The Next Food Network Star: Aaron McCargo, Jr.
Matt Richenthal at .This season's finale of The Next Food Network Star came down to three finalists: Aaron McCargo, Jr., Lisa Garza and Adam Gertler.
Each was paired with veteran producer Gordon Elliott and asked to create a four-and-a-half minute pilot for their proposed show.
Eliott showed why he is such a successful producer for the network, getting down to the core of who the finalists are on camera.
He helped define their pitch and directed them throughout. The fact that they all cranked out solid pilots is a testment to his skills.
Ultimately, each pilot really showed the strengths of the participants. And that probably was the reason why Lisa Garza didn't win.
Her show was informative and nicely paced. But she still has this edge to her personality that is unsettling to watch.
In the end, only Aaron McCargo possessed the whole package and proved worthy of winning the culinary competition.
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.