Well, once again this network failed me. They got rid of another minority on the show. Morou last week and Sanchez this week.

How could a "so-called" food network NOT have food representing more than half of the population Latin and African and African Americans. This network is so blatantly and obviously RACIST I don't understand how NO ONE has caught on to this. I will try and be patient and hope that one day they will have a rude awakening and realize that we need and should be represented. Sorry, as much as I LOVE Paula Deen she does not represent African American Southern cooking. We're not all wearing baggy pants and speaking Ebonics some us are educated. Wake up Food network!

Well, once again this network failed me. They got rid of another minority on the show. Morou last week and Sanchez this week.

How could a "so-called" food network NOT have food representing more than half of the population Latin and African and African Americans. This network is so blatantly and obviously RACIST I don't understand how NO ONE has caught on to this. I will try and be patient and hope that one day they will have a rude awakening and realize that we need and should be represented. Sorry, as much as I LOVE Paula Deen she does not represent African American Southern cooking. We're not all wearing baggy pants and speaking Ebonics some us are educated. Wake up Food network!

Well, once again this network failed me. They got rid of another minority on the show. Morou last week and Sanchez this week.

How could a "so-called" food network NOT have food representing more than half of the population Latin and African and African Americans. This network is so blatantly and obviously RACIST I don't understand how NO ONE has caught on to this. I will try and be patient and hope that one day they will have a rude awakening and realize that we need and should be represented. Sorry, as much as I LOVE Paula Deen she does not represent African American Southern cooking. We're not all wearing baggy pants and speaking Ebonics some us are educated. Wake up Food network!

I knew pretty much from the beginning that the race would come down to Chefs Besh and Symon. I'm rooting for Besh. He keeps his cool, has more class in his little finger than Knowlton and Ruhlman have combined, doesn't sneer at the judges when they tell him his "gosh darn" southern schtick is getting old, yet he is still cocky enough to win. Symon, on the other hand, bugs me with his "I'm so clever and sure I'm going to win" smirk whenever he appears before the mostly nit-picky judges.

Which reminds me: do they EVER consider what the chefs have to work with in these challenges, even though they were reminded last week? Do they even know there are some weird compnents? It seems many things in these challenges are completely unfair! ie. HOW could a chef's meal be "accidently" submerged in an ice bath prior to being served to the snide judges? Yikes! If I were Kaysen, I'd be gosh darn ticked off. I guess I'll be forced to read Ruhlman's blog.

As for the judges: maybe Ruhlman and Knowlton should be pitted against each other in some off-the-wall challenge, so that they too may be overly picked apart? What a couple of whining, snooty, food snobs. At least Arpaia keeps it all together with some semblence of class and "reality." These two guys are just looking for anything whatsoever - no matter how ridiculous - to make themselves seem important. (Come on: UNclear consomme? Give me a break. Besh could consomme that guy under the table, and then some.)

Regarding the challenge identical to "Shmop Shmef," who cares? Yeah, it must have been an annoying discovery, but as you said, these guys are the best. It's certainly a different challenge due to the contestants. I can't wait until next week.

Tongue may be firmly planted in cheek, however, these chefs really are putting themselves, and their reputations, on the line ... and I too would be happy to dine in any of their restaurants - even if a dish that was cooked outside with limited supplies, and is something they'd never even consider serving normally, tasted like a wet Kleenex.

If John Besh isn't the next Iron Chef, however, I'm not watching anymore! : )

HURRAH!!!...THEY FINALLY GOT A Judge{german} who knows what airplane food should taste and look like...especially "raving" about how Symon"s salmon was perfectly cooked. Unfortunately....Cosentino will be the next to go...it is so obvious ..NIC'S next challenge is in Paris...as Besh smiled ecstaticly..knowing he excels cooking FRENCH DISHES. Why not ROME...at least have the others be given a fair opportunity to excel...then lastly go to PARIS....where Besh will probably be crowned NEXT IRON CHEF...or will he??? He might have "A BAD HAIR DAY!!!

One more thing: Maybe the next "Next Iron Chef" challenge should have NON EXPERT judges! How about us regular Joes who actually enjoy eating in the restaurants of these great chefs? There are some of us who know good food when we eat it, yet we may not have the "education" to declare a consomme unclear. I think this idea is phenomenal! How about a show called "The Next Iron Chef Judge"?

Oh, and to Jeannie: get over the racist card. Please. It's a freaking game! Everyone is getting picked on: White, Black, Hispanic, Women. You name it ...

Good summary AG - I was struck by the Top Chef similarity as well (really for the whole show's premise, but certainly when it comes to snacks on planes) - Ruhlman has the best hair, by far and my money is on Besh for the win. Any truth to the rumor that the winner of this show will be replacing Batali?

What's with the sarcastic male judges? In fact, Andrew's attitude is so nasty and he is such a snob that I'm thinking about cancelling my Bon Appetit subscription. What a jerk!

Cosentino has the best hair. Why do you even have to ask?!

Great point about the raw fish. Having had food poisoning 3 times (NEVER from raw fish), I scrupulously check dates on packages and want to know sources for even the most innocuous-seeming foods. I'm also a native of Hawaii, and raw fish is to me what spinach is to Popeye--my power food. But since I no longer live within sight of where the fish I'm about to eat once swam, I'm fanatic about raw fish sourcing.

There's only one scenario where I eat raw fish on a plane: my dad's sushi chef, Tony, packs me a bento box for my flight home! I once nearly passed out on a "short" domestic flight after we were trapped on the ground for hours without nourishment of any kind. Dad and Tony want me well fortified, and I don't want paramedics called. But sashimi served by a stewardess? Nein, danke, even in Lufthansa First Class.

