Food Network Star, Season 11: Top Moments of Episode 3

Get an inside look at the finalists' challenges and relive memorable moments from the third episode of Food Network Star, Season 11.

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Embracing Trends

It's no secret that food photos are all the rage on social media, and in an effort "to stay ahead of the curve," according to Giada, she explains that finalists must not only prepare photoworthy offerings, but also take pictures of them in an effort to entice her and Bobby. The key to success? "Great presentation on the plate," she says. Giada and Bobby will taste only the eight best-looking shots out of the 10 offerings.

Colors in Mind

Jay says he's seeking color on his plate, so he opts for purple potatoes, a red-centered steak and a green chimichurri "to contrast that red color in the steak." His dish is the second one chosen for tasting; while Bobby and Giada appreciate the dish's taste, they're also impressed by Jay's presentation, which Bobby thinks is "less rehearsed" than last week's.

Feeling Assured

"I really am good at plating. It's just a gift," Arnold says of his confidence going into this challenge. His dish is chosen as one of the eight tasted plates, but the Committee and his fellow rivals note that his presentation lacks energy. "You seem a little low," Bobby tells him. "You can't have any down days."

Advantage: Dom

After last week's breakthrough at the baking challenge, Dom's continuing his hot streak with a win in this Mentor Challenge. "You are funny today," Giada tells him before Bobby compliments him on his bite-size eggplant Parmesan. "The eggplant is well-seasoned," Bobby says. Given this achievement, Dom's earned an advantage to be revealed later during the Star Challenge.

Mixed Results

Though Sita's offering of chicken and waffles on a stick is chosen for a taste, Giada's not pleased, because she didn't get any sauce on her plate — though Bobby did. "It makes a world of a difference with the sauce," Giada explains. "The chicken is just dry."

Two Left Over

Along with Alex's crab cake sandwich, Rue's Zambian-inspired plate of Thai eggplant is not selected. "It's kind of unidentifiable," her fellow rival Arnold explains. She tells the panel, "You would have absolutely loved it," before being overcome with tears.

Not-Your-Ordinary Dinner Party

Thanks to his Mentor Challenge victory, Dom gets to make up the teams for the Star Challenge, in which two groups must prepare a five-course dinner celebrating five "really interesting flavor profiles and textures," according to Geoffrey Zakarian, who's a guest judge along with Sunny Anderson. "It's going to be a straight-up boys-versus-girls [challenge]," he says, explaining that recently the boys have been dominating the contest.

From Serving to Flirting

The girls decide on a "raunchy and sassy" theme of sensual eats and presentations, according to Rosa. Michelle doesn't shy away from highlighting romance as she jokingly flirts with Geoffrey during her introduction of her spinach soup, which is to showcase sliminess. "Using octopus as the slimy part is a really smart idea," Bobby says. "I wouldn't have thought of that."

Falling Short

It's up to Sita to sell the stink in her entree course, but according to the Committee, she fails to offer the necessary pungent, ripe flavors. As for her presentation, "She was listing ingredients and saying 'heart and soul,' and it means nothing," Giada notes. Ultimately, Sita lands among the bottom-three finalists this week.

Fiery Finish

After a few weeks of mentor feedback asking her to humanize her performances, Emilia finally starts to deliver with a more lighthearted presentation of her incendiary dessert, what she calls "spicy mango and torched meringue Napoleon." Geoffrey deems her simply "flawless," adding: "Mango and spice is a great idea. It's a wonderful marriage."

A High and a Low

It's the boys' turn to present, and while they don't have a clear theme to their dinner like the girls did, Alex starts off the group on a high note — at least as far as his raw tuna appetizer is concerned. According to Giada, it's "the bomb!" His presentation, however, isn't as successful. "He was sort of like a waiter at a boring restaurant," she notes.

A Struggle with "Um"

For the first time in this competition, not only does Eddie fail to land among the winners of an episode, but he also places among the bottom. It was up to him to deliver a burnt salad, but that distinct flavor was missing from his citrus-focused greens. "He just kept saying 'um' a lot," Bobby says to the Committee.

Deliberating the Bottom

Rosa rounds out the bottom three, and like Eddie, she's had trouble with a burnt salad, with Bobby finding the fennel "fibrous." Geoffrey warns her during evaluation, "Really make sure that we don't question your authority and your knowledge of cooking."

The End of the Road

For the second week in a row, Sita's found herself in the bottom, and ultimately today is her day to leave. "I just really am grateful for the time that I was here," Sita says before heading home. "I'm disappointed because Bobby and Giada will never get a chance to taste what Sita can really do."

Photos: Star Scrapbook: Sita Lewis

One-on-One with Sita

Hear from Sita in her first exclusive exit interview to learn her thoughts on the contest and what's next.

Go Behind the Scenes

Get an insider's look at the making of the show, and see how the cast spends its time between takes.

Photos: Behind the Scenes of Food Network Star, Season 11

Want More Food Network Star?

Check out Food Network Star headquarters for more photos, plus exclusive interviews, top video clips and insider coverage of the competition.

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