In what Giada calls "the most-important 30 seconds of this entire competition," the final four finalists set out to make POV-focused promos for their would-be Food Network show, but Alton notes that Bob and Susie will select only three of the rivals to make pilots.
Outside New Jersey
After weeks of creating seafood-based offerings for the mentors, Nicole pitches "what coastal cuisine is and the global aspect of my show," but Bobby tells her, "I think you need to be a little more specific."
Searching for Words
"The idea for my pilot would be to take America on a food tour of Texas," Sarah explains. Despite a solid start, she suddenly pauses, silent, and admits, "I lost it." She manages to start again after explaining, "I sort of succumbed to nerves."
Cowboy Conversations
Lenny deems himself "The Gourmet Cowboy" in his promo, but he soon begins "babbling and babbling." He realizes: "In front of a live crowd, I'm fine 'cause I've got live energy to draw from. But I cannot rely on being in front of a crowd all the time."
Better Than Before
"Everything is at stake right now," Luca says. He was once ousted for failing to connect with the camera, so he knows that it's crucial for him to be engaging — and he delivers with a pitch about "an amazing Italian feast."
A Texas Farewell
Luca's given the automatic go-ahead to tape a pilot, after Bob explains of him, "I actually thought he had Star power today," and Nicole earns the next available spot once Susie tells her that she ought to switch her focus to the American coast. Ultimately, Lenny is spared and Sarah's sent home. "It’s missing a little authenticity for me," Susie admits of Sarah's promo.
No one accomplishes a mission quite like Food Network's resident fixer-upper Robert Irvine, and that makes him an ideal mentor to guide Lenny, Luca and Nicole as they film their pilots. Robert meets up with Luca at Bocca di Bacco, an Italian restaurant in Chelsea, to work on Luca's Feast.
Next-Level Enthusiasm
"No energy. No excitement. You sold me zero there," Robert tells Luca, who later manages to pull off an animated performance after he realizes, "It's more important to be natural and engaging than be perfect." He chats with the executive chef, Kristin, before preparing a fish dish influenced by his grandmother and then feasting with Kristin and her friends.
After weeks of struggling to be herself on TV, Nicole admits that she's now "being natural" on camera, but when Robert asks if she's enjoying herself, she says: "Not as much as I should be." He explains that she ought to think beyond the how-tos of the recipe and reveal more about herself instead.
Stories on the Menu
Robert's tips resonate with Nicole, who tells stories of living in Louisiana and succeeds in smiling and laughing on camera. "You lost your way a little bit there, and maybe that's 'cause you threw some stories in, and that's OK," he tells her. "The stories are more important to me."
"Don't think it; own it," Robert advises Lenny, who once again jumbles his words and hesitates in the middle of his presentation. "I just can't blow it right now," Lenny says nervously.
Master Performer
Lenny soon takes command of the camera and executes a coffee-crusted steak for Steve, the owner of the West Bank Cafe, and his friends. "At last I've got Lenny," Robert announces excitedly of Lenny's much-improved performance.