One question. Why if they made such a big deal about food tasting different up in the air in a pressurized cabin did they taste it on the ground?

Oh and that plane in the hanger was not the new airbus. The new "bus" is much bigger.

AG and Lisa, I am glad to see at least the two of you agreeing with my opinion about raw fish in the air. And cooking the salmon on the plane--would stewards and stewardesses have the time to do that, even if it was only for First Class? Do they allow an open flame in the plane? Isn't reality suppose to intrude somewhere around here??

I feel like Cosentino with a cameraman in my face!

For more ranting, please see http://www.annienewman.typepad.com

I liked the episode last night, and I get where you're coming from Jeannie, but I might not have put it that way..but yea, I wish there WAS a little more variety, since I WAS rooting for Sanchez :). What I didn't like though, was the way they edited the judges' comments. The way they put it together, it seemed there were more strikes against Consentino's food than Sanchez's, yet he was the one eliminated. He did seem the next to go, and I know they can't fit everything in, but it just makes the judging look/sound funny, and it seems to happen in every episode.

Are you kidding me? You think Aaron Sanchez is the sweetest-seeming? From the get-go I've thought him to be a huge cry baby!

Sunday October 28, was a greattttttttttttttttt day. Why? you ask. AARON SANCHEZ IS GONE!!!!! AND IT WAS FANTASTIC!!
He was trouble from the beginning, and I do hope that THE CHAIRMAN and ALTON BROWN look at the tapes from 1 to 3.

Hey Liz, I think you run around with the wrong people.

Sunday October 28, was a greattttttttttttttttt day. Why? you ask. AARON SANCHEZ IS GONE!!!!! AND IT WAS FANTASTIC!!
He was trouble from the beginning, and I do hope that THE CHAIRMAN and ALTON BROWN look at the tapes from 1 to 3.

Hey Liz, I think you run around with the wrong people.

Oh the Suspense. I am so excited to see the chef's in Paris. To me it is the Mecca of Cuisine. I am TOTALLY routing for Besh. he has the class, keeps his cool, wonderful attitude and I believe the TOOLS needed for being an Iron Chef. If you have doughts watch him on the Food network when he battled Batali. It was inpressive. ever since I saw that Battle I Thought Besh would make a great Iron Chef. The Bottom line you want to watch someone fun and exciting. I think Besh is it. Also if anyone is interested if you look up Besh on the battles and schedule for November, his battle startes being re-ran on Nov 17th. Wonder if that is a clue! And Adam. Love you Blog! Thank you for participating in this. It is great to have you opinion.

I was sorry to see Sanchez go. I thought He would last right up to the last minute! His food looked great to me. Although I would like to see Besh win, I have enjoyed watching Sanchez and Morou. The entire show has been fun to watch.

Oh how simple some people can be. I don't know why we focus more on what people are saying on the post instead of just focusing and keeping our comments about the show. Oh well, I guess I'm doing the same, but this post seems to get personal pretty quick. I for my part, was also rooting for Sanchez and Symon,and although I don't really like Besh's persona, he DOES seem to have a very good cooking style and seems to be the most consistent, with Symon very close by.

Why is it that someone always plays the "race" card when anything happens that they don't like?
I personally liked Sanchez but thought he had somewhat of an attitude. He has also been a challenger on ICA. But I LOVE, LOVE John Besh!!!!! I have been hoping he will win it since the beginning.
I too thought that Consentino would be the one to go last night but I feel certain that the final two will be Chef Besh and Chef Simon.

Would someone please have Mr. John Besh wipe the sweat from his brow!! At least twice now I have watched as perspiration runs down his face and drips off his nose..presumable into the food???? The camera catches that big old drop hanging off his nose...Yuch!!!

I totally agree with Jeannie and other’s people comments, I think the food channel always get rid of the minorities, not everyone wants to see the same food all over again, we also want some variety, I knew since I started watching the show that even if Sanchez was a great chef they would eliminate him, I would see it in the face of Alton Brown and the criticism of Andrew Knowlton that they would do the impossible to get rid of him. I'm really tired of these things in Food Network, I used to love this channel but now it just disappoints me more and more every time.

*** And yes he was trouble because you know he could kick the ***** of some of your favorite!!!***JANN****

I totally agree with Jeannie and other�s people comments, I think the food channel always get rid of the minorities, not everyone wants to see the same food all over again, we also want some variety, I knew since I started watching the show that even if Sanchez was a great chef they would eliminate him, I would see it in the face of Alton Brown and the criticism of Andrew Knowlton that they would do the impossible to get rid of him. I'm really tired of these things in Food Network, I used to love this channel but now it just disappoints me more and more every time.

*** And yes he was trouble because you know he can kick the ***** of some of your favorite!!!***JANN****

Next Iron Chef is rigged. The first night Donatella Arpaia referred several times to the Next Iron Chef being a "he" - then the first to go are the 2 women. Duh! What a disappointment - not going to waste my time with this one anymore.

The Food Network is not racist. The winner of the most current Next Food Network Star series would likely have been a hispanic male if he had not misrepresented himself. Instead we had 2 female chefs in the finales. The exact opposite of this show.

megan, that is a very good observation

Just wanted to remind everyone reading these comments that The Next Iron Chef is about FOOD. Not race or sex. It's all about the FOOD. May the best CHEF win!

Indeed, Andrew "Breck" Knowlton (read: Bourdain) was toned down considerably this week.

As much I as I like and respect Chef Aarón Sanchez he was not ready.

Just to give a bit of perspective here, I took a chef class with Zarela Martínez and actually cooked her recipes in the kitchen with her present and she thought I had REALLY done her Green Mole from Oaxaca proud. Whenever I met her she always bragged about her son even while he was in culinary school and especially after he opened his first restaurant.

