Melissa d’Arabian
Pros: The tenacious underdog has more take-home cooking tips than a Taco Bell has guacamole — loved that one about thin-slicing chicken breast while it’s still frozen! — and despite her lack of outside-the-home experience, she’s held her own every week against slicker, more seasoned competitors. At last, Food Network could get its own “Real Housewife,” but unlike Bravo’s bevy of she-beasts, this one won’t make us lose our appetites.
Cons: Occasional “crazy-eye” expressions and manic energy can leave you wanting to reach for a tranquilizer gun.
Odds: 2-1
Jeffrey Saad
Pros: Warm and affable, he’s the kind ofguy you wouldn’t mind inviting into your home, or at least onto your TVset, once a week. Plus, he’s got a refined culinary vocabulary thatbrings food vividly to life — which is a must, considering you can’t tastefood through a TV screen. (Obvs.)
Cons: Judges have been hinting at alack of growth during his tenure on the show — which can be deadly ina reality TV setting — and his last few dishes have faded from my old-man memory bank. Not only that, Jeffrey’s brand of calm-cool-collectedoccasionally plays a little dull.
Odds: 4-1
Debbie Lee
Pros: Not only does she possess the most distinctive culinary point of view among all of this season’s finalists, she’s probably the most consistent performer when it comes to the food she’s plating. Has an easy charm in front of the camera, but never comes off as overly scripted, and that prank-filled demo last week proved she’s an unflappable presence in the kitchen.
Cons: Knee-jerk truth-stretching under pressure makes her the least appealing “personality” in the final three. Would Sandra Lee lie to you about how much she spent on a tablescape?
Odds: 5-1
I have been rooting for Melissa since day one. She has a great but sometimes frantic personality which translates well into the camera. She also has a very interesting background that we just started hearing about during the Jet Blue Challenge. I loved Debbie until the dinner party diaster where she told the judges she was being selfless when really she was being selfish. I like Jeffrey just something about him stops me from loving him. I think the judges will choose him because they need some more male chefs that won’t immediately flock to Iron Chef. But, I really want Melissa to win. Go Melissa
I hear on the “DL” that Melissa wins.
I am rooting for Melissa and Debbie. I can imagine Jeffrey in some sort of commentator role about food, maybe Iron Chef. I think Melissa has grown throughout the challenges as a personality and as a cook. She has great tips and would be a positive asset to FN. On the other hand, I like Debbie b/c she’s natural in front of the camera and has a different point of view. For sure, FN is lacking in the Asian food dept. and by having her point of view, it would definitely expose viewers to a great culture that not a lot of people are aware of. I’m torn and would be happy for either Melissa and Debbie!
I think Debbie would do a great job on the Food Network, but based on the editing, she’s been consistently lacking in the truthfulness department, beginning with the angel food cake incident when it appeared that it was her decision that her team buy a ready-made dessert, instead of making one.
These character issues shouldn’t preclude her from winning, but I’m sure the judges will consider them. If that’s the case, Melissa will (and should) win. Jeffrey does nothing for me food- or personality-wise.
The one who should have been here was gone long ago. That was Kate. But now Melissa is the one who should get it. They bring something new to the table that you feel you want to do and can do.
But the only judge you have that is good is Bobby Flay. That guy Bob does not like women so much. and Susan should be a judge on the next top model. Would not want either of them near my food. I watch for cleanliness and things I can do myself. Hate to see the wipe the sweat from their foreheads and continue cooking touching the food. No one realizes that the mouse that is dripping and mixed in with the sweat if from a dirty head. Yuk
Debbie has stabbed her competitord in the back and more than once lied, all while projecting a martyr-like air. I’s never watch her show, but the selection committee seems to be snowed.
Excuse the errors in my last post. It’s too early to type.
Debbie puts on a pound every time she tells a lie — so that explains why she’s as big as a house. Watch those lies Debbie!!!!
For every lie, Debbie puts on a pound. Go figure why she’s a big momma!!!
Debbie cannot win because she’s a big fat liar!!!
Jeffrey should win. Melissa may win. Debbie cannot win.
I think that Melissa should stay home with her 4 daughters. She is very personable, but she is another Rachael Ray, someone I never watch. I would definetly watch Jeffrey.
Hey Michael, good to see we have ANOTHER show in common. But unlike our mutual love of a certain dyed red 17 year old singer, I don’t exactly share your enthusiasm for Melissa. I think of the 3, Debbie is the least appealing. She just doesn’t come across to me like someone I’d want to watch. Jeffrey’s biggest problem is that he was SO good right out of the gate. How many challenges has this guy won? He is like a more lively Michael Chiarello and a more laid back Tyler Florence. He’d make a GREAT addition to FN, they could use his “without borders” schtick to have him travel around and make dishes from all over the world. Melissa, though, probably most appeals to FN’s primary viewer, the housewife. She fits right into the Paula Deen, Rachael Ray, Sandra Lee home cook type, but does FN “really” need ANOTHER untrained home cook? Maybe 2 or all 3 will get hired like how last year Aaron won but Adam also got an FN show and multiple challenge winner Kelsey is on FN2.com
Jeffrey is going to win.
I have really grown to like Melissa. She is the only one to think to offer a vegetarian dish during one challenge, and she took on the responsibility to make it. I also like Jeffrey just because he is calm and laid back. Debbie does have talent, but I just can’t get passed her character issues. I would never watch her show.
I would be happy to see Melissa or Jeffrey win. I will squish a sour grapefruit onto the ‘face’ of my t.v. screen if Debbie wins, Jimmy Cagney style.
Thank you Slezak for commenting on Next Food Network Star! What a great season! While Melissa will never be able to fill Ina’s custom-made cotton/denim shirts, she possesses the charm and skill to attract those Rachel Ray watchers that can’t stand the word “Yum-O”.
Thank you Slezak for commenting on one of my favorite shows (True Blood shout out!) of the summer season. What a great season for this show. You’re right, it is the first time that the winner won’t be regulated to a Saturday at 2pm time-slot for 3 months a year.
I just have to say that while Melissa will never be able to fill Ina’s custom made cotton and denim shirts, she possesses enough skill and charm to woo those Rachel Ray watchers whose heads are going to explode if they hear “Yum-O” one more time.