‘Food Network Star’ Recap: Deen Family Beach Party

Welcome to Miami! Upon arriving to the land of bikinis and beaches, the contestants are thrown into a challenge which quickly snaps them out of their euphoric state. They must whip up a meal for the VIP families attending the Sobe Beach Party. But one very special family will be making an appearance: the Deens. The must create an adult dish and a ‘mini-me’ version of that dish to appeal to children. In addition, the contestants must film a 30-second beach party tip for the judges. There is a huge prize at stake for the winner of this challenge. The winner will receive a $20,000 gift card to Target.

Each team then breaks up with their leaders to discuss what their plan of action will be. Giada has high hopes for Ippy and says if he doesn’t shine here, she’s going to be very worried for him. No pressure, right?

Martie from Team Alton records her party tip first, and it seems that the mere 30 seconds the contestants are given are going to cause some issues. To the contrary, Michelle from Team Bobby finishes with five seconds to spare. While the ladies are slaving away decorating the table, the men, or should I say boys, are making sandcastles. Michelle plans on making crab salad for the adults and sliders for the kids, but she is struggling with the amount of time and effort that goes into shelling crab.

And the grilling is on. Mid grill, Martie gets emotional when she realizes she will be cooking for her culinary hero, Paula Deen. When Paula visits the chefs, their excitement resembles a child’s on Christmas morning.

Team Alton will present first. Justin makes a vegan chilled corn soup, and the judges react strangely to his dish. The spice level is so high, that they cannot hold back their coughs. But, the judges love Justin’s out of the box creations. Martie is next and has an instant connection with Paula. She presents her dish of endives with salmon for the adults, and a cheesy chicken bon bon for the children. Even though Martie did not deliver in her 30-second party tip, with not being able to fit all she had to say in the time allotted, the judges are touched by her sweetness.

On to Team Bobby. Nikki aka Grill Next Door is not very excited about serving to children. She made a grilled lamb kebab, and the judges are impressed by her personality, which many can relate to, when recording her party tip since she usually comes off cold. Paula is concerned with Nikki’s enthusiasm for the grill, and says is easily bores. Malcolm from is next. He made jerk chicken and reduced the spice level for the children’s dish. Paula did not love his plate, and the judges are concerned about his inconsistent point of view. Michelle is up! Did she get all of the crab shells out of her plate? Of course not. The judges are, “scared to take another bite” after almost breaking their teeth. Ouch. Michelle’s dish leaves the judges feeling crabby, but admit she has potential.

It’s time for Team Giada to present. First up is Ippy. His Hawaiian charm impresses the judges, and they loved his Misoyaki sea bass. Yvan is next and serves coconut chicken lollipops. Both the judges and children loved his dish. Martita is up. She makes a skirt steak with roasted shrimp, and leaves the presentation frustrated since she claims she cannot be herself in front of the judges.

Now, it’s time for the evaluations. The judges loved how sunny Miami made Ippy shine, and he wins the $20,000 to Target. The bottom two are coming from Team Bobby. Even though Michelle has been one of the most consistent contestants, the shells that she left in her dish were a health hazard resulting in her being in the bottom this week. Malcolm confused the judges with his ever-changing point of view and will be joining Michelle. Their challenge is to make a Beach Party Cocktail, and they must deliver it live to the judges. Michelle makes a drink from Nantucket, and Malcolm makes an apple cobbler cocktail. In the end, Malcolm got the boot. While the other contestants enjoy the Miami heat, Malcolm packs his bags.