Next Food Network Star, Season 6: Behind the Scenes of Episode One's Finalist Challenges
In this season's first Camera Challenge, each finalist must express their personality with a chicken-and-potatoes dish. Next, the Star Challenge: Create a dish from a team-built menu for Wolfgang Puck, then show a promo they filmed earlier.
Here They Come
Judges Giada De Laurentiis, Bobby Flay and Susie Fogelson walk onto the set.
Marching Orders
Giada and Bobby, along with judge Bob Tuschman, prepare their comments and instructions for the initial Camera Challenge, "You On a Plate." This contest requires each cook to create a reflection of their own personality — via a chicken-and-potatoes dish.
On Your Mark ...
After taking their places on the Star set, the 12 finalists anxiously await instructions for their very first test of culinary skill.
Lights, Camera ... Cooking
The camera crew perfects their focus on the lineup of finalists.
Taste Test
Giada, Bob, Susie and Bobby await the emergence of the finalists, eager to see (and sample) the "You On a Plate" cuisine.
Grand Entrance
A doorman stands outside the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, home to Wolfgang Puck's Cut the site of the first Star Challenge!
First Impressions
Inside, the finalists are treated to the striking elegance of the hotel's main lobby.
Cut to the Action
In the Cut dining room, the crew prepares Wolfgang Puck and Bobby for the shoot.
Blank Canvases
Four stacks of plates sit waiting for the two teams of finalists.
Chef Special
Celeb chefs Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay
Kitchen Teamwork
Herb, captain of the Black Team, confers with Brad on their team's Star Challenge menu.
Stoked for Star
Chef Puck enjoys an exuberant moment on the set.
The Star Challenge Panel
Judges (at table, from L to R) Bob Tuschman, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Susie Fogelson and Giada De Laurentiis prepare to evaluate the finalists' dishes and promo presentations.