Behind the Scenes of Food Network Star, Season 12: Star Salvation

Browse insider snapshots of Alex Guarnaschelli, Eddie Jackson and the rivals from the set of Star Salvation.

Photo By: Eddy Chen

Episode 6: Iron Chef in Charge

For once it wasn't the finalists who kicked off cooking. Instead, mentor Alex led with a demo of an over-the-top BLT.

Front-Row View

Luckily for Ana, Yaku and Monterey, they had an up-close look at how Alex pulls off a demo and builds a craveable sandwich with ease and expertise.

Sheer Focus

With so much at stake in this battle, Monterey and Ana were all business as they executed their last offerings for the mentors.

Sauce Check

Yaku peeked inside the blender to gauge the progress of his Green Goddess Sauce.

Hearty Congratulations

Monterey has been cooking alongside her pal Yaku since Week 2 of Star Salvation, so when he earned the win, she was overcome with happiness for his victory.

Taking It In

The mentors caught up with Yaku for a few moments following his victory to wish him well in the next phase of his journey.

Episode 5: Welcome Back

Monterey and her pal Erin came together for a hug when the returning rival walked into Food Star Kitchen this week.

Full Coverage

To make sure all aspects of the competition were covered, cameras were set up in a near-semicircle to capture the start of the episode.

Careful Balance

Monterey made the most of her time spent walking from the cooking area to her prep station by loading up on pots and pans.

Up Top

Monterey and Yaku couldn't help but show their excitement after working on their dishes.

On the Spot

With only the usual set decor in the kitchen, all eyes were on the hopefuls as they presented their dishes one by one to the mentors.

Multiple Views

In a meta moment, the photographer snapped a picture of a video of Yaku's presentation.

Finale Bound

Yaku and Monterey walked out of Food Star Kitchen together for the last time before the Star Salvation finale.

Episode 4: Warm Welcome

Monterey welcomed her pal Joy to the Salvation competition with open arms.

A Trendy Loot

These seemingly disparate ingredients — coconut sugar, seaweed, rainbow carrots and steel-cut oats — had to be fused into a single plate.

Surveying the Scene

Eddie and Alex looked on as the finalists worked to prep their trendy plates.

Taste Test

Joy cooled off an element of her hot-from-the-stove dish before she sampled it.

Quick Trick

Who needs a knife to open two coconuts when you can just smash them together as Yaku did?

Checking In

The mentors couldn't help but get hands-on with one finalist's pan on the stove.

A Picture of a Video

With Eddie and Alex watching from the sidelines, Monterey set her sights on the camera.

Episode 3: The Infamous Wheel

This eight-option wheel was outfitted with selections such as instant ravioli, canned ravioli and cherry pie filling, though ultimately only boxed rice pilaf, boxed mac and cheese, and canned liver pâté were chosen when the wheel was spun.

Taking It In

Monterey was overcome with relief when she was declared safe from the Week 3 elimination.

Episode 2: At the Ready

Before the competition kicked off this week, the three hopefuls took their spots at their prep tables and listened to the details of the challenge.

Taking It In

As the finalists worked on their road trip dishes, Eddie and Alex watched the action unfold.

On Their Own

With all the finalists running between their worktables and the stovetops, Alex and Eddie were left standing by themselves at Yaku's station, surveying his prep work.

Team High-Five

Despite the rivalry among them, Monterey, Aaron and Yaku came together for a group high-five after completing their speedy 30-minute cooking challenge.

Episode 1: Ready for the Role

Alex and Eddie were all smiles in the first episode as they kicked off the process of searching for one finalist worthy of Salvation.

Back at It

Eliminated from Food Network Star in Episodes 1 and 2, respectively, Havird and Aaron meet in Food Star Kitchen for the first time since being sent home.

Mentor Check-In

The mentors wasted no time in dropping by the finalists' workstations to check in on their progress and their plans for their dishes.

Friendly Side-Eye

Alex glances at her fellow judge as he delivers a review of one hopeful's presentation.

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.

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Food Network Star

Behind the Scenes of Food Network Star, Season 12: Star Salvation

Episode 6: Iron Chef in Charge

Front-Row View

Sheer Focus

Sauce Check

Hearty Congratulations

Taking It In

Episode 5: Welcome Back

Full Coverage

Careful Balance

Up Top

On the Spot

Multiple Views

Finale Bound

Episode 4: Warm Welcome

A Trendy Loot

Surveying the Scene

Taste Test

Quick Trick

Checking In

A Picture of a Video

Episode 3: The Infamous Wheel

Taking It In

Episode 2: At the Ready

Taking It In

On Their Own

Team High-Five

Episode 1: Ready for the Role

Back at It

Mentor Check-In

Friendly Side-Eye

Want More Food Network Star?

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