Season 4 Episode 1 of The Next Food Network Star

[Food Network Fan]

I just watched the first episode. There are a few that I liked right off, and one I didn't care for at all. There are some tears in this episode, but nothing like we saw in season 3. It's a star packed start for this season and in this first show, despite being newbies themselves the Neely's were on hand as tasters. Bobby and Alton being the first to speak with this new group and present their first 2 challenges. Alton is looking thinner these days and to me personally Bobby is improving with age both in looks and persona. You will also see Giada, Sandra Lee and Masaharu Morimoto at the tasting table to start off this season.

The first challenge is to give one sentence to the camera that explains their culinary personalities. Most did well, one failed miserably and even copped a bit of an attitude with Alton. I don't like this person.

I have picked a favorite male and a favorite female. We shall see if they keep that spot as the season goes on.

Here's the official description of Episode one....

Episode 1 – June 1 at 10pm ET/PT>>
Season Premiere!>>
In the season four premiere of The Next Food Network Star, the 10 finalists are immediately thrown into their first challenge, before they are even unpacked! First up: the contestants are greeted by Alton Brown and must face their first on-camera challenge. Then, they are told to pair up in teams of two and cook for a really tough crowd—a table full of Food Network stars! In addition to Alton, Giada De Laurentiis, Sandra Lee, Gina and Pat Neely and Masaharu Morimoto share their thoughts on the finalists’ dishes with the selection committee (which this season features Bobby Flay as a permanent member). The first finalist is then eliminated.>>

[Food Network Fan]

NIPA BHATT >>
Nipa, 35 (lace w:st="on">Victoria, MNlace>) is a marketing manager by day and cooking enthusiast by night. Nipa is the former owner of the Gypsy Curry House and has taught a variety of cooking classes. This married mother of two thinks everyone should cook with a fearless attitude. Her versatile background has allowed her to grow up in both lace w:st="on">Indialace> and the lace w:st="on">United Stateslace> and bring both worldly tastes to the table.>>

[Food Network Fan]

JENNIFER COCHRANE>>
Jennifer, 32 (lace w:st="on">Woonsocket, RIlace>) is a self-taught chef who started playing in the kitchen at the age of seven. Currently, Jennifer is the Executive Chef at Geppetto’s and Briggs Corner restaurants and is the proud mom to her 3-year-old daughter. Jennifer hopes her cooking can show people how to discover the basic ingredients behind some of the greatest flavors.>>

[Food Network Fan]

LISA GARZA>>
Lisa, 32, (Dallas, TX) brings her own sense of style and elegance to the kitchen. Voted in 2006 by The Dallas Morning News as one of lace w:st="on">Dallaslace>’s “5 To Watch – Chefs,” Lisa is the co-owner and special event planner of Suze Restaurant & Catering. This former beauty queen designs her own line of chic kitchen aprons and brings glamour to the gourmet scene.>>

[Food Network Fan]

ADAM GERTLER>>
Adam, 30 (lace w:st="on">Philadelphia, PAlace>) is an actor and server who has made the kitchen his stage! Adam is the former owner of The Smoked Joint – a BBQ joint he ran with his brother that brought ‘the barbeque experience’ to Philly. Currently starting up a catering company, he constantly searches for new ways to bring easy, approachable meals to the table with a side of fun.>>

[Food Network Fan]

CORY KAHANEY>>
Cory, 45 (lace w:st="on">New York, NYlace>) is a lace w:st="on">New York Citylace> native that is no stranger to the spotlight. Cory has previously been featured on Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. When it comes to cooking though, Cory is serious about great food. She considers her style MAMMA cooking – grounded in the classics of lace w:st="on">Mediterraneanlace>, Austrian, Mexican, Middle Eastern and lace w:st="on">Asialace>.>>

[Food Network Fan]

SHANE LYONS>>
Shane, 20 (lace w:st="on">Colorado Springs, COlace>) shows the kitchen holds no boundaries when it comes to age. As a former child star and professional actor, Shane was part of the hit Nickelodeon show, ALL THAT and won a Kids Choice Award with the cast in 2004. At 20, Shane runs his own catering service, Experience Dining, in lace w:st="on">Los Angeleslace> and still dabbles in acting. Shane is also a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.>>
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[Food Network Fan]

AARON MCCARGO, JR
Aaron, 36 (Camden, NJ) is a family man who loves all things buttered and barbequed. Aaron got his start cooking in a local hospital at 13 and is the Executive Catering Chef for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Married with three kids, Aaron brings an easygoing presence to the kitchen with his warm smile and passion for down to earth cooking.

[Food Network Fan]

KELSEY NIXON>>

Kelsey, 23 (lace w:st="on">North Ogden, UTlace>) happily dubs herself as the ‘Mini Martha Stewart.’ This bubbly, blonde dynamo has brought her unique cooking style to her eager peers at the local college cable station as the former host and star of “Kelsey’s Kitchen.” Turning the kitchen into a classroom, Kelsey currently teaches culinary classes covering everything from seafood to cupcakes and freelances in the food department for The Salt Lake Tribune.>>

[Food Network Fan]

KEVIN ROBERTS>>
Kevin, 39 (lace w:st="on">San Diego, CAlace>) is widely known as “The Food Dude.” As the Executive Chef of East Village Tavern & Bowl, Kevin is immersed in the lace w:st="on">San Diegolace> food scene. Kevin writes cookbooks and is the food contributor for a local radio show. This martial arts expert thinks all flavors should pack a mighty punch!>>