WHAT WILL THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR COOK UP THIS SEASON?

Ten Finalists Competed To Star in Their Own Series; The Final 3 Show Us What They Are Made Of, Sunday, August 2nd at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network!

'The Next Food Network Star' airs the penultimate episode of its fifth season on Sunday night, and much to my delight, the show's "selection committee" (aka judges) have narrowed down the field to three based on actual hosting/culinary potential, rather than the ability to stir up drama on the set.

I've got to admit that even before the fabulous Michael's elimination, I was beginning to root for flinty-yet-sunny homemaker Melissa d'Arabian, and her bitchin' use of hot peppers during last week's Red Lobster challenge sealed the deal.

Seriously, seafood + heat + Melissa's righteous argument that she's not just a great home cook, but a future Food Network megabrand, has me envisioning a show that bridges the gap between Barefoot Contessa's divine decadence and Rachael Ray's amped-up practicality.

Check it all out at:
www.facebook.com/thenextfoodnetworkstar

Hey, whether on TV, www.FoodNetwork.com, or from Bobby Flay’s new cookbook, Food Network has lots of grilling tips that’s sure to help you master the grill!

And so if you would like to win your own 'Food Network Prize Pack' - Food Network-branded bags (courtesy of The Food Network) containing: Bobby Flay cookbook, NFNS magnet, baking towel set and poster!)- and you think you know all there is to know Bobby Flay, just answer this easy cooking question: Chef Flay, who is a self-professed burger maniac, opened which-named-establishment on Long Island in July 2008?!

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one (our choice) of these wonderful 'Food Network Prize Pack's. Just send us an e:mail here before August 15th with your answer and the subject title CONTEST: THE NEXT FOOD NETWORK STAR PRIZE PACKs to:

exclusivemagazine@flash.net

Also, get ready for the new FOOD NETWORK Wii video game “Cook or Be Cooked” to be released in September!

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., the leading video games publisher and developer, and Food Network, the first and only cable channel dedicated to connecting viewers to the power and joy of food, today announced they will deliver a new way of experiencing the world of cooking with the Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked game for Wii™.

With inviting introductory lessons for the novice cook or for “foodies” who want to put their gastronomic skills to the test, Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked will provide players with the proper instructions and techniques to become a star chef no matter the experience level.

www.namcobandaigames.com

www.foodnetwork.com/star

www.facebook.com/thenextfoodnetworkstar