The Sandwich King

So Jeff was crowned the winner on last week's Food Network Star finale, much to the joy of Mrs., Susie Fogelson, and sandwiches everywhere. And although I did think Susie was going to pull off the victory, it wasn't a surprise that Jeff won since he was a favorite of the judges and viewers alike. And with his win, Jeff's new show debuted today and of course Mrs. and I tuned in. He seemed to get off to a decent start, but obviously he's still a bit rough around the edges. The good news is that he's bound to get more comfortable and we're hoping to get some good sandwich ideas in the coming weeks. It was interesting that the network had him both in the kitchen making his sandwiches, and also out at a sandwich shop talking to the owner about the type of sandwich Jeff would be making in the episode. Sort of a "best of both worlds" cooking show. The only critique Mrs. had was that she thought he should only do one type of sandwich since the two he made didn't relate to each other in any way.

The amazing thing about Jeff is that Mrs. still didn't know who he was into at least the third episode of this season's Food Network Star, and then kept confusing his name before settling on just calling him "the red headband guy", and now not only did she not want to miss his show today, but she's also looking into his book tour because she wants us to go and meet him.

So with another season over and another winner crown we'll end the Food Network Star blog with a few lessons Mrs. and I took from this year's edition of the show.


The Do's:

Do have an established point of view from the moment the show starts. Bonus points if Susie Fogelson goes crazy about the possibility of marketing your idea. The good - Jeff "The Sandwich King", Susie "Spice It Up"; The Bad - Justin D., Jyll, and Vic just couldn't get their story straight.

Do have a clever catchphrase. I think at least half the reason Jeff won was because he came in with his little "every sandwich into a meal, every meal into a sandwich" catchphrase ready to go.

Do know how to cook. It's amazing that every season at least one contestant seems to fail this criteria. Who's screening these applicants?

Do be a big teddy bear wrapped in a rough exterior. It's about the only reason I can think that Vic made it as far as he did. I mean, how did he advance after that deep fried burrito wrapped lasagna thing?

Do have a few personal stories you can share. If you don't have any stories, just make them up. In fact, someone next season should just try making up stories about kids they don't have. The judges eat that crap up.

Do have vowels in your name. We're looking at you Jyll (and don't give me that "and sometimes y" stuff).

Do know how to make a cupcake if you work in a cupcake shop.

Do cry - when talking about parents, children, love of cooking.


The Don'ts:

Don't fight with all of the other contestants. It makes for good television and it's entertaining for the viewers, but nothing good will come of it when it's time for the judging. Penny guaranteed her eventual elimination by having a run in with half her fellow contestants.

Don't use a fake last name. Vic Vegas sounds more like a nightclub act than a chef.

Don't act like you're on spring break with your frat brothers. Chris, put the ice cream machine down.

Don't work out so much that you can't put your arms flat at your side.

Don't be named Justin. Justin's were 0-2 this season.

Don't have a Missouri accent.

Don't cry - at pretty much anything Alicia cried about.