Behind the Scenes of Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen, Season 2

Go on set with mentors Tyler Florence and Valerie Bertinelli, plus the hopeful contenders, to see what it takes to make the show.

Photo By: Eddy Chen

Week 3: Recording Now

As Joy filmed a segment for her Instagram story, Danushka popped up behind her shoulder, seemingly making a quick cameo.

A Wall of Cameras

It took a team of camera operators, including one riding on a siding setup, to capture the drama of finalists' video playback for the judges.

On-Set Antics

Despite the pressure surrounding an impending Mentor Challenge elimination, Danushka and Matthew kept the mood in the kitchen light.

Goodbye Hugs

Rob went in for a bear hug with a Danushka before heading home.

Temp Check

A few quick flips of the skillet were all it took for Matthew to help ensure his food was cooking evenly.

Close-Up Cooking

As the finalists focused on executing their dinner-party dishes, the crew members were hard at work too, capturing each step of the competitors' prep.

Appetizers, Anyone?

Danushka was seemingly offering up her tuna-topped cucumber, and we'd be lying if we said we didn't want to taste it.

Ready, Set, Smile

Before kicking off the dinner party, the mentors posed for a quick shot on set.

A Space Transformed

Dramatic lighting and minimalist design set the stage for a series of dinner parties in the Food Star Kitchen.

The Final 2

Though they were fierce rivals throughout the contest, Matthew and Jamika were all smiles in the final moments of the competition before finding out which would earn the win and return to Food Network Star.

Crucial Deliberation

Tyler and Valerie took their time deciding whether Matthew or Jamika would score the coveted opportunity to return to Food Network Star.

Week 2: A Closer Look

Joy couldn't help but lean over to get a better look at the Mentor Challenge Valerie and Tyler were set to reveal.

Downright Questionable

Let's just say that the flavor of deviled ham isn't for everyone.

Finishing Touches

Rob worked until the last-possible moment to complete his Mentor Challenge plate, which was made with his old-school ingredient of maraschino cherries.

Mentor Smiles

Valerie and Tyler posed for not one but two cameras during a break in filming.

Mission: Namaste

The Food Star Kitchen isn't exactly a calming environment, but that didn’t stop Emilia from taking breather after the Mentor Challenge cooking component ended.

Embracing the '70s

Joy and Danushka, at once partners and rivals, take a close look at their assigned '70s-era dish of chicken teriyaki.

Making Do

Given the limited availability of tools in her assigned decade of the '60s, Jamika was forced to make her sauce in a tea kettle.

Friends or Foes?

Matthew purposely chose Jamika to be his partner in the Star Challenge, as he sees her as his greatest competitor.

The Action from Afar

This was the scene from across the kitchen as the mentors and finalists organized for the Star Challenge.

Week 1: Ready, Set, Run

After learning that the humble egg would be the focus of their first Mentor Challenge, the finalists wasted no time in getting to work on their offerings.

Liquid Nitrogen Magic

Though the plumes of smoke may look like a science experiment was taking place at Matthew's station, the finalist was simply making a quick ice cream with the help of liquid nitrogen.

Making Strides

Joy had no trouble filming her one-minute Instagram video, managing to edit herself and her message into a well-timed piece that impressed the mentors.

A Fitting Guest

No one knows desserts quite like pro-baker Duff Goldman, which means that he was a go-to choice for offering constructive feedback on the finalists' revamped retro desserts.

Comforting Goodbye

After Josh received the news of his early elimination, his former rivals Danushka and Emilia came together to offer him parting embraces.

Want More Comeback Kitchen?

Check out Food Network's Food Network Star headquarters for more insider coverage of the competition, and read exclusive interviews with the finalists and mentors. Plus, get Star-powered recipes for every occasion.

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