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Next Food Network Star: Ten Thoughts On Episode #503
Published on: June 22, 2009 – 12:45 am by Jillian Madison 
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TEN THOUGHTS on tonight’s episode of Next Food Network Star:
1. What crawled up Tyler Florence’s butt and died? He was quite dickish, and made some unnecessarily rude comments to a few of the contestants. However, Tyler DID get points for calling Teddy Folkman out on being the “cartoonish, insincere” imbecile that he is.
2. Why was Tyler bundled up in a thick, lined, hooded jacket? He was sitting around inside a Stew Leonards, not backpacking around Outer Mongolia with Bear Grylls.
3. RE-USE MARINADE? Really, Jamika? I’d expect a lame, dangerous tip like that from Teddy or Eddie, but not so much from you.
4. Tonight’s challenge: split into teams of two, and cook a 3-course meal for Ina Garten and her snotty, impossible to please friends on a budget of only $5 per person. Note: there were no gay men at the dinner party! Repeat: there were NO GAY MEN at the dinner party! There weren’t any hydrangeas, either. The horror.
5. In other news, Ina Garten look EXACTLY like Roseanne Barr tonight.
6. Teddy Folkman and Debbie Lee were paired together for the challenge. Debbie made the appetizer on her own, they collaborated on a meatloaf for the main course, and Teddy made the dessert on his own. Teddy’s dessert was a hot, sloppy mess. Store bought poundcake with instant pudding, all plopped together in a ramekin? Please. I wouldn’t even have served that to Stevie Wonder.
7. To me, Bob Tuschman is Charlie Brown’s teacher from Peanuts. Whenever he talks, all I hear is that “waah waah waah” noise. Gee, Bob, I”ll sure sleep well tonight knowing you enjoy Ina Garten’s meatloaf! Thanks for sharing.
8. At judging, Teddy tried to take all the credit for the meatloaf he and Debbie prepared earlier in the episode. Debbie immediately put on her most shocked face and replied, “We did that together! I’m having a hard time with your honesty and integrity here!” That’s right. Debbie, who lied through her teeth and tried to sabotage a few other contestants in week one, suddenly has a problem with someone else’s integrity! Isn’t that ironic? Tell me, where did the NFNS producers find these people? Wandering around alone outside after a Creeps Anonymous meeting?
9. The challenge winners were Jeffrey Saad and Michael Proietti, and the bottom two were Teddy Folkman and Eddie Gilbert. Susie Fogelson referred to Teddy’s dessert as an “abomination”, and told the other judges she would have a “hard time giving him another chance” after tonight’s great meatloaf debacle. You know, because she’s so big on “integrity” and all. But once again, as we saw in week one with Debbie, honesty and integrity took a back seat to their pre-determined order of elimination. As a result, they sent Eddie home (where he’ll hopefully get his eyebrows waxe).
10. Most priceless moment of the episode: after the judges told Eddie how much they hated his raw onion salad, he calmly told them the recipe was straight from “a PAULA DEEN cookbook.” First, that is pathetic and unoriginal. Why wouldn’t you prepare your own dishes?! Second, the look on Tuschman’s face the moment he realized he and the judges spent the last 3 minutes vehemently criticizing (albeit indirectly) Paula Deen was hilarious, y’all!
That brought this week’s overhyped episode to an end! Leave your thoughts on the episode in the comments, and stay tuned next week, when the obnoxious Guy Fieri shows up to scream in our faces… and Michael Proietti accidentally hits Debbie Lee in the head with something heavy and metallic. Fun for all!
Other posts on Food Network Humor:
---Next Food Network Star: Episode #502 Recap---Sneak Peek Video: Next Food Network Star Episode 3
---Next Food Network Star #501 Episode Recap
---Next Food Network Star: Episode #504
---FNH ORIGINAL: Susie Fogelson Defends Keeping Debbie Lee On Next Food Network Star (Parody)
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- Jun 22, 2009: The Next Food Network Star 5.3 |
it really bothered me when eddie was whining that his partner,the blonde mom (forgot her name), is a “home cook” and he’d have to carry her slack. UHHHHHH– firstly, he just criticized most of the “stars” on food network; secondly, what kind of real chef would steal someone else’s recipe & pass it off as his own, a paula deen’s recipe no less and, finally, his food sucked big time. i’d also LOVE to see ina garten do this $5 challenge herself. HA.
