Keller mom Melissa d’Arabian shows a little fire on seventh episode of Next Food Network Star

by Teresa Gubbins

Melissa d'Arabian and Iron Chef (and guest judge) Michael Symon.

With the clock ticking down and only two weeks to go on Season 5 of The Next Food Network Star, the contestants got a little Out There, pushing themselves as the next star -- including Keller mom Melissa d'Arabian, who promoted herself so forcefully that it spooked Judge Bobby Flay.

d'Arabian sounded urgent as she described the appeal she would offer to stay-at-home moms.

"Where did this fire come from -- where did it come from?" Flay asked. "We haven't really seen a lot of this. You're scaring the hell out of me all of a sudden -- in a good way."

The four contestants were given two challenges, and were pranked during both. First they appeared on a local TV show in Miami, but were subjected to unknown sabotages such as removing key tools or feigning problems with the production. "I'm Korean" Debbie responded the most gracefully. Tall laid-back Jeffrey took it in stride. Jamika seemed stressed, and Melissa talked too fast.

In the other challenge, the contestants were faced with last-minute switch-outs of their favored ingredients. Debbie's Asian sauces were taken away and replaced with Mediterranean ingredients; Jeffrey got Asian ingredients. Melissa got habanero peppers and Jamika got celeriac root.

Jamika had the hardest time recovering. Eventually she came up with a good way to use the root, but the judges felt she came off as dour and not enjoying herself. Jeffrey's implacability, up until now a strength, was cited as a weakness; the judges, including guest judge Iron Chef Michael Symon, hinted that he might be seeming dull.

Melissa slowed down her presentation and won the judges' approval. Debbie performed well, but once again showed a weasely streak when she was asked why she left out the capers she was given. It sure sounded like she was lying when she tried to say she had used them in her vinaigrette -- a slip-up that Judge Susie noted.

But it wasn't enough for them to send her home. They chose Jamika instead.