an ode to carissa and nate

last night, we went from four to two and bid farewell to carissa and nate. of all the eliminations, these two had to be the hardest. as the first one to get "shit canned" (in the eloquent words of carissa), my departure was perhaps not as difficult to take. don't get me wrong - it was no party to get the boot, on national tv no less, but i had less invested, both emotionally and mentally. and so, i can't imagine what it was like for either carissa or nathan, who had gone through over two weeks of grueling pressure and endless eighteen hour days. as the challenges got more and more intense, these two stepped up to the plate and showed america that they have what it takes to be the next food network star and looked gorgeous while doing it.

these two were great friends behind the scenes, and it is fitting that they prepared a little something for each other . . .

carissa seward. where to begin? perhaps passionate would be the first descriptor for this young culinary starlet. honesty, being the second. upon first meeting ms. seward, it is utterly impossible not to like her, or to become captivated by her refreshing straight from the hip "what you see is what you get" attitude. before us stood an empowered woman who lives without reservation, perched atop her fashionable three-inch heels.

i watched her shine and evolve, both as a food personality and as one who exemplifies so many wonderful qualities in a person and a friend. "never settle" is carissa's motto in life. i know this woman to have never settled for anything but the best. her choice of a career, her unquenchable quest for knowledge, and ultimately, her future husband - a one of a kind guy named sal. carissa, you have soared from wonderful loving daughter to highly accomplished woman with whom your friends, future husband and your mom, are no doubt so proud of. simply carissa.  - nate

my dearest self-proclaimed nathan w. lyon the first . . . what can i say? you, my friend, are just that . . . a wonderful and new friend that we are so lucky to have met. our new york experience was a crazy and amazing one, one that i will forever and always cherish. we certainly had our fair share of getting to know each other, hang out and support each other, and it couldn't have been more fun to share this experience with you.

you ear-to-ear smile that lights up a room, your extensive vocabulary, your quick wit, the numerous in-depth stories filled with fun and interesting food facts - all this i will remember fondness.

i am amazed at all that we learned from you and thoroughly enjoyed your warm and sincere instructive manner. it was you, nathan w. lyon the first whose knowledge and passion for fresh ingredients, food of all types, and the artistic creation involved was inspiring to all of us. without question, you will be a huge success in whatever culinary pursuit you choose. we all believe in you, your knowledge, and your passion for this business and anything that you put your mind to. you’re one-of-a-kind and will do well in whatever you choose. i wish you nothing but success and passion in all that you do. - carissa

carissa, your tribute to you mom last night was beautiful. knowing how close you two were, you had me on the verge of tears. i know she is so, so proud of you, wherever she is. we all are so proud of you. you went out in style sister. 

nathan, i know you will continue sharing your love and knowledge of food with the world in some big way and lighting up rooms with that smile of yours. this far from the end of the journey.

Comments

[Jenn]

Somehow, my Tivo didn't record Nathan leaving. It's so hard at this point because I really like everyone. Even though my loyalty lies with Guy, I have to say that I was really sad to see Carissa go. :( If it were Carissa and Guy in the final two, I could honestly say I would be happy with whomever won. Simply Carissa would be a kick-ass show.

And all of that is hard to say because everyone is just so freaking good at what they do. There is no doubt that this is going to bring great things to all of you even without winning the big gig. Trust me!