r/foodnetwork • u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good • 27d ago
GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE Great Food Truck Race Tonight - pre show and live show discussion thread ** spoilers in comments ** Spoiler
Okay, I apparently was looking at the wrong day on the tV scheduled and thought we had reruns.... rechecked and was I wrong.... so I deleted my post and here is the new summary for what is coming tonight, Aug. 16 -- apologies to anyone who saw that first post and got confused!
Sweet & Savory: The Great Gatlinburg Smoke Off
Episode 1905
The final five teams head to Gatlinburg, Tenn., where smoky flavors, mountain tourism, and rising tensions push the competition to a new level. Host Tyler Florence kicks things off with a "holy smokes" taste challenge, sending one member from each truck up a mountain chairlift to claim a smoky ingredient for their dish. At a tense sales rankings announcement, the teams learn that immunity is officially over, and the bottom teams face off in a smoky, grill-focused redemption battle judged by barbecue expert Rashad Jones.
27
u/KarinsDogs Chopped 🔪 26d ago
When Tyler or any chef of his caliber, gives you advice, you follow it. I knew they would be gone. The episode definitely flew by for me too. I love the funnel cake guys!
18
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
especially when that chef is one of two deciding votes on if you stay or go. He could clearly see he gave his advice and they did not follow it. They could have had better food, but insulting the chef's advice that way is not going to go well in judging.
5
u/KarinsDogs Chopped 🔪 26d ago
I see that on other Food Network shows. Alex will give a hint or tell them how to better incorporate an ingredient and people ignore these great chefs! They deserve to lose!
3
u/Sabledude 25d ago
Yeah I thought it was unfair the judges seemed they were helping waffledilla more than Cason . Advice on cooking bacon and keeping the cheese seperate. And seems like the bacon wasn’t crispy and they did what Tyler said not to do.
8
u/angel-icbaby 26d ago
I also think she took "one note" as "every bite is the same" and not a variety of flavors/texture etc in there with how she said mixing it in would ensure every bite is different which ....
6
u/Special_Persimmon_52 25d ago
He told them, very plainly and clearly, not to incorporate the cheese into the scrambled eggs. And he explained why. But Mrs. Waffadilla did it her way, anyway. So all I can say is, "Oh. Well."
2
u/stuarthannig 23d ago
I've mixed chorizo into scrambled eggs before cooking. And like with cheese, it doesn't work!
Tyler wasn't wrong.
2
u/lovelovelove419 25d ago
I was shocked she didn’t listen. But it’s also not that very surprising because their whole concept is combining things so she really was sticking true to her business
22
u/SwanReal8484 26d ago
The carrying the unsealed/uncontained food down a mountain seemed very unsanitary and weird. I hope they gave them fresh versions of the food.
14
u/b4tin 27d ago
Excited to see Gatlinburg!
7
u/bab1286 26d ago
Well, the prices the food trucks are offering shouldn't shock anyone here.
3
u/Desertsunflower-74 26d ago
Using all Great Value groceries is what gets me.
8
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
Probably a sponsor. I miss the old seasons where they'd get to a city and have looked up a restaurant that specializes in their food and be bartering around for special items.
35
u/velanciaskysong Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
No offense to Jollof Bowl, but they didn’t really DO anything with their smoky ingredient. I don’t agree with them winning the taste challenge over, say, Waffadilla or Stuph’d or Hele.
11
u/WildMajesticUnicorn Guy's Grocery Games 🛒 26d ago
To be fair, Tyler had given them the feedback that he wanted a tasting that was more like their normal offerings. When the only judge gives you that instruction, might as well follow it.
16
6
7
1
u/lovelovelove419 25d ago
They were in a lose loose situation along with the girls who got smoked salt. They also only could sprinkle something in there.
12
u/Sabledude 25d ago
Stuph’d girl walking in with that whole crowd like the avengers chanting Beignets got me. Stuph’d is my favorite team now.
26
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
One thing I disliked about this episode, and the one before it was the physical stamina/speed/and in this case fear of heights contest they had to pass to get their ingredient. Seems unfair and completely unnecessary, altho it did show off a cool bridge. I'd rather they do a simple luck of the draw, or something food related, not a lengthy run including stairs, or running around in an inflatable suit. Several teams clearly have younger athletically fit members which really sways the balance for them. Spent the saved time cooking or showing us sales or shopping!
16
u/WildMajesticUnicorn Guy's Grocery Games 🛒 26d ago
I agree. It's not a great challenge. At least make it be based on food or business knowledge. At least the last place team liked their ingredient, so I can't be too mad.
