Somewhere along the line, Food Network changed its programming from cooking to reality tv. If you don't believe me, then just check out the new publicity stunt show that's premiering on October 7th. The show is called "The Next Iron Chef" and they're looking for, well, the next Iron Chef - as in someone to join Flay, Batali, Cora and Morimoto. However unlike the Next Food Network Star, the contestants actually represent some of the nations hottest culinary talents. Bob Tuschman (Food Network's Senior VP of Programming and Production) says:
"In our quest, we are looking for an individual to complement the current group and bring a unique blend of innovation, creativity and passion to the show."
The show will be hosted by Alton Brown (who I hope will be less pissy than he was on NFNS), and will be judged by Michael Ruhlman (James Beard Foundation Award-winning author, cookbook author and food writer), Andrew Knowlton (Restaurant Editor of Bon Appetit magazine) and Donatella Arpaia (restaurateur and owner of acclaimed New York City restaurants davidburke&donatella and Anthos).
To see who the eight competitors are, read more
- John Besh (New Orleans, LA) Executive Chef, Restaurant August, Besh Steak, Luke and La Provence
- Chris Cosentino (San Francisco, CA) Executive Chef, Incanto
- Jill Davie (Santa Monica, CA) Executive Chef, JOSIE
- Traci Des Jardins (San Francisco, CA) Executive Chef & Co-Owner, Jardiniere, Mijita and Acme Chophouse
- Gavin Kaysen (San Diego, CA) Chef de Cuisine, El Bizcocho at the Rancho Bernardo Inn
- Morou Ouattara (Washington, DC) Executive Chef & Owner, Farrah Olivia
- Aaron Sanchez (New York, NY) Executive Chef & Owner, Centrico and Paladar
- Michael Symon (Cleveland, OH) Executive Chef & Owner, Lola and Lolita
I don't know about you guys, but this is one reality cooking show that I'm actually interested in.
Source: PR Newswire
I guess I don't really understand why they are creating a new show for this. Isn't Iron Chef America already about having a new contender go up against an existing Iron Chef?