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Monday, July 28, 2008

Dallas contestant Lisa Garza does not win The Next Food Network Star

by Teresa Gubbins

The Food Network may have tried to do damage control but, as accidentally revealed last week on its Web site, the winner of The Next Food Network Star was Aaron McCargo, winning over comedian Adam and Dallas' Lisa Garza.

That Aaron was pre-determined to be the winner seems pretty obvious in retrospect, given the great lengths the network went to in order to keep him on the show, despite his consistent inability to dazzle at anything.

Staff
Verified User
Anonymous

This is the first season I have watched this show, and I have to say I did not get the finale at all. There was no criticism AT ALL, only copious praise for everyone. I guess this feeds into the perception that "it's anyone's game," but to me, it was super annoying. This is an elimination game, and someone has to be better than someone else to win. The "final deliberations" were a complete joke, and I think it made the big revelation of the winner seem random and contrived.

Fezziwig Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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fezziwig, the "deliberations" aspect -- where we watch bob-&-susie supposedly come to their decision -- is new this year. it seems obvious they stole that aspect from Bravo's contestant shows (Project Runway, Top Chef). the same place from which they stole the very idea of having a contestant show in the first place

so done with Food Network

Teresa Gubbins Staff

1 year, 3 months ago
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Me too. I won't be watching this show again, even though it airs at a time when my Tivo is dying of boredom.

Fezziwig Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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the best "food" show on TV is on PBS - America's Test Kitche.

Aaron McCargo won't last a season, if they actually give him air time.

Did Lisa Garza cry when she lost?

Enquiring minds want to know.

bobdon000 Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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No amazingly she did not cry -- in fact no drama at all.

She just flipped thru a style magazine for a few seconds, got a new tattoo, got booked for a personal appearance at a Star Trek convention, ate a ham sandwich and flew back to Romula.

RC_DALLAS Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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The guy puts a fried plantain on top of a steak and wins it all. Wow. I'm so impressed.

Pretty sure the drinking game with this one could be each mention of "Someone's life is about to change FOREVER!"

Even the contestants finally got in on it. Even if the "forever" means a handful of weeks while they shoot their one season.

That being said the season 2 show is actually watchable and is picked up for what I think is a third time. The other winners died a quick death.

babyarm Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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in years past, the winners were given a show that aired early sunday morning, or some equally horrible spot, and then never seen from again..

And "Good Eats" is the best food show on tv..

Collin Gouldin Verified

1 year, 3 months ago
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meanwhile, the food network is <a href="http://sidedish.dmagazine.com/2008/07/28/next-food-network-star-casting-call/">seeking candidates</a> for season five

Teresa Gubbins Staff

1 year, 3 months ago
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I'd hardly say that Guy Fieri (sp?) has never been heard from again, people.

TGI Friday's commercials? Diners, Drive-inns and dives? He's friggin' everywhere!

Unfortunately...

Billusa99 Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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I do not understand why they made everyone compete on cooking since the winner was not chosen from their knowledge of food or cooking. I wish Aaron the best, but I think Lisa deserved better than what they dished out at her. The judge's remarks toward Lisa's performance was totaly uncalled for, but then again, they were not looking for a professional foody. They were looking for something else. they should reformat their show and just forget the cooking, and the show might be more interesting

gwatel Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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I was just forwarded this <a href="http://www.dmagazine.com/ME2/Sites/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=7155F7796F354F21B1183937D847D6DF&tier=4&id=D53A194CDBE04AB5A404519314CEC977&SiteID=3DC4CEE3724A4A63806953ABFF65A4F6">link to a video of the Liza Garza Food Network Watching Party</a> on D's site. After the episode she spoke to the crowd and had the following to say:

"Aaron needed this so bad for his family, in a way that I don't (touches hand to heart). And so, I feel like this is something that can really change his life and bring his family to a level (motioning upwards) that I'm already at. So, I'm happy for him to have his blessing (motioning/shooing away from herself)."

She's so magnanimous, isn't she? Almost like Jesus.

Erin Rice Verified

1 year, 3 months ago
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If she could have just cried a little when she said it then it would have been like icing on the cake.

xdavidwattsx Anonymous

1 year, 3 months ago
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I love the comments on D, too.

"Clearly, the Food Network was looking to appeal to the lowest demographic by choosing Aaron I suppose thats where their audience base is these days."

I always wanted to be in the "lowest demographic".