This episode was awesome. I couldn’t believe Teddy tried taking credit for the meatloaf, and later on, couldn’t believe he didn’t get eliminated!
On another note, here’s a link for Paula Deen’s recipe for “Watermelon Salad with Mint Leaves”-
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/watermelon-salad-with-mint-leaves-recipe/index.html
Very interesting…
Re #2: I did see Tyler’s breath at one point. Maybe they were near an outdoor section or something.
#10: That was the best thing ever.
My thoughts:
#1: Every dickish comment was so incredibly welcomed and deserved…they need to be told how much they suck!
#4: Oh yes there was a member of Ina’s gay posse. I think they only showed him once, but he was there.
#6: Dessert = disgusting. But WTF was Debbie thinking buying the store-bought pudding? That combined with the store-bought angel food cake is giving her some serious Sandra Lee cred…
#10: Beautiful :)
Eddie stating his suck nasty salad was a Paula Dean recipe was hilarious, OMG that guy is a tool! Side note, what Paula Dean salad doesn’t include mayo, cream and blue cheese? I think he’s full of shit on that one.
As far as Teddy goes, it couldn’t be more clear he’s in dire need of at least meds if not inpatient care.
Lastly, Bob Tuschman has a personality that begs to get his ass kicked, maybe it’s just me but I’d like to shove my fist down his throat holding a fork.
Tyler certainly wasn’t the warm personality from his own shows, but I gotta say he did tell those people some things they needed to hear. I’m still in shock about an Ina party that didn’t showcase her flamboyant posse. I might need to lie down.
As someone who doesn’t watch this show, I have to ask: why would any contestant on a cooking challenge use pre-made items? Isn’t the point showing that you can cook? Oh, sorry, we’re talking about TFN.
Hearing Eddie say that he got his recipe from a Paula Deen cookbook was the lowest point ever for Food Network Star. Seriously. I had to pause the DVR out of sheer embarrassment. This was worse than Brett last week, worse than Debbie lying during week one. Heck, worse than Jag lying about his military credentials. Where is the Food Network finding these people! At this point in the competition, all you need to do is cook decent food, be yourself, and have a modicum of integrity. How come only one person so far has been able to do that?
I am soooo tired of TNFNS. TOP CHEF rules!
They couldn’t wait to get rid of Eddie, he’s so obnoxious and a douche. Teddy is worse, hopefully he’ll be gone next week. I agree, where do they find these people?
I thought last nights episode was great, Teddy needed to go home before Eddie and Debbie should have left after the first show, Jeffrey and Michael rocked, they made a great team and they are my favorites
What about Teddy Folkman’s other prickish comment:
”This whole shopping on a budget thing is going to be a big challenge for me. As a chef, if you go a little over budget on something, you just charge the customer.”
Just keep your mouth shut, Teddy. Try not talking at all. See how that works for you. This schmuck becomes more unwatchable by the minute.
So, lemme get this straight. In the past three episodes, Debbie has been involved with 2 miserable attempts to wow the Judges ala Sandra Lee. Weren’t the ingredients used the ones she bought? Doesn’t this scream can’t make a presentable dessert, no matter who her partner is? I’m beginning to feel sorry for anyone partnered up with The Dragon Lady.
I have to give her credit, tho. Debbie was pretty reserved when Eddie tried to pull a fast one. I would have thought she’d go all “Waaaa-Powwww!” on his lamea$$ self.
EEK> Once again Debbie buys store bought ingredients and doesn’t get called out for it. Then she comes out with the “honesty and integrity” comment. You know how you can tell when she’s lying? Her lips are moving…I can’t take her fat face stuck in the camera when I know that under that facade is a cheat, liar, and backstabber.
Melissa has got to grow a set and quit looking like she’s on the verge of tears everytime she gets criticized. I’m not against her per se, but I don’t think I could take 30 minutes of her. No, I KNOW I couldn’t. “Welcome to ‘Misty Melissa and her Miserly Menu’ show.” NOT.
Jamika and Katie bore me. (Jamika! Store bought marinade? And then reuse it as a sauce? PO-LEEZE.) Katie, eat a good piece of italian sausage and then get back to me on the substitute chicken sausage.
