Jul 21 2008
The Next Food Network Star Finishes Up in Las Vegas
Last night’s episode of The Next Food Network Star was a little more Vegasey than last week’s. I have to admit, sometimes I do get a kick out of seeing Las Vegas on tv and thinking, “Oh, I was just over there the other day.” So, this episode was a little more appealing to me.
It started with each contestant doing a 30 second cooking show promo on camera. Lisa had to be a “Wine Angel” in the famous four-story wine tower at Aureole in Mandalay Bay. I have to say, if I was hoisted up by wires while wearing a black catsuit, I think my line memorizing ability would cease to exist completely. I think Lisa did an awesome job. The guys didn’t have it quite so tough. Aaron had to say some lines while gambling at Planet Hollywood. And Adam got to flirt with a couple of the showgirls from the Jubilee show at Ballys.
The second half of their challenge took place at Tryst in the Wynn. This time each person had to cook up a mini buffet for 50 people and then serve it to staff members from the Wynn. The great part about this was that some of the diners were in costume. So, along with the regular judges, and about 10 chefs from the Wynn’s restaurants, there were showgirls, knights from Spamalot, “Cher”, and “Joan Rivers”, just to name a few. Talk about having to impress a variety of palates!! 
I was somewhat disappointed with the conclusion of the show. The judges did not vote off any of the contestants. I understood their reasoning, but I think it’s an important element of these types of shows to vote off one person each time.
Next week The Next Food Network Star is headed back to New York for the finale. I have to admit, I am as undecided as the judges are about who should win.
