For two years, viewers have been intrigued by the American cooking show that brings together some of the world's greatest culinary artists for the prestigious title of
Iron Chef America. Now, the Food Network has decided to create a spin-off called
The Next Iron Chef that will ultimately decide who will climb up to the ranks of culinary greatness such as
Mario Batali,
Cat Cora,
Bobby Flay, and
Masaharu Morimoto.
Starring Alton Brown and Mark Dacascos,
The Next Iron Chef is a limited run featuring eight master chefs from around the United States as they compete with each other for a chance to be hailed as the next Iron Chef. Through out the 6-episode series, contestants must flaunt their culinary skills and attempt to please the judges consisting of writer Michael Ruhlman, Bon Appetit restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton, and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia.
Read on to find out more about Iron Chef wannabes.
Popularly known for beating out Mario Batali in
Iron Chef America's third season's battle Andouille is
John Besh. This 39-year-old executive chef who comes from Slideli, South Louisiana describes himself as “a natural warrior with years of fighting experience.” He also claims to be an expert in combining contemporary French technique with indigenous south Louisiana products.
Unlike Besh,
Chris Cosentino has lost to Batali in the fourth season garlic battle. This time, this 35-year-old executive chef of Incanto will try to redeem himself with his offal and Italian dishes.
Jill Davie from Los Angeles will try to satisfy the judges with her California style of cuisine. This 35-year-old chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America has already been presented with the Food & Wine Baby Chef award by Julia Child.
Coming from San Diego is
Gavin Kaysen, a 28-year-old chef at El Bizcocho. He is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute who has worked with some of notable names of the industry, including Robert Curry, Jacky Vuillet, and Marco Pierre White.
Also identified as the one of the participants of
Iron Chef America season 3 is
Morou Ouattara, who lost to Bobby Flay in the frozen peas battle. This 41-year-old chef and restaurant owner boasts his "American with an accent" approach to cuisine as his best weapon in the competition.
Aarón Sanchez, who tried to take on Masaharu Morimoto in the second season's black bass battle, is the son of celebrated Mexican cooking authority Zarela Martinez. This 31-year-old chef and restaurant owner describes himself as an expert when it comes to contemporary Mexican and Latin cuisine.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio is
Michael Symon, who lost to Morimoto in the second season's asparagus battle. He is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and is currently the owner of the critically acclaimed Lola and Lolita restaurants in Cleveland.
Also hoping to be the next Iron Chef is
Traci Des Jardins who is also known for defeating Batali in the shrimp battle in season 2. Unfortunately, her cooking expertise did not measure up to John Besh, who beat her in the first episode of
The Next Iron Chef, consequently resulting to her elimination.
So far, there are seven remaining contestants to choose from. The hunt for the next Iron Chef continues on Sunday at 9/8c on Food Network.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Food Network
(Image courtesy of Food Network)