'Food Network Star' Recap: 'Cook for Your Life & Pilots'

[Food Network Star – Season 7 Episode 11]

There are only three competitors left and each contestant woke up worried about getting to the finish line. The contestants arrived at Chelsea Market and Giada greeted them. After congratulating the final three, Giada announced a twist: Only two contestants would be making pilots. There would be a final camera challenge to create the one thing that brings all their skills together. There were no limitations or guidelines except that they had to impress. One contestant would be eliminated after the challenge.

With two hours, the contestants understood that stakes were high. Jeff decided to do a deconstructed eggplant Parmesan dedicated to his father. Vic wanted to make a true Italian seven fish dish. Susie automatically decided to make carnitas (slow cooked pork in lard). The three contestants had a great time with their final time cooking together, laughing and hugging when time was up.

Jeff was first to present. He explained how his father created sandwiches out of nothing in the middle of the night. Giada thought it was her all-time favorite sandwich. Bobby and Susie loved the dish, but Judge Susie thought there needed to be a bit more energy. Susie explained her dish by relaying a story about how her family would prepare for a party. Bobby loved the cactus salad. Bob wanted to be part of Susie's family. Judge Susie loved that she seized the opportunity. Vic was nervous that he didn't have enough time. He explained the feast of seven fishes, but didn't explain any of the techniques for cooking the dish. Judge Susie thought that there was a great personal connection. Bob loved the heart and soul. Bobby criticized him for not having enough instructions.

The judges deliberated and they knew that the food was strong. Camera presence was the determining factor. Jeff had a great point of view and great explanatory skills. Vic had all the elements and his charm was amazing. Susie had every element the judging committee was looking for. After deliberations the committee announced that the final two were Susie and Jeff. Vic was eliminated, but he was grateful for his experience. He found himself through the tribulations of the experience.

The final two were congratulated by Giada and she announced that a special guest would be directing them. As morning hit, the two contestants were mentally preparing. The two contestants were reminiscing about how their families influenced them. Jeff and Susie were driven to Studio A of Food Network. They walked past the cameras and met Guy Fieri, their director. Guy explained that they had to deliver everything they learned. The selection committee and a focus group would watch the pilots. The two went to hair and makeup to prepare.

Jeff was first on set and Guy reminded Jeff to make the set his. There were four attempts, each being three minutes. He was nervous and in his first take he was nervously rambling. Guy gave him a pep talk before take two; during the second take, every other word was "boom." Guy called "boom" crutch words and silence wasn't a bad thing for a few seconds. For his last take, he placed his picture of family on the fridge and turned on his personality. While his shirt was covered in oil, Guy thought he did a great job.

Susie prepared for makeup and hair. She arrived on set and Guy checked with Susie where everything was. Guy reminded her stories, smiles, and not to diverge from stories too far. Susie started to get nervous and got flustered with her words. Guy sent her some positive advice before the next take. The next take, she forgot to tell stories and got flustered when she was changing pans. Susie started to focus on her father who was calm and slow in his speaking. Susie's last take, she got the right amount of information with personality. Guy was happy about the final take.

The final two contestants returned to their apartments and toasted to their final challenge. The contestants woke up and prepared for their final decisions. They were both proud of their decisions and headed to the studios. The contestants arrived in the studio. Bobby and the committee welcomed the group and introduced their focus group: the eliminated contestants.

Susie's pilot was first. The committee had smiles, but it made Jeff even more nervous. While Susie was watching, she was full of smiles and tears. The focus group was first to voice their opinions. Penny thought that she lacked engagement, but Chris disagreed. Jyll knew how hard she worked in the background. Jeff thought she did a great job.

Jeff's pilot had some nice points combined with good jokes. Vic was highly impressed. Howie thought there was too much shtick. Penny thought that it was inspirational and she could translate that out of a sandwich. Bobby thanked the focus group and Bob pointed out their prizes.

Judge Susie and Bob talked about how the two contestants were amazing. The committee made Susie and Jeff wait in Studio B as they deliberated. The judges knew how tough the decisions would be. Both were approachable and accessible. Susie has wonderful stories through ingredients; her passion was contagious. Jeff has a mass appeal. He made food humorous and he had strong entertaining skills. Giada pointed out that his point of view was one of the strongest. The judges made their decision and called the contestants in.

The judges introduced Jeff and Susie to Food Network President Brooke Johnson. She thanked them for their diligence and announced that the winner would start tomorrow. Bobby announced that the winner was Jeff. He was beyond happy and felt blessed for the experience.

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