I felt sad at his departure. However, I also feel he should have gone before Chef Morou.

I like Michael Symon. I went to college in Oberlin, Ohio near Cleveland. Anyone who could have such a restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio deserves my utmost respect. When I was there, I could have killed for a place such as "Lola".

His insane, diabolical laugh is infectious. I believe Anthony Bourdain referred to him as "Screaming Mimi".

For that reason alone, I should like to see him on the dais along with the other grave mien,"Mask of Tragedy", Iron Chefs.

Still, it's not over and I shall enjoy every episode and regale the winner.

Red Beans and Ricely Yours,

Wilmita

Well I have to say right now, I've been pulling for Besh since day one and have no doubt it will be between Symon and Besh.

I think Symon's downfall is his lack of tolerance for Camera's in his face, as that's one thing that will be assured to happen in Kitchen Stadium.

My personal favorite is Besh, but Symon is just as good.

You're right its about the food.....and may the best Chef Win, but when it comes down to it, you have to say that the ones that have been shining through the whole competition have been Besh and Symon.

Constentino has had some brilliant dishes, but I don't see him lasting under the fire of Kitchen Stadium, he has one or 2 dishes that are good and then the others fall short....

He needs to rise to the level.

But no matter, surviving ot the top 4, and now the final 3 there are a lot of doors being opened to these chefs right now.

Mooch

The airline chef emphasized seasoning since food in the air tastes different than food on the ground..........so why taste on the ground. But i don't understand any of the challenges as iron chef is always held at kitchen stadium with all kitchen goodies/supplies and food...oh lets not forget the sous chefs...this series has really disappointed me.. why didn't you get jeff s as a judge!!!!!! such a missed opportunity

OK, well at this point of the game I am not impressed with the judges. It seems to be that they are just not consistent in their judging. It seems as if they think that they are experts when, in fact, they are not. I read the bios and none have "graduated" from a Culinary School. That left me a bit surprised. When I see someone who is judging....they need to be graduating from the school. I am sorry that just is such a huge thing to let slide by. It seems that these judges were merely picked out because of a popularity contest rather than credentials which include schooling. Just my opinion. If it were me that were in this contest it would absolutely annoy me to no end if I were being judged by someone who has had "some schooling". PLEASE!!! I expect more from the Foodnetwork. I am very disappointed in the judges. FN made sure they got the best chefs to compete for this competition and in turn they chose incompetent judges. I am very disappointed.

As for Sanchez going home, well, it was his turn. Next will be Cosentino. I am starting to think that Michael will win. I like how he has this great attitude and integrity. I kind of question it but it seems to be coming through when I see him in his challenge. I was impressed how he put the venison back after he got what he needed from it. That was very professional of him to do.

I kind of think he has won me over. I didn't like him in the beginning because I thought he was full of it but seeing that he has been consisitent with his generosity throughout the competition, I have changed my mind.

Have a great week everyone.

Stop telling people to stop playing the "race card." Racism is not a card. It's a guiding principle that's alive and well in America, and it rears its ugly head up on FN, too. Get over being uncomfortable talking about it!

For those of you who feel that people are whining and complaining when they mention racism, let's flip the script: If Chef Morou (or Chef Sanchez) had ultimately won the competition, how many of you would be griping that he somehow had an advantage because he's a minority?

God forbid, if Morou or Sanchez had been as threatening and aggressive as Cosentino with the cameramen -- and did I see Cosentino actually put his hand on the camera and push it away????? -- how many of you would be posting about how violent they are. Yet, I don't hear such a hue and a cry about Cosentino. Just asking, America....

And for those of you who feel that this show and the FN are really just about the food and culinary talent, I just have to ask how naive can anyone be. It's television, people. You didn't realize that this last episode was about Lufthansa and not anything that got cooked on the plane.

Feel free to FLAME ME now.

The last comment I read is not worth flaming. Just to be clear, it was Cosentino who was yelling at the camera-person. Mike yelled once to get to the stove in the last seconds.

I have had both Besh's and Mike's food and have to say that nearly every dish Besh serves at August is very pale in color and hue and I found this to be too subtle in color and taste with white plating it left me a bit cold. Mike's food is much more lively and spirited with just as much skill and finesse as Besh's. So, people who eat at their restaurants do watch the show!

www.hajar.bz.tc

I find Next Iron Chef and No Reservations to be the two best shows on television. Comparing this to something like Top Chef is a joke (let alone "A Shot at Love").

The Amateur Gourmet made a good point about these chefs in that they are successful professionals that have a lot more on the line than any contestant on any other show (their reputation and livelihood). Thats why the salted frog legs is such a big issue.

The tests they have to go through are a little ridiculous but thats what separates the wheat from the chaff. Somehow amazing dishes are consistently produced no matter the circumstances.

I am confident that this show is much more fair than any "reality show" out there. The simple fact that the most respected chef was eliminated first gave confidence.

Sure, we all think Cosentino will be next to go, but he is happy to make it this far in such strong competition.

Lastly, to everyone who thinks this show is racist, you are just paranoid. If anything I believe the elimination of Des Jardins, Davie, Sanchez, and Ouattara show that the eliminations are not race (or sex) driven. It shows they are not paying attention to race by trying to keep a woman or a "non-white" person on the show, which is something nearly every other network strives for. To make the claim that the judges, and the whole network for that matter, is racist is completely unfounded. Did you taste their food? No. So how can you ever make that claim? Making that claim is blatantly calling the judges racist. I take it on good faith that these judges are basing their decisions solely on food quality (keeping in mind how it will work on the actual Iron Chef). I thought Ouattara was great but the more I think about it, the more I realize that plating food in separate portions is extremely limiting. Imagine him serving FIVE dishes like that every time he was selected for battle.
What I hate the most is editing. I want to hear the discussions, or at least have them available to view on the internet. But overall, it is as good as anything TV has to offer.

