JAG can cook

Editor’s note: Havelock resident and chef de cuisine at Lieu Secret in New Bern, Joshua Adam Garcia, is currently competing in the third season of Food Network’s reality television series, “The Next Food Network Star.”

Each week, at least one of the original 11 contestants faces elimination, until the final two remain — at which point viewers will vote to choose the winner.

Also each week, for as long as he remains a contestant, JAG has agreed to speak with the Sun Journal by phone about the previous week’s culinary and mental challenges.

The show airs 9 p.m. Sunday.

Bob Tuschman likes his smile.

Susie Fogelson likes his lamb.

Now it’s up to New Bern chef Joshua Adam Garcia — JAG — to put the two together.

Competing against eight remaining finalists in Week 2 of The Next Food Network Star, it was a mixed week for the chef de cuisine.

Contending for the July cover recipe of Bon Appetit, the week’s top prize, JAG quickly earned points with the selection committee for cooking ability.

He just as quickly lost them for the same reason.

“You’ve been kind of busy impressing us with your culinary skill, but you’re losing sight of who our audience is,” said judge Susie Fogelson. “No one could replicate these recipes. I think people would find them too complicated.”

Speaking to the Sun Journal, the former Marine agreed with Fogelson’s assessment. He vowed to temper his tactics — somewhat.

“I’m a chef, what can I say,” JAG said. “But I’m beginning to realize what I need to do is create dishes that reflect the audience the Food Network is looking for.

“I’ve got to de-JAG the situation a little bit.”

Bob Tuschman, Fogelson’s co-judge, also offered praise and criticism.

“You have a smile that lights up a room,” Tuschman said during the show’s elimination round. “I know you have a great personality, but we’re not seeing that when the camera comes on.”

“Food plus personality equals Food Network star,” Tuschman said.

Blame it on his nature, said JAG.

“I’m competitive,” he said. “My whole thing is, when I’m cooking I take the challenges seriously. My intensity is such that I’m completely focused. After the challenge, in the side interviews, I’m funny. They want that during the challenge, too.

“It’s part of the learning process.”

Next lesson?

NBA legend Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins and chef Guy Fieri team up to test the remaining finalists June 17.