Fun episode to watch, right?  Lot’s of great lines, some fantastically awkward moments (Penny & Piper interview), and the first ever mic-stand kickdown into knifethrow into stagejump on FNS.

The triple D (thats what we call it in the business) challenge was a relief for me.  I was never too keen on the 1 minute camera challenge, and I was looking forward to just yucking it up on camera as a host.  Guy is as nice and nurturing as he seams and he really does wear his sunglasses wrong quit efficiently.  I loved getting to meet him and take direction from him.  By the far the most helpful guest food star yet.  My interview with Piper was a blast and I believe I knocked it out of the park.  I could do that type of work all day and be happy.  As long as it involved some cooking and eating as well…

The star challenge was nerve racking.  I desperately searched for Pretzel Bread, but the Whole Foods had nothing.  I improvised and came up with a great dish that incorporated the challenging “Pretzel & Beer” requirement splendidly.  I really was very nervous before my demo, but my goal was to go All In and I believe that’s exactly what I did.  The only premeditated element was the guitar intro.  The mic stand kick was pure Rock God Adreniline, and the ending knife throw was totally spur of the moment insanity.  The stage-jump was also pure adrenaline-induced and to be honest, just another amature goofy heely into a 180 McTwist.  Like i said, standard and unipressive freestyle walk move.

I’m proud I left nothing on that stage and gave it my all.  The selection commitee fortunately agreed.  The anxiety I felt during that evealution was unprecidented.  Not until they said they loved the food and performance did I calm down.  I honestly thought I went way too over the top.

I live for another week.  Next week, that spark plug Tyler Florence and food trucks.  Another big week ahead….oh boy.