Howie Drummond, a radio host from Colorado, was the first finalist to go. He didn't stay long enough to fill many pages of his journal, but snapped lots of pictures of life in the Star house.
Star Journals
Each finalist was given a Food Network journal upon arrival in L.A. to use for planning during challenges and as a diary to reflect on the roller-coaster Star experience.
Bros
Howie and his new bud Vic pose at the Star house with their clean new journals.
New Arrival
The finalists were also given digital cameras to document life behind the scenes. Howie captured fellow finalist Susie's arrival at the Hollywood Hills mansion.
Million-Dollar View
Howie asked someone to snap a picture of him in front of the iconic Hollywood sign, visible from the Star house.
Prep List
On the first page of his journal, Howie wrote out a quick prep list of ingredients he might need for a future dish.
First Challenge
Howie quickly learned that competing on Star is not easy. Soon after arriving in L.A., the finalists were in the Food Star Kitchen whipping up "sophisticated breakfasts" for the judges.
"Basic" French Toast
Howie's first offering to the judges was not exactly sophisticated. He described his French toast as "basic" and called himself a "novice," which concerned Bobby Flay.
Downtime
Between challenges, Howie captured Juba shooting some pool back at the Star house.
Cooking Off Camera
Howie snapped a photo of Alicia whipping up something to eat.
Digging In
Obviously, the food-loving finalists tended to gather in the Star house kitchen.
Breakfast of Champions
Vic fuels up for the next challenge.
Big Personalities
Howie captured some of the gals chatting.
Relaxing
Howie caught Mary Beth and Justin D. taking it easy — a rare moment with the fast pace of the show.
Finalist Fuel
The judges are always sampling, but what are the finalists themselves eating? Howie snapped a shot of this bagel sandwich.
Sandwich Fan
Howie digs into another sandwich in the house's kitchen.
Invitation
Tucked in Howie's journal was this invitation to the farmers' market challenge.
Behind the Lens
Howie had some stumbles during his promo, which caused friction between himself and Jyll.
Notes From the Stew Room
While the finalists awaited their fate, Howie scribbled some notes: "We are all in the holding room on ice!"
Awaiting Their Fate
Howie, Vic and Jyll were deemed the bottom team. Jyll and Vic didn't get all their food out, but Howie's gnocchi insulted Giada: "This is not gnocchi," said the Italian cooking star.
First to Go
Howie was the first finalist sent home. "I guess video did kill the radio star," said Bob Tuschman.
Self Portrait
Howie got to stay just a week in the Star house, but as his photos suggest, at least he had fun, made some new friends and ate a few sandwiches.
