The Next Iron Chef

[figmo]

I watch Food Network. A lot. Sunday night I watched "The Next Iron Chef." This is a show where eight chefs get to compete to be the 5th "iron chef" in "Iron Chef America."

Food Network claims one of the existing Iron Chefs, Mario Batali, will continue to appear in "Iron Chef America," but the New York Post claims he's leaving the network altogether.

Anyhow, after catching the first show I already know who I want to win: John Besh. Even if the guy doesn't win I'd like to see him get his own show. I've seen him on several Food Network shows. He's not only a good chef, he's entertaining. When he was on Iron Chef America against Mario Batali he was a hoot and he beat Batali soundly. For example, when he grabbed a couple of lobsters he exclaimed, "Look! Crawfish on steroids!"

I was hoping to see more of Traci des Jardins, who was eliminated in the first round. I was really surprised they didn't bump Michael Symon, who didn't do well in the first challenge and showed no originality in the second one. I could see why des Jardins was invited -- like Besh, she beat Batali on Iron Chef America. I could not, however, figure out why Symon was invited. When he competed on Iron Chef America he lost. If he can't outcook an Iron Chef, what is he doing trying to be one?

Here's the part that gets me: According to the 7th response to this post, Symon wins. I have also read that Michael Ruhlman is a close friend of Symon's.

I am hoping the post is wrong, but somehow I fear it isn't.

Comments

[dan-ad-nauseam.livejournal.com]

In the second episode, Symon earned his props in the single-bite test. OTOH, I am surprised that Aaron Sanchez made the mistakes he did.