Red Lobster Serves Up Reality TV

Red Lobster Challenge on The Next Food Network Star

Iron Chef Michael Symon made a guest appearance on Sunday’s (June 22, 2008) reality show for foodies and challenged the seven remaining contestants to use one uncommon ingredient with fresh fish. Selections ranged from grape jelly to marshmallow and coffee beans to cola. The 23-year-old Nixon chose white chocolate to create her winning creation for the Red Lobster Challenge called “Macadamia Tilapia with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc.” [Note: When presenting her dish, Nixon referred to it as “Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with White Chocolate Cream Sauce.”]

The Next Food Network Star contestants prepared their dishes for 30 Coastguardsmen along with the selection committee, which was made of up the show’s judges, Susie Fogelson, Food Network’s Vice President, Marketing; Bob Tuschman, Food Network’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Production and Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay as well as Red Lobster’s Senior Executive Chef Michael LaDuke and Symon. Chef LaDuke chose Nixon’s fish dish as the winner of the Red Lobster Challenge, commenting it was a “great way to use the ingredient [white chocolate].”

“Macadamia Tilapia with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc” debuted on Red Lobster’s “Fresh Fish Menu” on Monday, June 23, the day after The Next Food Network Star Week 4 episode aired and will be featured for a limited time. Chef LaDuke mentioned there are close to 700 Red Lobster restaurants across the country and more than 2.7 million patrons a week making the restaurant chain the largest casual seafood restaurant in the nation. Kelsey Nixon’s entrée has the potential to please millions of palates with her winning creation.

But How Does The Next Food Network Star’s Winning Entrée Taste?

Although the idea of combining fish with chocolate may sound repulsive, the Red Lobster featured fresh fish is tasty for those with a sweet tooth. A tilapia fillet brushed with non-alcoholic piña colada mix is coated with crushed macadamia nuts, toasted coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs and rests in a white chocolate cream sauce.

The tilapia is firm and does not have an overly fishy taste. The coating is light in thickness giving the dish a pleasing texture. The flavor is fresh with a kiss of tropical sweetness. The white chocolate Beurre Blanc gives the dish its distinctive flavor. It’s slightly thinner than a heavy cream, smooth on the palate, simple in flavor with an exotic hint of chocolate. Soak up the excess Beurre Blanc with a side of Red Lobster’s mashed potatoes.

The complete recipe is available at the Red Lobster Web site. The entrée price varies across the country but anticipate prices starting at $13 for a half portion and $19 for a full portion.

Is Kelsey Nixon The Next Food Network Star?

Describing herself as a “Mini Martha Stewart,” the bubbly culinary teacher’s hunger for the title of The Next Food Network Star can be tasted through television sets across the country. Criticized early on by judges as being too annoying, Nixon has taken their advice and has toned down her presentation skills. Although there are five other contestants left in the show, her main competitors are former child star Shane Lyons and catering queen Lisa Garza. If the “Mini Martha Stewart” continues to enhance her skills, she could possibly be The Next Food Network Star.

The Next Food Network Star airs on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST on the Food Network.

Red Lobster is serving up reality TV.

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