Oh, and who cares how the judges, or anyone for that matter, wears their hair? Is there anything less irrelevant to talk about? This is about food people. I only regret that the Food Network never contacted Willy Wonka for one of his magical television sets. That way we could all sample each dish, which after all, is really what we all want. Does anyone else feel like the show should be longer? More challenges to even out the "bad days"?

What about the judges FACIAL expressions- Ruhlman looks disgusted...and he was goona ex- the consomme from the beginning- regardless of what Besh NAMED it

Okay, Its obvious that these so called judges don't have a clue about good food. Sanchez leaving was a big mistake. Besh should of been the first one out the door. I can't say that I'll stop watching the show if he wins because I love Bobby Flay. Keeping my fingers crossed, No to BESH!!!

The best hair is between you and the Chairman. Batali leaving? Surely you mean Cora. Besh and Cora's regional influences are so similar, and she is a fly-in-the-condiment of ICA's "old boys club."
If this Ep was like that other show, then will Tim Gunn be represented in Paris and will someone's dish be sabotaged by an unfriendly onlooker?
I think I and my fellow respondents should place your name in the running for pres...oh wait, this show is supposed to be about food! but if you blinked during this Ep, you missed it (the food that is).

GO MICHAEL SYMON! Not only is his food good--and ultimately this is about the food--he has the personality and flair to spice up ICA. Besh is too much of a cool cucumber for me. That said, he and Besh are pretty evenly matched; both CIA grads, both named Food & Wine Best New Chefs (Symon in '98, Besh in '99). I do think that Symon has the edge in integrity and camaraderie, from what we've seen on the shows. The next two episodes should be interesting.

Jeannie, you're an idiot. Racist? Come on...do you really think that Sanchez's food rated at any point in this show?

Symon could be purple and a hermaphrodite and he'd be winning this thing. It's about the FOOD.

Not that I'm defending Food Network per se, because it often isn't about the food, but with these judges, I think it certainly is.

Am I the only one finding Alton Brown completely obnoxious in these episodes? I've taken to taping and fastfowarding through any scene he is in. I used to watch his Good Eats but after his pompous activity on this show, I'm avoiding any show that includes him. Maybe I'll watch Iron Chef without the sound.

Well, let's look at the facts: first the two women, then the black guy (along with the ice-bath guy), then the latin guy. Hmm...

Dear Peter,

"To make the claim that the judges, and the whole network for that matter, is racist is completely unfounded. Did you taste their food? No. So how can you ever make that claim? Making that claim is blatantly calling the judges racist. I take it on good faith that these judges are basing their decisions solely on food quality (keeping in mind how it will work on the actual Iron Chef). I thought Ouattara was great but the more I think about it, the more I realize that plating food in separate portions is extremely limiting. Imagine him serving FIVE dishes like that every time he was selected for battle."

Tasting the food is not the point. The point is whether white people have REPEATEDLY gotten away with what the person of color did ONCE and was dismissed.

Most of the protesters, (not ME), have ALREADY pointed this out. "If 'Frick-frack' did this several times and was not dismissed, why should Morou, or even Tré on the erstwhile "Top Chef" on Bravo® be axed?

Most of us are grounded in reality and know one cannot taste food through a television. There has to be more than taste when watching a television program and forming preferences.

Not a good analogy at all. Traditional social, political and corporate practices factor heavily and affect our entire society; even the media.

Of course, anyone who would use as an example that one could not taste food through a television set as a criterion to dispute racism in our society, would most likely would not understand how others might see racism.

Hopefully I am mistaken. Cheers!

Red Beans and Ricely Yours,

Wilmita

Dear Food Guy,

"Jeannie, you're an idiot. Racist? Come on...do you really think that Sanchez's food rated at any point in this show?

Symon could be purple and a hermaphrodite and he'd be winning this thing. It's about the FOOD.

Not that I'm defending Food Network per se, because it often isn't about the food, but with these judges, I think it certainly is."

No, I do not think Aarón Sanchez' food really arrived, but I did not taste it.

Chef Morou's dishes most certainly rated!

He nearly beat the Iron Chef in his Kitchen Stadium Challenge.

As far as I am concerned the race thing is about chefs of African descent; American or no. It just seems to always come down to them quickly regardless of skill.

Chef Sanchez should have gone before Morou AND Chef Gavin in my opinion.

I have never had to judge food or the 'expertise' of the panel. I shall reserve judgment before I pounce on them.

No hard feelings. Cheers!

Red Beans and Ricely Yours,

Wilmita

I think you missed the boat on the entire bunch of what ever they call themselves. I can not really see any one of them as Iron Chefs. You looked in the wrong places for this New Iron Chef.

Dear Sir;
This is my 3rd letter which I have tried to post here. I have read some of the heated remarks and can't understand for the life of me why you have not post any of my letters. It can't be the grammar or the content because I have tried to be positive.
No matter,I will try again to see if you will print my post.Here goes..........