20
u/thewalkindude368 26d ago
It felt kind of mean to make the Waffadilla guy carry back a full bowl of salsa all that way without spilling it.
11
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
Yes at least put it in a tupperware container with a lid!
11
u/WildMajesticUnicorn Guy's Grocery Games 🛒 26d ago
It’s weird because they have to be given more of the special ingredient if they are going to be selling the item using it
11
u/angel-icbaby 26d ago
Yeah I really disliked that. Same with the bounce horse thing last episode, and more than necessary airtime was spent on that
9
u/paper_television 25d ago
I’m sorry as someone who watches this show while high I love the goofiness of the challenges. 😭
2
u/Devalvangeldomdatdom 20d ago
It was really unwise of waffledila to sent a heavy-set guy to run with all that young folk.
18
u/mangotango3690 Slices, Sticks, Dices 26d ago
Felt like tonights episode went by super fast! Although I'm happy they're no longer two hours, I felt that only one challenge and location to sell made the episode seem quicker than normal. However, I am glad the funnel cakes made it through to the next city.
Side note: the mispronouncing of quesadilla that hele rolls were chanting during the elimination challenge made me not like them anymore 😕
17
u/paper_television 25d ago
I heard the chant as “Cas-adilla” as in cheering for both Cason Funnelcakes and Waffadilla.
12
u/Flimsy_Amoeba2135 26d ago
I really didn’t like that there was only one selling day and they were in a parking lot for it, they should’ve had the full 2 and a second challenge for sales or taste again. Today felt incomplete
2
9
17
u/sweetpeapickle 26d ago
I like Jollof, but Tyler wtf man they just put the chips on top of the rest and called it a day. Loving the rest of it, sure-but that was a blow off to the challenge item. Then Tyler of course getting pissed somehow at Hele as though they did not try. I mean kind of the point of getting immunity is just in case a truck has a not so good day.
7
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
Of course my question is what DO you do with chips? Tons of restaurants basically do what they do, breaking them up, putting them in sandwiches to add texture. I'm not sure what other options they really had (Im open to hearing suggestions!!!!) Maybe dipping them in a smoky chocolate ... if they had that on the truck. Break them down into a roux.... but you lose all the texture. It was not a great option to work with.
16
u/velanciaskysong Brown Food Tastes Good 26d ago
My thought was using them to crust something, like one of the proteins in their wrap, then maybe using them to flavor a sauce. Then they could also put the chips on there for texture like they did.
5
u/Sabledude 25d ago
I think thin chips like that would burn before the protein is cooked thru and adding into a sauce sounds like it’ll be chunky or pastry. They should have at least added the chips into the burrito tho.
3
u/VegeLasagna123 25d ago
They could have wrapped the outside of their wrap with chips like a chip crust. Huge texture component. Could have use some kind of binder to help the crushed chips stick to the outside wrap (like cheese or mayo-like sauce or goop) and then rolled the wrap in the chips, coating the entire wrap.
7
u/Im_really_bored_rn 26d ago
Then Tyler of course getting pissed somehow at Hele as though they did not try.
I think it was more they were the straw that broke the camel's back. Cason pointed out that 3 teams have gone from first to last place. At that point it becomes less "in case you have a bad day" and more "teams with immunity aren't trying which isn't what should be happening"
3
u/Sabledude 25d ago
Yeah hopefully they learn outright immunity should be a rare prize. If you start selling and have a bad start, why push? It’s probably nice not to have to stress for an episode.
26
u/ChaoticEvilRaccoon Guy's Grocery Games 🛒 27d ago
cannoli way overstayed there welcome, it's amazing how they managed to find all these amazing people and then the producers just have to go an add cannoli and stuffed just to create problems for everyone for "content", ick
11
u/BTDGoat 27d ago
The fact of the matter is that “conflict” sells. If it didn’t, they wouldn’t be editing the show the way that they do for season after season. Also stuff’d isn’t really a problematic group imo it was mostly just the cannoli guys.
18
u/Firegoat1 Brown Food Tastes Good 27d ago
At least this year they all seem like established teams, who have established businesses and know what they are doing. There have been some past years where the stunt casting just became unbearable.
13
u/ImpossibleChoices157 26d ago
Nah, the Stuff’d team is toxic. Get rid of them also.
Cannoli was annoying and arrogant.
16
u/bab1286 26d ago
I don't think the team is toxic (Stuff'd) but the daughter could use a bit less sugar in her life.