Michael? He is a freak and needs to go away and fast. It’s not that he doesn’t have the culinary skills/knowledge, he’s just too big a nutball. When he’s on camera in a candid scenario, he’s scattered and nutzoid and, OMG, his mascara is running! When he’s in a direct shot, he freezes up and can’t do it. So to him, adios.
Eddie and Teddy are clones. One down and one to go.
That leaves Jeffery. He was calm, cool and knew what he was doing. Winner hands down. And because FN is FN, and Tuschman is in charge of the programming, it will most likely be a cold day in hell before he wins and has his own show.
Overall –
TF did well because he wasn’t on very long and he didn’t have to spell anything.
Ina was gracious as usual. She did have one of her gay friends sitting at the end of the table. I think his name is Frank. (He’s one of the two dudes that Ina and her very gay florist friend, Michael, did the B&E to decorate and fill the fridge as he and his boyfriend returned from their vacation.)
I’ve renamed Tuschman to GUSHMAN. Can he gush anymore obviously over Jamika and Debbie? UGH. Stick a fork in him. I’m done.
Eddie is so incredible ridiculous its beyond belief. I went to college with this guy and he hasn’t changed a bit. Lying arrogant prick that thinks he’s the most amazing at everything he does. It was absolutely hilarious how he criticized his partner and rolled his eyes at her for her suggestions, especially after he’d been in the bottom 2 the prior two weeks in a row. Then the icing on the cake was that he stole the recipe. I wonder if everything else he cooked was stolen recipe as well…..wouldn’t be surprised.
I didn’t watch…why should I this recap does it all for me. It sounds like they presented Ina Garten and Garten Gay Brigade (at least those who were present, according to Jay) with the human equivalent of Alpo Dog Food.
It sounds like a cruel joke on the Barefoot Contessa: Meatloaf? Store bought Pudding with store bought pound loaf? No good olive oil and good vanilla?
Granted, $5 budget is a strech (especially in San Francisco peninsula, where I live) but there is a LOT more one can do creatively with $5 than meatloaf and store bought dessert. Honestly!
My handicap for the 7 remaining finalists:
Teddy: he self-destructed this week, and I think it’s only a matter of time he crucifies himself, either through having one bad dish (admittedly he has gotten high marks the previous 2 weeks), and that will be an excuse to eliminate him, or he won’t get his persona under control.
Katie: I think she’s only still on because she hasn’t hurt herself as nearly as bad as the other eliminated contestants, but eventually here dietary angle will be her undoing, which is sad because she has a message Americans need to hear.
Debbie: When I see her, I am reminded of Janus, the Roman god who had two faces, or Hillary Clinton. Someone who does one thing one week, is on the receiving end the next week, and feigns moral indignity, as if she has any right to stand on her high horse and judge (she’d make a good Republican). I would not be surprised to see all the other contestants turn on her and sabotage her, thus eliminating her in a few weeks.
Michael: I think he has great food, and a unique personality. I predict he will be in the final 2 or 3, easily. Unfortunately, he is flamboyantly gay, and the FN has a relatively conservative viewership, and they will be forced to question whether Midwest Evangelical Christian housewives would allow a New York cross-dresser into their homes, which will lead to his elimination.
Melissa: She’s kind of like Amy Finley from Season 3, a housewife who could pull it off, but seems to struggle with criticism because she is an environment outside of her comfort zone. If she wins, I think she’ll pull a Finley and grow tired, and quit the show.
Jamika: I love her personality, and her food. She’ll also be in the final 2 or 3. If she won, I wouldn’t mind, because it is refreshing to see an African-American produce recipes that go beyond the Southern Soul food that is pushed onto the viewers. It would be great to see an African-American who can show us Caribbean or Asian flavor, because the Neelys and Aaron McCargo already have the Soul Food niche.
Jeffrey: In my opinion, the strongest overall so far, because his cooking is always top notch, and he has yet to crucify himself with poor on-camera demonstrations. I would say at this point, it is his show to lose, but we are already seeing inklings from the committee that they grow tired of the same angle of cooking with family. If he can start telling stories about his background or professional experiences, I think he has it in the bag.
