Star Commentary: Time to Get Serious

FNS7 Episode 7 Finalist Vic Vegas cooking for show concept "Mama's Boy" for Camera Challenge.

FNS7 Episode 7 Camera Challenge

FNS7 Episode 7 Finalist Vic Vegas cooking for show concept "Mama's Boy" for Camera Challenge.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

After Jyll was sent home on Sunday night, the conversation on Food Network’s Facebook page and our Star blog turned to the remaining five contestants: Who among them has a clear enough culinary point of view (POV) to deliver creative, approachable and TV-worthy recipes to a viewing audience every week? After all, Jyll was eliminated because of her inability to sell her vacillating POV to the judges, so, at this stage of the game, knowing who you are and what your food represents is the key to Star success.

Vic has implemented a “Mama’s Boy” POV, inspired by growing up with his Italian mother in the kitchen, about which viewers seem equally confused and excited. One commenter asked, “I thought he was Vegas, not Mama's Boy?” Many others, however, complimented his obvious “food chops,” and several wrote, “I would love to have some of [his] ideas for Sunday dinner,” and “He’s the only one I would make it a point to always watch.” Still, commenters seemed to question his “one-dimensional character” and “awkward” persona more so than his POV.

FNS7 Episode 8 Contestant Jeff Mauro giving his live demo for the Rachael Ray Show Star Challenge.

FNS7 Episode 8 Rachael Ray Star Challenge

FNS7 Episode 8 Contestant Jeff Mauro giving his live demo for the Rachael Ray Show Star Challenge.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Viewers seemed to be equally split over Jeff, whose POV – “You can make any sandwich into a meal and any meal into a fantastic sandwich!” – may at once be his saving grace and ultimate downfall. While some of you “could eat a sandwich for breakfast, lunch and dinner” and would “love to learn to make something different than Ham & Cheese on White,” others noted that Jeff’s “concept is too limited” and perhaps even “better for a restaurant” than television.

How do you feel about Vic and Jeff's POVs? Are you more attracted to Whitney’s “Four-Star Flair” concept,  Susie’s “Spice It Up” idea or Mary Beth’s “Sunday Supper”? Join the conversation on Facebook and Star Talk, and tune in Sunday at 9pm/8c to see who gets roasted next.

Who’s your favorite finalist so far? Cast your Fan Vote up to 10 times per day.

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