Rory Schepisi, the former “Popularity Contest” reality TV series contest who’s about to open a new restaurant on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, advanced to the final three of another reality series, “The Next Food Network Star.”
Tune-in on Sunday, July 15th, at 9pm ET/PT as the remaining three finalists test their media skills when they are put through several harrowing interviews. First, they visit XM Satellite Radio to go toe-to-toe with the Ron and Fez Show. Then they must find their inner model with a photo shoot and interview session with Star Magazine. Finally, Food Network superstar Rachael Ray (30 Minute Meals, Tasty Travels) invites the three finalists onto Rachael Ray, her daily talk show, where they each take a turn and cook their signature dishes with Rachael. Bobby Flay returns as a guest judge and one finalist is eliminated and the final two contestants are revealed and voting opens up to America to make the final decision.
The opening of Schepisi’s Boot Hill restaurant was delayed for several unavoidable reasons this winter and spring. But her survival skills on this TV show make me wonder whether she’s now holding back on opening Boot Hill until after the finale.
Instead of being a runner-up like she was last time, is she going to be the winner?
Either way, her restaurant is gaining a ton of publicity even before it cooks its first meal.
UPDATE 7/13/07: Schepisi was on the Rachael Ray Show today and did a little cooking:
Rory grills up her signature dish: a House-Fire Steak with Herb Butter, Chuck Wagon Potatoes and Sugar-Grilled Asparagus.“I live in a little town in Texas and my boyfriend’s a cowboy,” says Rory. “I’m always grilling up steaks but I was getting bored with just throwing them on the barbecue. So I came up with a little twist to give it a Texas flavor.” Rory’s also got a tip for giving your steak some smokehouse flavor: “Buy a cedar plank and wet it on both sides,” she says. “Then put it on the grill, throw your meat on top of it, close the barbecue lid and watch it smoke. It’s awesome!”
The show also has a video link (free registration required) about the last three contestants.
Rory is my choice. I hope she wins!
Rory is our choice, as well. She is a super nice lady and we were fortunate to speak with her when we visited Vega, Texas last month. Boot Hill was not yet open but she took time away from her work to speak with us and apologize for not being open, the only other restaurant open on Sunday in Vega was the Dairy Queen. Boot Hill should do well.
I didn’t vote for Rory. I didn’t particularly like Amy, but feel she’ll do a much better job then Rory will. Who puts butter on their steak anyway?!
oh a true texan puts in on to baste or marinate it..YUMMO