Chris, great summary. With you pretty much all the way. Back in April I tagged Jeffrey, and I’m still with him. Or Jamika. I’m still thinking Michael and Debbie will go far.
Is it just me, or are the bulk of ‘em high strung?!? I mean, I’m drowning in the tears! Imagine how some of these folks would deal with the ribbing and criticisms they’re all bound to get from not only this site but dozens of others! Jeffrey and Jamika seem the most down-to-earth and mature of the lot.
@Chris
Not bad…I agree with most everything except the Michael thing. While I do agree with you that Midwest evangelical housewife won’t like him, I don’t think that is the problem. He is not appealing to anyone I know, particularly my gay friends who feel he is setting the “agenda” back by acting so outlandish and calling himself a “mad woman”, etc.
To me, he just seems to be a sad reality whore who is eating up every bit of the exposure…I don’t have an issue so much with that…I just get annoyed by him and all the drama around that queen. Finally, he just looks dirty…I would think he would probably smell pretty bad up close, like a bad mixture of garlic, cigarette smoke and underarm perspiration. I WILL admit that he is one of the few who actually appear to have legit chops in the kitchen. To sum up, I don’t have a political or religious bone in my body but I do know what I want to watch on the FN and it ain’t Michael.
Michael will get a show on the FN website. If not perhaps on the ‘Q’ network.
The guy can clearly cook and knows his stuff but his ‘lady in the kitchen’ act tends to overshadow his talent.
I thought the reaction to Eddie’s salad and to his comment that he ripped off a Paula Deen recipe was priceless. It was certainly his turn to go.
Prior to this week’s fiasco, it seemed like Teddy might have the cooking skills but his on-air personality and his integrity are definitely lacking. Oh wait, integrity doesn’t seem to be a priority for the judges! He and Debbie could be around for a while.
Side note to Byrdie: I find your posts hilarious! If you ever start your own blog let us know. I’ll check yours out daily, too!
Did anyone else find it funny when all of the contestants came over to T-Flo at the market and he started saying “all right, all right…settle down everybody.”
LMAO…does the dude “assume” that he is a rock star and that he was generating some kind of a Jonas Bros. vibe with all of these people?! The only one who even mentioned he was giddy about the encounter was T-Folk and I’m not entirely convinced that it was for culinary reasons… Sorry, but I found it to be a bit self-serving and totally amusing…
T-Flo is starting to take on Fee-Yeddy narcissism characteristics in many ways and those contestants who fawned over him looked retarded. He’s an 9 th Grade drop out for Chrisssakes.
And you’re right. Teddy was probably moist for other than culinary reasons.
LOL @ the picture you posted of T-Folk’s infamous dessert…it looks like he threw a crouton into a ramekin and then nutted some his “essence D’Teddy” or “baby batter” on top…
…one of Ina’s female guest commented that it was “inedible” however, I didn’t hear a peep out of the sole member of the Hampton’s pussy posse seated at the table, the gay undertaker…must’ve known it was impolite to talk with his mouth full of Cream of SomeYoungGuy.
HeWhose – ewwww. ick…and so true!
Once again, the judges turn a blind eye to Debbie’s part in the dessert debacle. It is amazing that she is still on the show. Furthermore, Bob and Suzie continue to ignore the wrath of the fans and dodge questions about Debbie’s lack of integrity. Hopefully, she will get eliminated. If not, the FN will lose me as a viewer.
Jake, you forget that all the eliminations have already happened. Wrath of fans aimed at Susie and Bob can’t change what happened months ago. Now we’re all just watching it play out together, with Bob & Susie justifying the decisions they’ve already made.
This was more like an episode of Big Brother than Food Network Star and I forgot about Eddie saying the salad was a Paula Deen recipe.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/watermelon-salad-with-mint-leaves-recipe/index.html
Wow, it is!
[...] Reading the review at Food Network Humor I was reminded of the biggest faux pas on the episode. Eddie saying that the onion and watermelon [...]
Did anyone else notice that Bobby FLay just had to give a big speech about peppers that the elimination.
This show is a hot mess. I too was flabbergasted by Debbie’s sudden yearning for Truth, Justice, and the American Way – the whole judging session felt like time-out from kindergarten. Yawn.
