When one door closes, another opens. Top Chef is over, but the Food Network's Next Iron Chef debuts on Sunday at 9pm. What's in store for episode one? Three words: Tripe ice cream. Mmm-mmmm.
Eight chefs compete for that blue Iron Chef jacket to stand alongside Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and Cat Cora. And these aren't unheard of up-and-comers, here. We're talking John Besh, Chris Cosentino, Jill Davie, Traci Des Jardins, Gavin Kaysen, Morou Ouattara, Aarón Sánchez and Michael Symon. Established, admired, talented. As Angelenos, once again we're obligated to root for local girl Jill Davie from Josie, and local-enough Gavin Kaysen, who wowed us at El Bizcocho in San Diego. But this time we actually know them, we've eaten in their restaurants, know their talents. Plus we're fans of all the chefs on the show. Judges include Michael Ruhlman and Bon Appetit's Andrew Knowlton, we hear there was friction. Alton Brown hosts. The Chairman is as dramatic as ever. What's not to love. Will we have weekly updates? You bet. Expect to hear from Davie and Kaysen, and possibly several others, as the show goes on.
· Eater LA Preview: Next Iron Chef [YouTube]
· Chefs on TV: SoCal Iron Chef [~ELA~]
· Who's the odds-on favorite to be the next Iron Chef? [CNN/Money]
· Next Iron Chef [Food Network]
