Guest Star Rachael Ray coaches the finalists on working in a TV kitchen. And after they do their first-ever studio cooking demos, the first of our finalists is asked to leave the kitchen.
Our seven remaining finalists perform Satellite Media Tours — intense live cooking demos featuring the hosts of the CBS Saturday Show Tracy Smith and Russ. Food Network Star Sandra Lee challenges each Finalist to establish a unique Culinary Point of View. Our Selection Committee invites six of the Finalists to stay.
First season winners, Dan Smith and Steve McDonaugh, show the remaining six finalists how they share the stage. Next Giada DeLaurentiis dazzles the finalists with her multitasking abilities. For their Challenges the finalists split up into pairs for a demo of two Food Network recipes. Giada aids the Selection Committee in choosing the remaining five finalists.
The Finalists make their very first public appearance with Dave Lieberman at Sur La Table as they teach shoppers how to frost a cupcake. Then Alton Brown coaches them on how to pitch a television show and put together a field pice. The Selection Committee chooses the final four.
The Finalists must think on their feet when Food Network host Dave Lieberman sets up a cooking challenge that really takes them by surprise. Then they must present themselves and their signature dishes at a live Meet and Eat event with top editors of TV Guide. The Selection Committee zeroes in on the last three finalists.
It's a showdown at CBS's The Early Show as the last three finalists each perform a live demo with Early Show anchor Julie Chen. The Selection Committee makes their decision and Paula Deen helps the last two Finalists present their Pilot Presentation.
Only two finalists remain and they have the rare opportunity to spend time with Chef Bobby Flay in the kitchen, preparing a meal for surprise guests. The guests turn out to be the eliminated contestants and the entire group sits down for a reunion dinner. Host Marc Summers takes a look back at how the season unfolded and the winner of The Next Food Network Star is revealed!