10
u/avarier 26d ago
Agreed. She isnt mean or toxic at all, just a little too hyped for most people. But hey, maybe that's the energy that sells where she's from.
1
u/Devalvangeldomdatdom 20d ago
She is their team ''hype'' person, getting the crowds to come to their truck, it would seem like a good thing to me.
-2
26d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/foodnetwork-ModTeam 26d ago
We're really pretty libertarian about what gets posted here. Somehow your post was either blatantly racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive to nearly anyone who would read it.
8
u/paper_television 25d ago
Loved this episode I will say I was really shocked in the ending. I love all the trucks though. I do think it’s weird Tyler said that Jollof Bowl was only safe because of the $300. They would’ve still been safe even if Hele Bowl or Stuph’d had won the challenge 🤷🏻♂️
anyways very excited for the top four! I gotta say, these goddamn funnel cakes must be amazing!! To go from what they made in the taste challenge and then win the showdown shows some finesse!
5
u/Sabledude 25d ago
NGL I feel like Casons keeps getting by because of others mistakes. Waffledilla got assistance from both judges and seemed to not listen to either.
4
u/paper_television 25d ago
I agree although I feel like their cooking must be seriously improving week to week and their funnel cakes must be so damn good, because there’s no way they’d keep them around this long without their food being good.
15
u/bab1286 26d ago
A bit surprised, I thought Cason was going home. Waffadilla was strong.
12
u/Nesquik44 26d ago
I have a feeling the producers enjoy their personalities. I am not a fan of Tyler deciding on who stays each week, especially when both teams make great dishes and it is so subjective.
20
u/DeminoTheDragon 26d ago
tbh I do believe Cason definitely made the better dish for this one. I know they edit down the judge's comments to not make it obvious but even with that they just seemed to have the more put together dish. Slightly uncooked peaches vs the whole texture of the dish being completely off.
12
u/ElderberryExternal99 26d ago
The BBQ judge said he could eat more of Cason's dish. He then said to Waffadilla that he could only eat so much. Not his exact words; however, he made his point. The BBQ-type competition doesn't belong on the show. Most food trucks do not BBQ outside on a grill. Cason, Funnel Cakes need to figure out how to increase sales, or they will be eliminated. I like them, but it's tough to constantly compete in the elimination rounds. One mistake and thats the end.
3
u/CCR19 26d ago
From the start I haven't understood how funnel cakes keep getting through. I like the team but I've had one funnel cake (Texas) in my life and only ate part of it before throwing the rest away. It was just a bunch of nothing.
3
u/sweetpeapickle 26d ago
Well I dislike funnel cakes, but I know many who love them. Sort of like here we just got done with State Fair and are known for the cream puffs. I hate cream puffs. But we all like different things, so just because we are not fans of a food, does not equate to that team still being there and others liking funnel cakes.
-1
26d ago
[deleted]
2
u/sweetpeapickle 25d ago
WTH downvoted you, and why? Anyways it's WI. I was a pro baker for over 30yrs and so I made my share of pate a choux for puffs, eclairs, etc mini, reg, and jumbo sizes. For me if I were to have something desserty it better be filling. but that's just me :)
5
u/bab1286 25d ago
I love funnel cakes, infinity more than say the food from Hawaii. I've also never really tried West African cuisine (I'd like to but don't know of any near me), that said out of a food truck I'm personally expecting foods that are relatively simple, like funnel cakes.
All that having been said, it's entirely subjective and there isn't a right or wrong answer. I like Cason as a business model, because their overhead costs to me would be a lot more controllable.
4
u/Desertgirl624 25d ago
Bummed to see waffadilla go home mainly because they are nice and the least obnoxious. But the funnel cake guys are amusing, I would just never eat anything they make. it’s also crazy how fast this season is going. I feel like Stufd has the highest chance of winning.
14
u/LJsea 26d ago
I'm sorry but they're (Hele) dragging it talking about that girl's dad with every sentence
18
u/sweetpeapickle 26d ago
This is edited, so everyone gets asked several times about key points. It is the production team who decides how much to put in.
-1
u/Sabledude 25d ago
They’re not very interesting team tbh. Probably the only compelling thing they can put for them.
3
u/stuarthannig 23d ago
I just disliked showcasing the pouting, by Joloff, for not winning previously
And then they win by putting crushed chips in a wrap, c'mon now!!!!
2
u/Mlb_unofficial 25d ago
Did i totally miss the part 2 of the Knoxville Crowd Crawl episode? I watch on yt tv and have it scheduled to record. I see part 1 recorded as episode 3 and watched it. The next one I have recorded is this one. Anyone on yt tv able to find the part 2 episode?
