Symon Says: I Win!

The Next Iron Chef (a limited series) has come to a close and Cleveland's Michael Symon is the big winner.

Congrats!

I wasn't able to catch the final episode on Sunday...was too busy trolling around NYC-- I mean, taking in the culture. And I didn't get back until after midnight last night.

Thankfully, I was sent this excellent commentary from Scott:

While I lament the fact that Besh lost to Symon in “The Next Iron Chef” it was a wonderful competition. Symon is a most deserving champion and a culinary technician of the first order. That being said, I believe Besh is more than worthy and should, at some point, rise to become an Iron Chef himself. Nothing against the ladies, but Besh can cook circles around Cat Cora and more than hold his own versus Flay and Batali. Promoting Besh, a Southerner, would have gone a long way toward adding some regional flair to the Iron Chef ranks, but it’s hard to take anything away from Chef Symon who dominated in a most convincing way.

Thanks so much for sending this in, Scott! Anyone else want to put in their two cents on the outcome?

From the few episodes I've seen, Symon definitely seems like a more viable TV commodity. It doesn't hurt that he can cook his ass off.

If one's ass could be cooked off, that is.

[Image courtesy Food Network]

tonight: Next Iron Chef...German Style

I haven't been the best "The Next Iron Chef" watcher, but I'll definitely be watching tonight's episode in which the four remaining contestants learn they're flying to Munich, Germany for the chance to create a signature menu for Lufthansa's First and Business class passengers.

The winner of The Next Iron Chef will be offered the chance to collaborate with Lufthansa and LSG Sky Chefs in creating a signature menu for the airline’s renowned “Star Chefs” premium dining program in 2008. Since its inception in 2000, the program has featured in-flight creations by such culinary luminaries as Thomas Keller (New York/Napa Valley, CA), Paul Bocuse (Lyon, France), Daniel Boloud (New York) and, David Bouley (New York), whose menu is currently being served in First and Business classes on Lufthansa flights departing to North America.

Fans of the show can log onto www.lufthansa.com now through November 4th to select the chef they think the judges will eliminate that week, and on November 11th, the chef they think will be the Next Iron Chef. Correct selections will be eligible for one of many giveaways, including a grand prize for a pair of Economy- Class tickets on Lufthansa to Europe; a $500 MasterCard gift card; Lufthansa and Food Network gear; and, more. See www.lufthansa.com for additional information and for full terms and conditions

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for airlines to actually start serving food again. I can only imagine how much better an 8- or 10-hour flight would be if it provided some decent dish.

Ahhh... one can dream. I don't think I'll be a First or Business class passenger on the Airbus A380 anytime soooooooon.


Oh, and if you couldn't tell...

[All images: Courtesy Food Network]

Next Iron Chef Episodes

I have been having a hard time keeping up with The Next Iron Chef, which is odd because there are only something like six episodes.

Luckily, foodnetwork.com is taking a step into the future (be on the lookout for flying cars and Black & Decker food hydrators a la Back to the Futre II) and providing complete episodes for our enjoyment. Yay!


[Photo via Food Network]
And if that's not enough, the Amateur Gourmet, whose blog I've recently became a big fan of, is blogging for Food Network about the show. Check it out if you're a fan and get the scoop that I should have been covering all along:-/