I have supported Sanchez. The man is a superb cook. I have had the pleasure of eating in his resturant. I agree with many here concerning the Judges. Why couldn't Food Network have chosen teachers from the CIA to judge the contest. Thus the Chefs would have been judged by their own peers.An injustice has been done to all the Chefs.Has Alton Brown forgotten that Bobby Flay constantly brings his Southwest experience to the ICA kitchen. Cora her Greek Knowledge and the Japanese Chef his own expertise in Japanese cooking. Alton would have done better to employ the frequent guest Judges on ICA. They would have done a better job then these current judges who are proving to the rest of us that they have no real knowlege of the show or its cooking and presentation.
As for a program featuring Hispanic or Black Chefs,There are non on the Food Network. The lady who does 'Simply Delicioso' is not a Chef and though she is funny,her cooking is limited.There are many great Hispanic/South American/Spanish Chefs who are not only cooking the food of the sun but giving a Latin flavor to American food. There are great black cooks out there as well.
If the Puerto Rican contestant in the last contest had not open his mouth and said there were no Latin cooks,the Food Network would never had gone out and hire the 'Simply Delicioso' lady. 'WAKE UP FOOD NETWORK!!
A long time ago,there was a show,"Food of the Sun", which featured Chefs cooking food from the Caribbean and Central America. Food Network needs to bring that back. For those who think that there is no racism--Look at what is on the Network. Blacks and Hispanics love to cook just as much as the next person. So why no shows highlight the best within those groups. Bring on Daisy Fuentes,Aaron Sanchez and all others.

Sir if you do not print this post, then at least inform me as to what I am doing wrong.

Thanks

It was my understanding that Mario Bateli was taking time off from Food Network because he is planning to do a program on the cooking of Spain which will take him 2 years to complete. His traveling companion and student on this tour will be the actress Gynneth Pathrow (Spell her name wrong).Pathrow is a good friend and begged him to let her participate. I am looking forward to this future program.

Food Guy, you are not the only one who finds Alton completely annoying in these episodes, in fact, I thought I was alone! I have to agree, while I love him on Good Eats, he has really become something of a snit on Iron Chef, The Next Food Network Star and now this show.

I hope that some of the network people actually tune into these comments, because Alton is obviously a talented guy, but perhaps someone just needs to give him a gentle reminder - a poke in the ribs - to remain a little humble. This current disposition is a real turn-off!

It is so ridiculous that some stupid jerk has to pull the race card every time! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF IT! It is so obvious that Besch and Simon are the best Chefs. Specially Besch, besides being a GREAT CHEF, he is humble and respectful of his coleagues. I really hope he wins.

...And I forgot to mention that he is Oh! sooo CUTE!!!

I hate that it's called the "race card" but I get your point. Besh is cute. I did want to see an ethnic chef make it into the final rounds, but I do accept the judging as fair. Morou, though his food seemed to be good, didn't listen to the judges on plating, and Sanchez disappointed throughout.

I wish Alton Brown would say my nephew's name correctly -- Its "CO SEN TINO"

No one likes their name butchered!

Thanks.
Judy Cosentino, Florida

has anyone been able to watch the full videos of the next iron chefs all the way through, here on this site?

I agree with everyone who thinks it ought to be Symon vs. Besh.

I'd love to try the cooking of any of these contestants, but I find Besh to be the most fun-to-watch chef on TV in years. I liken him to a creole version of Martin Yan or Graham Kerr (before he found Jesus). I'd seen him in a couple of other competitions and found him to be a hoot and a half. I don't think I could see too much of John Besh. Symon, OTOH, is already overexposed.

Unfortunately for me and other fans of Besh, it looks like Symon won. Unless the Food Network decided to surprise us and make both him and Besh Iron Chefs, this article pretty much gives it away that Symon wins in the end.

Sigh. :-(

I have gotten no indication that Symon or Besh will win.

I think Besh would make a better iron chef as he is a little more cool under pressure.

I don't doubt that both Symon and Besh and Consentino are all accomplished Chefs....

Davie would have made it further if her salad had just not gone so wrong.

Don't forget Traci had beaten Batali in Iron Stadium just a few weeks before in Shrimp challenge.

I am looking forward to the next episode

As far as the race card, Sanchez was at least twice trying to complete dishes after time was called, that alone was a reason for him not to be Next Iron Chef.

Mooch

I adore Alton and think he is usually a very smart man. but to pick mr temper tantum boy as the winner is insane. I watched the entire show to see him get eliminated and then bam he is back...... yes chefs can be pushy, bossy , and hard to work with. but you dont see Bobby Flay acting like that!!!!!!!

Well a mad dash to the finish line . I am constantly making a mad dash in my mind to figure sometimes what the judges are saying, meaning, being picky about and why and making sense of what is going on , on this show.

The judges listen, the lady makes all sort of funny grimaces (she looks like she is constantly in the middle of shaving food in her mouth that has not been swallowed but not getting down and pickiness is the rule.

The two judges said Besh's consomme was too murkey and that is all one really said while other defended him but he harped on that miniscule thing.

Constantino keeps giving "bombs" to the judges in the form of shallots, chives and cauliflower stuff which instead they called crudites (spelling? )

Santchez they did not like the scallops the sirloin was good but the red snapper was not.

While Constantino's mistakes were many seasoning related Sanchez lost because of the meals .

I have thought all along Besh is the odds on favorite.
But them again they can use another ethnic chef like Symon and he is great and has done great the last two rounds. They liked the fact he seasoned things very well. So he is now giving Besh a run for the gold . It will be between Besh and Symon.

Did I hear Chef Besh say the zabione chilled over night? I thought this was a 90 min task? Someone please watch the show and let me know.

what a pathetic show. obvious rip off of top chef. and fro these talented chefs to be a part of thisstupid show. and the judges! such food snobs. especially that nasty bon appetit editor.

Dear Lillyana,

Those of us who perceive that there is something wrong with the Food Network and its' lack of programs show casing Hispanic/Spanish or Black chefs are not 'stupid jerks'. I said that I supported Sanchez and he lost. I did not lose a gasket or my cool over it nor did I resort to calling people Jerks or stupid. I recognize that this is just a show. I happen to love the Food Network and if I feel that something is lacking from its' programing, then,I will be vocal. Why are there no programs featuring Black Chefs or Hispanic/Spanish Chefs. Do you believe that non exist? I hope, as someone said here, that the Food Network takes the time to read the letters posted here. I still stand by what I said. Food Network needs to wake up.

