I want to kick off this blog with an editorial. Calling all contestants on Chopped
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped.html * Cupcake Wars
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/cupcake-wars.html * BBQ Pitmasters
http://www.destinationamerica.com/tv-shows/bbq-pitmasters/ - now hear this. Nothing spoils an episode like a contestant doing the following: gloating, pointing out a competitors errors in an obvious way, being snarky, catty or childish. Even worse, these chefs/bakers can kick other contestants when they're down. This is also true of the many holiday and seasonal baking championships. Sure, you 'don't come here to lose', but everybody else has the same idea.
What do fans like to see? Teamwork, tact, encouraging one another. No matter how great a chef or baker you are, people will see you as somebody they like or don't like. This does and can impact the restaurant you work at or the bakery you own or run.
Who am I proud of? Jernard Wells on Food Network Star, for one.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/food-network-star/contestants/jernard-wells/bio.html He is somebody I'd want to be friends with. Besides talent in cooking, isn't that one of the things that makes you want to watch somebody's show? who else? When Kerry Vincent visited local bakers in 'Save My Bakery', she would settle disputes calmly and be positive in correcting the mistakes the businesses were making.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/save-my-bakery.html
Who am I the most proud of ? The young competitors in Chopped Junior!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped-junior.html At an age where kids tend to go off the rails emotionally, these young chefs are supportive and helpful to their fellow contestants.
In summary, it's not just your culinary skills that turn fans into increased business for your restaurant, bakery or food truck; social skills are more important than you think!
