challenge was to make their version of the all American burger and Michael’s Little Italy inspired burger with basil and mozzarella was the big winner.  Katie’s medium rare turkey burger was the big loser.

The second challenge was to cook their all-American signature dish for soldiers returning from the war andtheir families.  For once Jeffery was flustered.  Katie did well but Tuschman still found a reason to slam her.  What is it with Bob and perky women.  Melissa blew the doors off the place -great presentation better food but Michael was his game as well.  Jamika’s dish looked like gruel – her presentation was fine but not as good as the judges alleged.  Jeffery’s food bombed – his presentation was okay but not nearly as bad as the judges made out.  Debbie really tried to milk her accident as an excuse but her food was mostly done by the time she kissed the pan – her energy during the presentation was muted (understandably) but Tuschman acted as if she brought the house down.  The winner’s dish will be featured on the cover of USA Weekend, so congratulations, Melissa.

As of Last Week – Who should win based on what we’ve seen so far: Jeffery or Jamika

After This Week – Who should win based on what we’ve seen so far: Jeffery, Michael or Melissa

As of Last Week – Who will win based on what we’ve seen in the past: Jamika

After This Week – Who will win based on what we’ve seen in the past: Melissa, Michael or Jamika

Winner(s) this week:  – 1st Challenge – Michael.  2nd Challenge – Melissa.

The finalist who will be going home is . . .

 

Teddy – finally.