Dear Lillyana,

Those of us who perceive that there is something wrong with the Food Network and its' lack of programs show casing Hispanic/Spanish or Black chefs are not 'stupid jerks'. I said that I supported Sanchez and he lost. I did not lose a gasket or my cool over it nor did I resort to calling people Jerks or stupid. I recognize that this is just a show. I happen to love the Food Network and if I feel that something is lacking from its' programing, then,I will be vocal. Why are there no programs featuring Black Chefs or Hispanic/Spanish Chefs. Do you believe that non exist? I hope, as someone said here, that the Food Network takes the time to read the letters posted here. I still stand by what I said. Food Network needs to wake up.

Sorry to hear that some of you are "so sick and tired" of the "race card."

If talk about racism makes you feel uncomfortable or is so much noise for you, well I'm here to tell you that the reality of racism gets on the nerves of people who are forced to live it daily in so many ways a lot more. Really! To quote one of my favorite artists, Alanis Morrissette, "I'm sorry to disturb you during dinner!"

It doesn't pay to discuss race, politics and religion because so many people already have their minds made up. Those who benefit from racism and its indirect effects tend not to want to acknowledge that it exists.

For anyone who is interested -- and keep in mind, no one is forcing you to read any post -- there is a far more developed discussion of the subject on Ruhlman's blog in the comments to the posting on Gavin and Morou's departure (It's the posting with Gavin's picture).

For those you who are inclined to listen, I offer you one comment by someone on Ruhlman's blog on how more female musicians were selected by major orchestras once blind auditions were held. When the selection committee stopped being able to see who was playing, they judged based on performance only. When they could see that women were auditioning in front of them, they went with males. Hmmmm.....but of course there was no sexism then just like there is no sexism now. Were the people who complained about sexism then playing the "woman card?"

There also was a study years ago that showed that when white audiences viewed two separate videotapes of African-American children and white children playing orchestral music (with exactly the same music played by exactly the same orchestra dubbed into both videotapes), the white audiences always picked the white children as giving the superior performance. Who says there's no racism? Who says they're so tired of talking about it? Could there be a similar thing going on when people taste food when they can see the chef? Hmmm.....

Here's the comment from the Ruhlman blog:

"I wonder if we would even be having this conversation at all if the chefs were given numbers, their food presented anonymously, and their identities witheld to the judges until after elimination."

"As I've said a couple of times in various comments, blind judging is the only way to do away with concerns about favoritism (not just racism or sexism, mind you, but all types of favoritism). This is essentially what most major orchestras now do -- the player auditioning sits behind a screen so the judges don't know who it is. When they started doing this (I think it was about 20 years ago), significantly more women started making the cut and getting hired, leading to the obvious conclusion that when those making the decisions could see who was playing, they favored men -- even though they thought they were being absolutely fair and impartial.

So, if you think I am a jerk -- and a stupid jerk -- for stating my opinion, so be it. Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me.....

BTW, my post is for the FN anyway (and believe me, they are reading it, even though you may think this blog is about you and how much you enjoy the show). FN, I'm done with this series and the network. We all obviously watch too much TV if we are putting this much time into blogging about a television program. I vote with my remote.

I agree, the judging should be blind. I've only heard one comment directed at someones personal ancestry, and that was a comment directed to John Besh, a white guy. When Alton Brown told him the "judges all think the gosh durn country thing is getting old." I wanted to slap the smirk right off the Mr. Dilatante Food Critic's face. Two dilatantes making sarcastic personal comments about someone who works for a living. I'd love to invite one of them for a BBQ, but he'd probably be afraid to show up. "Let's see how many ribs pretty boy can get into his mouth at the same time!"

Could they have found anyone more arrogant and impressed with himself? An author who writes about cooking? A food critic/columnist? At least the woman owns restaurants, the other two shouldn't be there. Who did they sleep with to get the job? Alton Brown?

If the plates had numbers on them, then nobody would feel personally slighted. If they had professional Chef judges (who tempered their comments), then the competitors could all walk away from the show as winners.

Why don't they print the winning chef's food recipe?? If it's a winner...as judged by the critical judges..why can't the FOODIES try to duplicate it...and taste it too??? Is it a secret taste only preferred by the judges??

Why don't they print the winning chef's food recipe?? If it's a winner...as judged by the critical judges..why can't the FOODIES try to duplicate it...and taste it too??? Is it a secret taste only preferred by the judges??

What a jerk Alton Brown is on NIC! I love him on Good Eats and IC, but I think success has gone to his head. Also, I was shocked when I read the judges' bios. Not one has a culinary degree--what a disgrace! They are just food snobs. I am done with this show.

Donna- you're right. We watched that episode again last night and Besh did indeed say that it was chilled overnight. So what gives here? Several weeks ago I saw the show about how IC is made and they said that the chef's know what the secret ingredient is 15 minutes before film time- plenty of time to huddle with their staff and plan a strategy. This makes one wonder how much of TNIC is staged.

Yolanda....well said and very good quoting from Ruhlmans blog. I totally agree with everything. I feel that this network is really showing that it is a matter of a pretty face being out there. I don't watch those who have not studied culinary arts. Don't you think that these trained individuals have the right to be on a show like this? Sorry, I know there are good cooks out there....but when you are broadcasting or teaching it should be done by trained professionals. Would you expect to go to court and have a judge who wasn't a lawyer? I look at all the singers who are out there making money off of fragrances and designer clothes while those who had the dream and schooled for it are passed over. That is what my point is with these Chefs. They went to school for this and should be considered before any lay person to do a show on foodnetwork. I don't watch those shows. I don't buy designer clothes or fragances from celebrities either. I think that Gweneth Paltrow tagging along with Mario Batali is a let down. Give that opportunity to an aspiring Chef. Doesn't she have young kids? I mean all she had to do was whine a little and she gets to go on this great opportunity that a young Chef should have had. What a let down.