I wonder if the reason behind the surliness of the FN personalities (TiFY was being a complete ass) to the lab rats is that they know that they could very well be looking at FN’s wholly owned replacement for themselves.
Michael seems to know his food, but I can’t get past his hair. It’s a greasy rat’s nest, and he runs his hands through it WHILE HE’S COOKING. Ewwwwwwwwww. It’s like a gay male Rachael Ray.
To Scoobie-Doobie-Doo, whatever your criticisms of Debbie may be, there’s no need resort to racist stereotyping (”dragon lady”).
Re: Foodie–”Dragon Lady” is no different than “Ice Queen”. There are no racial and/or ethnic undertones to phrases such as this. And just because it is applied to someone who is Asian doesn’t reduce it to being stereotypical.
About Tyler and the big coat, all the contestants walked in wearing short sleeves but they were all wearing coats by the end of their shopping, so it must have been one cold grocery store.
About the whole Teddy debacle, in a way I can see his point of view. He was the one mainly creating the meatloaves which he must have spent too much of his time on. From the way this was edited, they showed a lot of Debbie ordering Teddy around while she focused on her appetizer. Then by the end he has no time at all to work on his dessert.
Now that was stupid on Teddy’s part not to manage his time better. He should have seen that Debbie was out for herself, just as she has been since Day 1. And then Debbie has the nerve to judge Teddy on not being trustworthy.
I think it was a toss up between Teddy and Eddie but overall I think it was more clear Eddie had to go.
And I loved how Bobby Flay highly criticized Eddie for rolling his eyes at Melissa, and as soon as Eddie states he used a Paula Deen recipe, they show a shot of Bobby rolling his eyes. Ah the hypocrisy.
Another couple shows and they should have enough people weeded out perhaps to make this a real competition.
Teague: I noticed the pepper lecture, but didn’t u know Bobby has all things peppers copywrited? Peppers are his, exclusively; you must obtain his expressed written consent to use them in any recipe, on any show, at any time.
Did they shop at Stew Leonard’s? If that’s the case, then it is understandable about the cold. Stew’s started as a dairy store in Westport, CT, and in those days the entire store was refrigerated. Now they are much bigger, but they still keep the place seriously chilled.
If anyone noticed, there was snow on the ground at Ina’s (three million dollar) “barn”, so I suppose it could have been a chilly afternoon. Seems there may be more poignant points than the temperature, don’t you think?
@ FN Junkie : does this mean he’s the sole owner of the red hot chili peppers??? omg….
Personally, I agree 100% with Chris’ assessment of Michael. I think he is wonderful. He’s got a great personality, and he’s got the cooking skills to back it up. Those who think he is too over-the-top need a healthy dose of Bravo (read: Project Runway). Compared to Austin Scarlett or Christian Siriano, he is positively normal. The only trouble with him is when you take into account the more conservative Food Network viewers- the majority. I hope that he wins, or at least does get a show (hello there, Adam!), because I think that he could appeal to a lot of different people. Everyone has to eat, and most of us can’t afford to go out to dinner every night, so we might as well cook something nice to eat. I actually think he could widen the FN viewer base.
Secretly, I still hope that Fabio from Top Chef tries out next season. Then we’ve got a sure winner!
The show was filmed in January, so they were all wearing heavy coats. I read somewhere that they made them take them off for certain scenes, since the show starts airing in June and it would look weird.
HeWhoseName, you’re right about Tyler when they walked into the store. I didn’t see anyone acting like they were seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan or anything….funny.
I agree w/Byrdie and Chris as to their assessment of the episode and remaining contestants. But, with all the Eddie and Teddy D-baggery, I have to opine that it was Tyler who stood out as the Snarkiest Weenie of Episode 3. I kept cringing every time he opened his mouth. I know it’s his job to call these nubes out at this point, and I know the editing may have contributed to my stinked-up opinion of “T-Flo,” (I used to kinda like him) but now if/when I watch Tyler make the “Ultimate” something-or-other, I’m going to have a hard time not thinking of him as the Ultimate Jerk.
Actually Debbie has a little of the Roseanne thing going on as well.
To Cuisineboy1975. Google “dragon lady” and see what you find.
dragon lady
–noun (often initial capital letters) a woman of somewhat sinister glamour often perceived as wielding ruthless or corrupt power.
