Food Network Star returns for its ninth season

Food Network superstars Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and Alton Brown are looking for the next big thing! (Photo property of the Food Network)

By: Jacob Elyachar

Food Network Star is back!

The show that produced Guy Fieri, Aaron McCargo, Jr., Melissa D’Arabian and Aarti Sequeria has recruited 12 up-and-coming chefs who have dreams of becoming the next big thing.

In order for them to get to that stage, they have to impress three of the biggest stars of the Food Network: Bobby Flay, Alton Brown and Giada De Laurentiis.

The first task involved the contestants to make a pitch tape for Food Network executives Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson.    They also had to present it in front of their fellow contestants and mentors.    While some persevered after tips from the Food Network superstars, other hopefuls still had a lot to prove.

After filming their pitch, the superstars revealed that the candidates had 45 minutes to prepare a potato bite that was unforgettable and represented their personality.

During the first half of the Star Challenge, contestants were injuring themselves, cooking the same products and battling the pressure of cooking under time restraints.     The second half involved meeting Bob, Susan and the Food Network’s focus group.

Lovely was the first contestant to face the panel.  While the audience loved her 30-second promo, Bob wanted her to be more natural.  However, Bobby thought that Lovely’s sweet potato hash was a great dish.   Unfortunately, Russell Jackson failed to reach the audience and received some honest advice from Susie: “Do not be a downer!”

Some contestants including Chris Hodgson, Damaris Phillips, Daniela Perez-Ryan and Danushka Lysek faced harsh criticism from the panel and received low votes from the audience.   However, Anders Guillama, Chad Johnson, Stacy Poon-Kinney, and Nikki Dinki received praise for both their 30-second clips and their food.

During the deliberation, the Selection Committee revealed that Russell, Danushka and Daniela were in the bottom of the pack.   After deliberating, the quintet decided to save Russell and Danushka and sent Daniela home.

Next week, the remaining 11 contenders have to make their own burger and present it to 100 burger enthusiasts.