Well, with all that being said. I heard that Cora was leaving. She has another project she wants to do. I think that it is a good idea. She seems to have lost interest in IC anyway.

I think Cosentino will go home. I also think that Symon is going to win. But, who knows....maybe this show will become unpredictable. I still wish Morou would have stayed longer.

Yolanda....well said and very good quoting from Ruhlmans blog. I totally agree with everything. I feel that this network is really showing that it is a matter of a pretty face being out there. I don't watch those who have not studied culinary arts. Don't you think that these trained individuals have the right to be on a show like this? Sorry, I know there are good cooks out there....but when you are broadcasting or teaching it should be done by trained professionals. Would you expect to go to court and have a judge who wasn't a lawyer? I look at all the singers who are out there making money off of fragrances and designer clothes while those who had the dream and schooled for it are passed over. That is what my point is with these Chefs. They went to school for this and should be considered before any lay person to do a show on foodnetwork. I don't watch those shows. I don't buy designer clothes or fragances from celebrities either. I think that Gweneth Paltrow tagging along with Mario Batali is a let down. Give that opportunity to an aspiring Chef. Doesn't she have young kids? I mean all she had to do was whine a little and she gets to go on this great opportunity that a young Chef should have had. What a let down.

Well, with all that being said. I heard that Cora was leaving. She has another project she wants to do. I think that it is a good idea. She seems to have lost interest in IC anyway.

I think Cosentino will go home. I also think that Symon is going to win. But, who knows....maybe this show will become unpredictable. I still wish Morou would have stayed longer.

I agree with jeannie. The decision to drop Sanchez was obviously a race issue. Food Network may not totaly be to blame. It may just be whomever picked those racist judges. You could tell that none of the judges even gave Sanchez the time of day when tasteing his dishes. They all looked disgusted by even the site of him. This just reinforces the reason I hate the American Iron Chef. one, because Bobby Flay is what they consider a traditonal latin style chef, which is a joke because mango salsa is not traditonal and useing chiles and jalapenos doesn't make it "latin style". Two, the only chef on the show that has any true skill is morymoto and he was from the original. lastly, they hate minorities because we focus more on flavor and aroma and care little for presentation because our flavor can't be beat, and that doesn't fly with white people witch was shown in this episode of the Next Iron Chef. The judges chose Cosentino over Sanchez when they had bad things to say about all of Cosentino's dishes and only one of Sanchez's not to mention that Cosentino used veel in 2 of his dishes, which wouldn't fly on the original show. so, to say the least I am very dissapointed in Food Network and Iron Chef for selling out like this when it used to be such a great show.

I have an observation and before we actually find out who will go home, I would like to see if I am right. You know those KIA commercials they have? Why is it that the week before someone is eliminated that Chef does a commercial. Last week was Cosentino and now he is the one that is probably going home. Tonight it was Besh doing the commercial, does that mean that Symon will win? This show is too predictable. We will see if I am right tonight. You know, it really would throw a curve in there if Cosentino would stay. If he goes home, I will be disappointed since it has been so predictable.

Huh, just got the results and guess what......I was right and now Besh will go home.

Besh has the best hair and the best food.

Knowlton has the worst hair and the worst attitude. He's like a bad Johnny Depp.

Batali can not be replaced.

I really think (and hope) Besh is going to win. I've been to Resaurant August in New Orleans and enjoyed the most amazing meal of my life. In Paris his dishes seemed to be the most creative, refined and complex - add to that his personality and tact. Either way it goes, both chefs are great. Best of luck.

Personally, I am thrilled that Food Network came up with this show. Sure, it's a take off of another show but so what. The Next Iron Chef is done with class and dignity, something the other show and the other network know nothing about. This competition is about cooking skills and the true talent of the chefs. It is NOT about drama, as the other show is. I applaud Food Network for the entire concept and thank them for giving us a real quality show with intriguing competition.

Race has had nothing to do with this show, as far as I can see. Although Chef Marou was very good, he was told repeatedly to present a dish as one component, not three separate on a plate, and he chose not to listen. If you saw him on Iron Chef America (as I did), you know this is something he does consistently and when you are in a competition and the judges tell you to change something, you either change it or lose. Chef Sanchez was very good also, however, he simply isn't quite yet qualfied to be an Iron Chef. He needs a bit more experience and a little more polish. He will go far in his career.

I am very glad Chef Constantino was sent home tonight. It was obvious from the start that he does not work well under pressure and when he couldn't handle a camerman in his face, his fate was sealed. Kitchen Stadium is ALL about cameras. That's why the show exists. While he may be an excellent chef, he certainly does not have the attitude and personality to be the next Iron Chef.

Although I like Chef Symon very much, I think Chef Besh should win simply because not only does he consistently prepare good food, but he remains calm and professional. Symon gets upset and rattled under pressure and that just won't work in Kitchen Stadium.

At any rate, it's a great show to watch! Thank you Food Network for a quality show!

(I think the Iron Chefs should be the judges on the next show. After all, they know exactly what it takes to be an Iron Chef and are the most qualified. Also, they are well known to the viewers. I'm not impressed with the current judges at all.)