Byrdie, your source’s definition also lists the origin:
“Origin: after the villainous Oriental woman in the cartoon strip Terry and the Pirates (1934–1973) created by U.S. cartoonist Milton Caniff (born 1907)”
From Wikipedia:
Dragon Lady: a misogynistic stereotype of East Asian women as wicked, calculating and troublesome.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_lady
True, but the one I show is the first definition listed. As with alot of words and phrases in the English language, there are multiple meanings. Prick. Douche. Gay. These three words can be benign or not so much! Freedom to choose the meaning or connotation depending what your mindset is. I’m by far not a linguist, so this is soley my humble opinion.
@ Foodie take a pill or a couple of Sandy’s cocktails and relax. You are thinking way too much.
Re: #3–Guy Fieri actually did this in one of those horrid grilling specials that aired a few weeks back–he heated the used marinade up and called it an “au jus.” You can’t get an au jus from grilling things because you don’t have meat drippings collected in a (roasting) pan to create an au jus. Maybe Tyler should get in Ferry’s face for doing a boneheaded, unsanitary thing on television as part of a “recipe.”
Didn’t Tuschie call Ina a “treasured Icon” or something along that line. I gagged a little after hearing his brown nosing…lol!
I have to wonder if Eddie followed Paula’s recipe correctly. Her recipe calls for Vidalia onion or other sweet onion. Now, I’m not an onion lover, so I am not familiar with all the different kinds, but because I’m from Georgia, I do know that Vidalia onions taste vastly different from most other onions. So, did he use the correct kind of onion? Not doing so could have affected the taste of the salad, a fault that would lie with him, not Paula Deen. I am very happy to see him go. Teddy next!
Dozens of sources say boiling a marinade (from 2 to 10 minutes) to use as a sauce is a well-accepted food-safe technique (IMO, at least for non-poultry). It’s Tyler who needs to be schooled. In fact, the Food Network Kitchens have a book, “How to Boil Water,” where they use this method on lamb chops. (p. 171) You can google it online. Even Alton (sacred cow) uses this method with Molasses Coffee Marinated Pork Chops.
I don’t remember which contestant suggested it, but she was spot on (it was a she, wasn’t it?). It’s a great tip to save $. What’s most unfortunate is now there are millions of viewers out there who think it is NOT food-safe to boil a marinade into a sauce, all thanks to T-Flo. Grrr.
@Lana, I even found an article online from the USDA detailing how to boil the marinade from poultry so that it could be safely used as a sauce. Don’t know about that Tyler sometimes.
Georgia Watcher, it appears to me that Eddie used a large white spanish onion. Fairly sweet but CAN be extremely strong. When I do my watermelon salad, if I can’t get a good vidalia, I will grab a spanish white but always soak the slice/dice in ice water for a time before adding to the dish.
It also looked like he used way too damned much onion anyway!
Lana, it was Jamika :-)
@Matt’s Elizabeth, thank you. I knew I liked that Jamika. Most bets are goin’ for a Jeffrey / Jamika finale. Only a few weeks in, they appear to be the strongest front runners.
@Orchidgal, wow yeah? The USDA, eh? Cool. I IMO’d a nix on the poultry because I’ve never sauce’d up a chicken marinade; shied away from it out of ignorant reservations (fear?) of salmonella. I may continue to do so, but it’s good to know a good boil will do the trick. ;-) Thx for your reply!
Coming in a little late on this, but did anyone catch the “Food Network All Star South Beach Grilling Extravaganza” (or whatever it was called) yesterday afternoon? Tyler and Alton were cooking together, and Alton boiled his marinade to use as a sauce. What’s the deal, Ty?
Hi, I’m Teddy Wells, I’m a professionally trained chef with an unusual personal history, an outgoing personality and a deep passion to create and present food with wide appeal. I also have had valuable experience in front of television cameras, so I’m familiar with the weekly TV series production process.
I’m an African-American male who is a devoted single dad to my eleven-year-old son. I am articulate, have a good sense of humor, a great smile, an infectious laugh and the energy to work 16-hour days.
Buckle up – ‘cause here’s my story:
I grew up in New Orleans, a poor, black kid with a dysfunctional family and a variety of do-nothing relatives. Fortunately, I was blessed with a supportive, devoted mom (now deceased).
