The Next Food Network Star - week 8

Week eight of this competition is now history......

The first challenge was to do a promo-no food in sight. All of them had problems with this, but in watching them perform the promo, I felt Aaron did the best job. Toward the end of the show when they showed the finished promos, I was surprised to see that all of the contestants actually did very well with this. Lisa's was especially surprising, considering how badly she messed up the practice ones.

The cooking. Preparing a buffet for performers plus Wynn chef's had to be totally nerve racking. Arron's mostly pasta buffet was totally uninspired. Lisa's buffet, while visually impressive, was overcooked and a little skimpy. I can totally understand being unfamiliar with the oven and it was too bad one of her packages of fish fell off her cart. That was unfortunate. One of the things I like best about her, is she goes with the punches. She laments the mistake but goes on and doesn't let it psych her out. Adam, for once, had the most impressive food. The fact that Bobby Flay liked it also must have been very gratifing to Adam. I was also impressed with his "wok" smoker. Now that is innovative and thinking on your feet!!

The judges decision not to send anyone home this week was a surprise and could be seen as a cop out......but it works for me and I am sure Aaron, Adam, and Lisa are breathing a sigh of relief! Another chance to shine, what could be better than that!!