Melissa's Photos

See All Photos

Melissa Pfeister

On day one of the competition, Melissa proclaimed her confidence, saying, "This is what I'm meant to do." But ultimately it didn't work out for her, as she was one of two finalists ousted in the second week of the competition. Though Melissa managed to entertain the audience with slick rhymes and a mic drop, her rice-laced meatball left much to be desired, and she was ultimately sent home.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Recipe Must-Haves

Each finalist was given a journal to use during the competition, and Melissa filled hers with notes on future recipes. Here she jotted down the ingredients and quantities for each that she'd need to execute her crab cakes, the dish she prepped for the premiere at iPic Theater. 

Two Times the Misstep

When Melissa presented her healthy point of view in a cold open to Bobby and Giada, she used phrases like "foods that maybe aren't so good for you," and Giada advised her to stay away from such terms in the future. But come the second-take video, Melissa once again used phrases with negative connotations, including "very healthy meals," much to the mentors' displeasure.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Made-Over Crab Cakes 

She wasn't the only one making crab cakes, though; fellow finalist Rob also served them to the judges. Melissa's were healthier, however, without a lot of oil. In the end, she landed among the bottom-three finalists in Week 1 but was saved when Havird was sent home.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Symmetry Struggles

Come Week 2, Melissa was determined to deliver a strong showing, explaining, "There's no way I want to be in the bottom three again." She and Ana teamed up to make a video about Madcapra in Grand Central Market, but the ladies struggled to sync up their timing on camera. "It's rough," Giada told them simply after watching their presentation.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Teammates, Barely

The Star Challenge, too, found Melissa and Ana partnered in their challenge to mash up cheeseburgers and paella, but this time they were working against each other.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Making Do

After the sliced tomatoes for her would-be side of Spanish-style tomatoes wound up waterlogged, Melissa was forced to serve her rice-laced meatballs with only onion slices to accompany them. "It could be devastating," she admitted.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

A Fun Flop

There's no doubt about it: Melissa's presentation at the throwdown was entertaining with clever rhymes and a mic drop, and guest judge Rev declared, "She kicked it hard." But Melissa failed to describe her dish, and the crowd chose to taste Ana's offering instead of hers.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Saying Goodbye

"Her dish — awful," Bobby said simply of Melissa's meatball, and ultimately that was enough to send her home. Looking back on her journey, she said, "I've always wanted to do TV," Melissa said. "I tried to bring it, and it wasn't enough."

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

One-on-One with Melissa

We checked in with Melissa after her elimination. Hear what she had to say about the competition and learn her thoughts about the remaining finalists in an exclusive exit interview.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Go Behind the Scenes

See what the mentors, finalists and crew are up to between takes by checking out insider photos from the set.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Want More Food Network Star?

Check out Food Network's official Star headquarters for more insider coverage of the competition, plus exclusive mentor interviews, behind-the-scenes photos and winning recipes.

Photo By: Eddy Chen ©2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.