Posted on 07/27/2011 by Gina in The Next Food Network Star and Cast Interviews
by Gina Scarpa, Allison L. Nowacki and Bryan J. Polk
This week, on Food Network Star, early favorite Jyll Everman was eliminated from the competition, after the judges questioned her ability to be sincere in front of the camera. She also struggled with her concept, switching from "Jyllicious Bites" which was all about entertaining to another about food from the midwest with a California twist. Yet, despite that, her food often spoke for itself and she had a confidence that couldn't be denied. Today, we spoke to her in an exclusive interview about her time on Food Network Star.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Both you and Orchid started out the competition as frontrunners and you were both eliminated before the finale. What do you think went wrong?
A. Jyll: I think Orchid put it best when she said that it actually hurts you to start as a frontrunner because there is nowhere else to go but down!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Who was your favorite Food Network Star that you got to meet and what did you learn from them?
A. Jyll: Guy Fieri because he was so understanding of the process and offered a lot of advice and Ina Garten because I think her food is ridiculously delicious.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is it safe to say that the Wolfgang Puck episode is the toughest for you to watch back?
A. Jyll: Yes, but not because of what he did but because some of the judges misinterpreted my professionalism with "not caring" and thought my attitude was "oh bummer!" when nothing could be further from the truth! I was a mess for a few days after "Wolfgate".
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Obviously, Penny was difficult for everyone to get along with but what was your relationship like with the other women in the competition?
A. Jyll: Actually, Penny and I were roommates and got along fine when we weren't competing, and I am still very good friends with Orchid, Susie and Mary Beth.
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What happened with your point of view this week? What would you have done differently?
A. Jyll: My original concept to do "bites" just didn't work, so I switched over to entertaining but it definitely started muddled...
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Now that you've had time on the show and to reflect back on it, if you had a cooking show, what would it be like?
A. Jyll: My show would be all about "bites" - every food you love being made into fabulous appetizers!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you still going to pursue a television career?
A. Jyll: I loved being on camera and was in the top 6 out of 8 challenges and won 3 of them, so I would definitely love to try!
Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How are things with your catering company?
A. Jyll: Things are starting to pick up now... I think everyone thought I was still taping until now! Check me out at jylliciousbites.com!
Food Network Star airs Sundays at 9/8c on Food Network.
(Image courtesy of Food Network)
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Catch more from Allison and Bryan on their podcast at notmakefriends.com.
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