Food Network Star finalists recap: Who made a pilot?

After cooking for their lives, only three Food Network Star finalists reached the ultimate goal. But, who made a pilot and will you watch it?

All season, these aspiring Food Network personalities sought one goal: to make a Food Network pilot. But, only three finalists achieved the goal. Did the right people get chosen?

Kicking off this week’s episode, four finalists had to cook for their lives. Cory, who was kicked off the show earlier this season, won Star Salvation. During the secondary competition, Cory was able to add some of his personality to his presentation. Everyone knows that he is an awarding winning chef, but now people may want to watch him cook.

The first episode had Jason, Rusty, Matthew, and Cory creating their dish of a lifetime. This one dish must represent the chef and his culinary point of view. Of course, no challenge is ever that easy. Each chef got a sous chef, a former finalist. To be fair, the sous chef was picked by luck of the draw (can anyone say button bag from Project Runway?)

Apparently, the luck of the draw wasn’t lucky for these finalists. The sous chefs were Suzanne, Nancy, Cao, and Addie. Except for Addie, these ladies didn’t make it too far into the competition. All four men had the women do simple prep work (think chop, dice, etc.). Truthfully, the extra help was more of hindrance.

This dish of a lifetime had huge consequences for the four guys. One would be eliminated. The dishes did reflect each of the men well. Cory (whole roasted branzino with herbs), Rusty (boudain balls with grits), Matthew (southwestern swordfish) and Jason (bourbon bacon tart).

Let’s be honest, Jason was going to move on unless he completely messed up his video presentation. As the winner of Holiday Baking Championship, baking is his secret weapon. Even with Suzanne not cooking off all the bourbon, Jason easily moved on and made a pilot.

Food Network Star, Jason fan favorite, photo from Food Network

Based strictly on food taste and complexity of the dish, Cory was an easy pick. His whole fish dish with herbs was visually spectacular. Since I can’t taste the food through the television, I can only imagine how flavorful, yet delicate the whole fish and herbs tasted. I would have ordered that dish in a heartbeat. Cory moved on and made a pilot.

Rusty is so likeable, but sometimes he stumbles. His choice of boudain balls and grits had a strong personal connection. The dish is inherently Southern and is clearly him. But, Rusty stumbles over his words. While I’m sure he’s a great guy to have at my dinner table, I want more from him on television. Still, Rusty moved on and made a pilot.

Food Network Star, Matthew, photo from Food Network

Yes, it was finally Matthew’s week to go home. People either liked Matthew or strongly disliked him. Unfortunately, Matthew’s dish showed his immaturity. Too many ingredients is a sign of an immature chef. Less is more. While Matthew was able to edit himself on camera, he didn’t edit his dish. Matthew was sent packing. FYI contestants, please don’t whine on camera. You won’t win any fans that way. Accept the decision and move on.

The three pilots followed a common theme on Food Network. Instead of the pilots being about cooking, the segments were more about food/travel. Filmed on location at the LA Farmer’s Market, each finalist interviewed a stall/restaurant owner. Yes, each person talked about food, but no one cooked.

Each pilot, although similar in location, did have unique characteristics. Each finalist had an unique approach to the segment. But, each person needed help from the director/mentor Guy Fieri. Fieri has been one of, if not the, most successful Food Network Star winner. Love him or hate him, people know Guy Fieri. If these three Food Network Star finalists could have a fraction of Guy Fieri’s career, they all would be extremely fortunate.

Food Network Star, Cory eliminated, photo from Food Network

While fans will have to wait till next week to watch the entire pilots, the snippets from this week’s episode seemed to give the edge to Cory and Jason. We all know Jason is fun to watch. Putting him in a French restaurant could have thrown him. He spun the topic back to his story and it worked well. What I didn’t like is having him try to speak French. Jason has a Southern accent, it is part of him. Don’t use that characteristic just for a laugh.

Cory did well too. Pairing a professional chef with a taco stand is a little cliché. What chef doesn’t enjoy late night tacos? Still, Cory showed some personality. But I want to learn to cook like him, not go on a date with him. I would prefer a secrets of a professional chef type episode. Even though Anne Burrell had a similar show title before, I think it’s time that topic makes a comeback.

Food Network Star ginormous food photo from Food Network

While I want Rusty to do well, he stumbles talking. Rusty could come through because of his ties to Zac Brown Band and cooking on tour. That concept could be a fun and watchable show. What is your band’s favorite foods? How can you make them at home? All of those ideas could be very watchable, but that theme isn’t just Southern. Maybe the Food Network will have a one-off special or series following tour chefs around.

Next: Is Jason destined to be the Next Food Network Star?

Next week the winner will be crowned. But, this week’s

Food Network Star

finalists showed that any potential show will be more about lifestyle than just cooking. What ever happened to the cooking shows on Food Network? Maybe that will be the next season of

Food Network Star

.