Food Network Star, Season 7: Behind the Scenes of Episode 9

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and relive all the highlights of episode nine of Food Network Star, Season 7.

Top 10 Moments: 1. Best Thing I Ever Ate

At NYC's Chelsea Market, the finalists have one hour to run around tasting food at the shops and restaurants to select the "best thing they ever ate."

2. Killer Sandwich

Jeff stays true to his POV and zones in on a Reuben sandwich at Friedman's Deli. Back in the studio, he kills his demo: "Watching Jeff, I feel like I'm watching the actual show," admits Vic.

3. Crepe Copycat

Whitney and Mary Beth both gush about the crepes from Crepes Suzette, but Whitney gets stuck going last and freezes up in her attempt not to repeat everything Mary Beth just said.

4. Sabotage?

As the Camera Challenge winner, Jeff gets to assign proteins for the Star Challenge. He gives Mary Beth the duck, which she's never cooked before: "Thanks a lot, Jeff."

5. Go Big or Go Home

It's time for the "roast" and Vic's going Vegas-style all the way with his prime rib.

6. Loosen Up, Whitney

"They've asked me to drop my guard. I'm trying to do that," says Whitney. But when she faces the panel of comedians, Gilbert Gottfried calls her a "zombie."

7. Comics Get Serious ...

... about the food, that is. Comedians Aubrey Plaza, Louie Anderson, Judy Gold and Gilbert Gottfried dig in.

8. Winning!

"I have never been this nervous on any challenge thus far," says Jeff, but it doesn't show. He seems totally at ease interacting with the comedians. "He is a TV personality. He has IT," says Judy Gold.

9. Top Five

Heading into evaluation, the competition between these five is stiff: "I'm really impressed with the quality of talent we have left," says Bobby. No one served a bad dish today.

10. Down to Four

In the end, Whitney's consistently great food wasn't enough to keep her around. "This is my passion, what I want to do for the rest of my life," she says. "I'm going to relentlessly go after it."

The Play-by-Play

We've covered the Top 10, but this episode was full of unique challenges and memorable moments. Here, the finalists anxiously await the announcement of their Chelsea Market Challenge.

Sampling Away

Susie orders pretty much everything on the menu at Friedman's Deli: "I've got three forks. I'm stuffing my face."

Popular Spot

Jeff also visits Friedman's and asks the chef about the pastrami. Satisfied with what he hears, he concludes: "This is a place where I can get a great sandwich."

Jackpot

Vic is feeling lost, but then he finds Buon Italia: "This is my kind of food. The chicken parm is on point. It's Mama's Boy all the way."

Bobby Directs

Each finalist films a two-minute Best Thing I Ever Ate segment under Bobby's direction.

Camera Fail

Susie's not happy about going first: "Everybody can watch me and learn from my mistakes. I did the best I could, but I failed."

Runner-Up

"I feel like I have an advantage in this challenge. Talking about food is a critical skill. The viewers can't lick the television," says Mary Beth. She performs well, but not well enough.

Jeff Nails It

Jeff's segment is almost pitch-perfect. "Good job. Keep smiling, Jeff. You got it," is all the feedback Bobby can offer.

Winner's Pick

The finalists will roast meats for their next challenge, and Jeff gets to pick which ones.

Roasting Lesson

Mary Beth returns from the butcher with a whole duck and some tips on how to cook it.

Mary Beth's Duck

Despite her doubts, Mary Beth's roasted duck is a success. "This is the first time I've ever liked duck," says Gilbert Gottfried.

Vegas Style

The comedians find Vic's cuddly Mama's Boy side endearing, but they're not buying his tough-guy Vegas act. "Wow, it's the death of Vic Vegas right here," says Bobby.

Vic's Colossal Chop

Vic's massive rib-eye gives the comedians a lot to joke about: "Is this an animal I've seen on this planet?" asks Gilbert.

Success for Susie

"She's infectious, isn't she?" asks Susie Fogelson after Susie Jimenez charms a room of tough critics.

Susie's Leg of Lamb

"This is the most flavorful dish that we had so far," says comedian Anthony Anderson.

Cooking Focus

"I hope they love my dish. I really, really, really want to stay in this competition," says Whitney.

Whitney's Crown Roast

At this point in the game, the judges are looking for more from Whitney: "Your food was really delicious. But it's not going to give you an advantage tonight," says Bobby.

Jeff Shines Again

A former standup comedian, Jeff is extra-nervous for this challenge. Still, "he seemed the most at ease," says Gilbert.

Jeff's Rump Roast

Jeff calls his dish "the world's fanciest roast beef sandwich." For extra beefiness, he cooks his chips in suet (beef fat).

Get the Recipe: Dry-aged Italian Beef Sandwich with Homemade Giardiniera, Sweet Peppers, Suet-Fried Chips and Broccoli Rabe

Make Them Laugh

The selection committee and comedian Anthony Anderson are enjoying themselves during Jeff's presentation.

The Sandwich King Reigns

Jeff takes the win again this week — three challenges in a row. "I saw a really confident, easy-going, funny person," says Susie Fogelson.

Farewell to Vegas?

Vic is happy just to be safe, and knows what he has to work on: "Mama's Boy is the core of me. I'm realizing that it just assisted me, the Vegas thing."

On the Bottom

Susie is also safe, leaving Mary Beth and Whitney in the bottom. "Your dish was just superb. However, the comedians were turned off by a barrage of information," Bob tells Mary Beth.

The Final Four

In the end, Whitney doesn't make the cut for the final four. She sheds a few tears: "I don't think I should be going home, but tonight unfortunately it's me."