Twelve hopefuls arrive in Los Angeles to compete for the ultimate prize: their own show on Food Network. The finalists meet mentors Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay, who help prepare the finalists for their big debut at a Hollywood premiere party, where each contestant must prepare and present one party appetizer to Food Network executives Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson, as well as Hollywood insiders, including E!'s Ross Mathews, who help decide which contestants have a shot at becoming a Food Network Star. One finalist's dream ends here, and the remaining 11 continue their Star journey.