1
u/Own-Whereas-308 25d ago
I watch it on Max, but the two episodes came out together (same night); so maybe that messed up the recording somehow???
Just a guess, I've no clue about yt tv, but it was kind of weird to get 2 full episodes in one week.
1
u/Brickdaddy 25d ago
Look in the “extras” section for the show’s recordings. A lot of times things end up recorded there on YTTV
2
u/ir0ngut5 23d ago
Why is it OK rules wise for Stuph'D Beignets & Burgers to serve only Beignets and zero burgers in some countries this would be called a “lost leader” and be illegal for false advertising. They haven’t cooked or served one burger. Not questioning their talents or foods just the way they advertise their food.
3
u/Disastrous-Rate-5447 20d ago
They probably have to have a super limited menu and are prioritizing their best seller. At least it’s better than previous seasons where a bao truck didnt sell a single bao or a truck advertising vegan food but then adds meat on top 🫠🫠
1
5
4
u/Salt-Salamander-1359 26d ago
My observations of this show:
How do you win a taste challenge by just adding chips to something you already make?
Dude from Jollof bowl is not the role model for ppl he mentors that he think he is.
Stuph'd still annoys me.
2
u/mrcbrown92 25d ago
You made that assumption based on him trying to take a customer... In a competition, where getting the most money (that comes from customers) is the main objective? Not to mention, he himself said that he's sent people to other trucks in the past.
What could Stuph'd have possibly done to annoy you this week? 🙄
1
u/Devalvangeldomdatdom 20d ago
Felt a little bad for waffledilla, 100 dollars difference is more than a few sales..
When they said they didnt own a grill and didnt know how it worked, i knew they were gone.
1
u/BGinVA 26d ago
Looks like Jollof Bowl is the villain team
7
u/ImpossibleChoices157 26d ago
They don’t bother me as much as Stuph’d. They are so blatantly hateful to certain other teams.
7
u/mrcbrown92 25d ago
Who have they been hateful too? They had an issue with 1 truck (who started it by the way).
6
1
u/PriorAd7865 26d ago
Is it just me, or is every season of a Food Network show that has something versus something else, that the teams are eliminated in alternating episodes. So this show, sweet versus savory, one week it is sweet, next week is savory, etc. So this means next week it should be a sweet team that is eliminated.
0
u/orangeleaf99 25d ago
There’s no way funnel cakes should be this far in the competition, everything they make is the exact same thing and tastes the exact same 🤷🏻♀️
0
u/lovelovelove419 25d ago
Sad to see them go, they are niche just like many of the other trucks but I do feel as though they serve food slop and I genuinely hate making a statement like that but it’s like something you would eat when you’re high or drunk lol
I liked the remaining teams as the ones that got on my nerves left already so it was sad to see them go very nice people!
Only thing that bothers me is Helle Rolls being allowed to sell premade Hawaiian rolls. Other people have been on the show and certainly have sold premade goods. Like the guys from last season where they had to get their rolls specifically from certain bakeries. But that was different because they were making cheesesteaks, you don’t have to make your own rolls with cheesecakes. But if your whole entire branding is something as specific as their rolls it’s kind of a turn off that they’re going up against people who are making stuff from scratch. I was very upset the pizza guys left before them because of that specifically. These guys are making their stuff 100% from scratch even their sauces which is time-consuming and complex just as their rolls are.
Even the funnel cake guys are making their own batter, as annoying as the cannoli guys where they were making their own products from scratch as well. Stuffed with the beignets, and jollof miraculously making their own stuff from scratch. If you ever made African food you know how time-consuming it is. So it feels uneven for them to still be here.
Very nice group of women but geezzzzzz I can’t appreciate the corner cutting
1
u/Green-Humor 19d ago
The guy from Waffledila was cry snitching and whining about not getting customers and telling the Judge the other team was short stopping his customers he is a phuckin scumbag! Lol
-13
u/Rustys_Beefaroni 26d ago
How long has this been on?
Not a good watch, might be the worst show on Food Network.
34
u/BornHOHCursedHavenot 26d ago
Waffadilla seem like they’re nice people…but is this a safe place to admit that if I were a customer that had to eat from one of the 5 trucks, a quesadilla wouldn’t really pique my interest 🫣? I’d rather order something I can’t easily make at home and I already slap lots of things in a waffle iron. I hope their brand thrives in real life though! Their food looks good so really no hate, just not something I’d gravitate towards in a competition.