I just want to comment on the blind taste testing idea. I agree that this would allow a more balanced way to just the cooking skills of each chef, however, I would be concerned that personality would not be considered. An Iron Chef must be able to work well under pressure, 60 minutes to create 5 dishes isn't easy to do and someone who "freaks out" simply won't cut it. It's not what I want to watch on Iron Chef America and I'm sure it's not what the Food Network wants to present. The cooking skills of a chef are crucial, however, it takes more than cooking skills to make a good Iron Chef.

Are you guys at Food Network retards???? Way to go in spoiling the ending of this weeks episode!!! FUCKING SHOW THE RESULT IN THE COMMERCIAL FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE END? It got reeeeeally exciting to watch it after that!! Idiots. I hope you make an official apology to all the viewers, but I guess you wont.

Dumping Sanchez had more to do with attitude than race! The man behaved like a spoiled, immature teenager most of the time, pouting about every setback. I don't care how good his food is, he doesn't have the class or the maturity to be an Iron Chef! Besh has already proved himself in Kitchen Stadium (he alone has won). Sanchez, Cosentino and Symon all lost.

Dumping Sanchez had more to do with attitude than race! The man behaved like a spoiled, immature teenager most of the time, pouting about every setback. I don't care how good his food is, he doesn't have the class or the maturity to be an Iron Chef! Besh has already proved himself in Kitchen Stadium (he alone has won). Sanchez, Cosentino and Symon all lost.

November 9, 2007

I watched all the episodes of the NEXT IRON CHEF Contest and I was a little disappointed that Chef Aaron Sanchez did not get the encouragement he needed. We should embrace Latin American chefs whose cuisine is seen in many fund raising events.

I love Michael Symon and John Besh. Both are great chefs. May the best chef prevail in the next Iron Chef episode.

Irene

Greetings All,

While I agree that John Besh and Michael Symon are wonderful - I felt that Aaron Sanchez faired better than did Consentino in this episode and was EXTREMELY disappointed to see him go. I think he would have served the dignitaries in Paris better. (I highly doubt Sanchez would've placed that melon dessert for judging.)

A bit ago I was also intrigued with the comments to move away from what is familiar to the cook. But as my partner & I love to watch Iron Chef (we love the Food Network period.) we commented that Bobby Flay has his signature chili's he drops on almost anything, Mario is specialty is Italian, and etc. I don't think they ever restricted them from cooking w/o their weapons why criticize the competitors? If you took away Mario's Italian seasonings...he would probably cook decently but not it wouldn't ring his best b/c Italian is what he does best. It is him. Same with the cooks they brought in.

I will be watching to see who ends up being Iron Chef. I love the two that are left and wish them the best whichever way they go. Actually, I wish them all the best where ever they go. And keep doing what you do best- COOK! You're heart makes the dish and there are plenty of hungry people who will come to eat.

As for Aaron Sanchez, stay true. You did wonderful, I like your passionate nature and even better the passion you have for cooking. It's fabulous to have such a great heart for what you do and it will get you further than where you are now. Your mom should be PROUD. You were awesome in front of the camera and hopefully you'll inspire the Food Network to bring in more Latin cuisine. (I'm not too crazy with the current show - she makes me itchy) My partner and I are bonafide NYC foodies that trek all over to eat. We have you on our calendar to visit your restaurants and I know we won't be disappointed. Great job!

PS: Aside from Latin cuisine, I think African cuisine would be another interesting show. And Chef Marou? seems a good candidate for some shows on how to's. Bring more ethnic shows! Food is a world in itself - let all of us discover something new!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

Excellent! This is what I am waiting for, I had seen so many series in culinary battles but this is the first time that the management of Food Network did an excellent decision in choosing the final judges.

Having Chef Bobby Flay, Chef Cat Cora and Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the final leg of the battle have made the spirit of the contest a hundred percent culinary court. If we bring in a food writers to perform the judging; as well as bringing in a restaurateur to do the same job then we must have a food writer and restaurateur competition not a culinary battle. Unless otherwise these judges had years of experienced in culinary theater that did the cooking like the contestant do. This is to be fair with the aspirants and contestant to become the next iron chef. If this will be done properly this will make the entire cast in a fair, partial, and unbiased in making their decision in their judging that are based on their know how in culinary, am I right? As simple as any other type of court in the land that our judges, prosecutors, and lawyers are specializing of what are the jobs that they are performing. There are no other personalities that can fathom what they are looking for, for the next iron chef but only the present iron chefs itself. Try to review the statements of the three iron chefs and compare it to the other three judges of this series and you will understand my point of view.

American Culinary Federation and other culinary associations and federations of the country had produces hundreds of professional judges that are well known culinary chefs.
These judges had not been randomly chosen but they had earned the title of a culinary judge through culinary battles and hard work too. If these types of judges are the composition of the judging panel then the previous, present, and future culinarians will have a high regard to these types of shows. Why does this field are filled up with food writers, restaurateurs, etceteras that are not directly dealing with foods and beverages?

Hmm something to think about!

I suppose having 25 Chefs de Cuisine never watch your show again, nor that of a surprisingly tyranical Alton Brown won't make a dent in your ratings. Your "judges" seemed so smarmy and full of themselves, it was pathetic to watch. No, we don't think you picked the best Iron Chef, obviously. By the way, didn't Chef Besh BEAT one of the Iron Chefs perviously?
The simulated flight-line kitchen was amazing. I was hired at one time to bring BA food to gourmet standards along with KAL and several others at LAX flight-line. You had those men doing things that a Chef never does in a lifetime of work. Our only hope, although we will not be among those who watch, is that Chef Syman is challenged often and taught some humility. Too bad the same cant be said for Mr. Brown.

Bawwww.

I don't get the Alton hate. He's hosting a reality show, people. Do you want him totally to disappear into the background?