I was able to escape the impoverished wards of New Orleans and avoid becoming yet another criminal statistic thanks to the power of food. But not just any food.
First, the food prepared in my Mama’s kitchen – made from what items were on hand, purchased with a limited budget, based on the Creole traditions of New Orleans, and stretched to feed an immediate family of five and various down-and-out relations.
Second, the exceptional food prepared in the outstanding French restaurant where I began my culinary career, as well as the famous New Orleans Creole food served on the Natchez Steamboat. And lastly, the wide variety of foods to which I was introduced in culinary school.
As my experience with food increased, I realized that the preparation of delicious, nourishing, wholesome food was becoming my passion – an art form that could transform my life. I found the drive and commitment to “make it” and move on
– way beyond – what the depressing statistics said I could do or accomplish with my life.
Timeline of your next Celebrity Chef Star
• 1987: I did what a sixteen-year-old with no experience could do; I got a job as a dishwasher at a restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. To my surprise, the mountain of dirty dishes and the derisive comments from some of my fellow employees were more than compensated for when the head chef took a liking to me. He encouraged me to observe while he prepared the food and he answered my endless questions. I knew enough to stay out of the way, but I didn’t miss a thing.
In time, I was promoted to line cook at the Louis XVI French Restaurant in New Orleans. I also worked a second job as a cook on the Natchez Steamboat where I prepared New Orleans cuisine in large quantities for the tourists.
• 1990: I had found my passion. I enrolled in Tulane University’s culinary arts program and immersed myself in every class, while working in the restaurants of New Orleans.
• 1992: Life dealt me a blow when my Mom died of breast cancer. I decided it was time for me to put my culinary training to the test. I moved to Dallas, Texas where I went to work for the Hyatt Hotels. This was Nirvana for a kid from New Orleans and I was on my way.
Over a period of 4 1/2 years with the Hyatt, I moved up from line cook to kitchen supervisor and on to assistant sous chef. I learned what food in the corporate world was all about; preparing and presenting outstanding quality to a highly selective clientele, and learning how food “fits” into the business profit environment.
• 1996: A time of miracles. A wise man once told me “If the grass is greener on the other side, then you might need to fertilize.” So, I decided to expand my culinary horizons.
I relocated to Hawaii and became a line cook at Nick’s Fishmarket , one of the top seafood restaurants in Waikiki. Eventually I also held positions as server, front-of-the-house manager, and food and beverage manager in several elegant Honolulu restaurants.
I was asked to take a temporary assignment as the personal chef for the owners of the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Beverly Hills. In this assignment, I was able to share my passion for food with several Hollywood stars. Returning to Hawaii, the opportunity to “moonlight” in movies and television came my way and I had small roles in ”Krippendorfs Tribe”, “The William Hansen Story”, “Baywatch” and the new “Fantasy Island.” Eventually, I was given a role on the TV series “Lost” where I appeared in nine episodes in the third season.
This experience has given me complete ease in front of the cameras even after a long day in the restaurant.
• 2008: I enthusiastically bring to the Food Network a unique combination of interesting cultural heritage, culinary training, interest in exotic and unusual foods, and television experience that will let me “hit the boards running” at the Food Network.
Today, I live a life of appreciation for what I have, and what I can give to others. I have a natural “teaching” skill and a natural talent for managing other people that builds teams and opens up opportunities for myself, and others.
Well-known author Dr. Leo Buscaglia said, “Teachers serve as bridges for their students to cross so the students can then build bridges of their own”.
Teddy believes he can build a bridge through television to an ever-expanding audience of viewers who are passionate about food and thirsting for knowledge. My first teacher, the chef at Louis XVI restaurant , saw in me an unrealized passion for cooking, an eagerness to learn, a thirst for knowledge and the diligence to do things just right. I believe that I can inspire the same passion in the Culinary Arts Industry.
I currently played a lead role as Krishna Thompson in “How I Survived” airing in August on Animal Planet. Teddy Wells will soon introduce his new cuisine so stay tuned.
What’s Next??
I will go to San Diego to audition to be the Next Food Network Star on August 17, 2009. I pray that my guardian angel is there with me.