Archive for January, 2008
January 22nd, 2008
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto was challenged by Chef Fortunato Nicotra, the executive chef at Felidia in New York City.
This was a particularly interesting battle to watch because I have been to Felidia. I ate there three year ago, while visiting my family in New Jersey. I remember it as being excellent. However, after watching Chef Nicotra cook, I would like to go back now, for I think I would appreciate it even more now.
Anyway, back to the battle. The most important item on today’s menu; the secret ingredient: Kampachi. This is a type of yellow tail and it is extremely good for you. It has more Omega 3 fatty acids than salmon.
Chef Nicotra was extremely composed while cooking and starting plating very early. He created several dishes that looked very good. The only thing I question is the puree of mascarpone cheese and kampachi? (this did not appeal to me.)
Iron Chef Morimoto’s cooking was amazing, as usual. Chef Morimoto used a cooking technique that even Alton Brown did not see before. He took a whole Kampachi and dipped it in a bath of lemon and hot water. He then put it in Japanese simple syrup, made of millet and water. Then his sous chef seasoned the fish with a homemade five-spice powder and he hung it by hooks to cook in the convection oven. It looked amazing and a great way to really showcase the fish.
Although both Chefs made some great dishes, in the end Iron Chef Morimoto’s beautiful presentations, unique cooking, and unbelievable flavors won him battle Kampachi
January 7th, 2008
English Chef Jaime Oliver challenged Mario Batali in Sunday night’s new Iron Chef. The secret ingredient: Cobia. Cobia is a mild fish that is sold commercially because of their firm texture and good flavor. Cobia migrates seasonally in the Gulf of Mexico during the winter and goes as far north as Maryland in the summer, making a stop in East Central Florida in March. (I was not aware of Cobia so I had to look it up. If you live in Florida, as I do, make sure you look for it in restaurants during March.)
Anyway, on to the battle. Iron Chef Batali and Chef Oliver both made a Carpaccio of Cobia and a Cobia pasta dish. They both put on a good show and are excellent chefs. Iron Chef Batali was more familiar with the secret ingredient, but that did not slow Chef Oliver down.
However, in the end, Iron Chef Batali prevailed. I do have to say even though Mario Batali won, Chef Oliver’s fish and chips looked AMAZING!! If there was one dish I would like to eat out of this battle, that is the ONE!!! I tried to catch the ingredients, Guinness, self rising flour and vinegar….but I have to say that would be very hard to copy! I will let you know if I get the courage to try making this at home. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. Fish and chips is way out of my comfort zone as far as cooking.
This was a great battle between two great chefs and I look forward to Jamie Oliver’s new show, Jamie at Home, premiering this Saturday. There was a sneak peak at the show after Iron Chef and let me say, it was really good! It is about time the Food Network found some new talent. I think he brings a fresh look at cooking and he is so passionate about the food. He will be interesting to watch (not to mention the cute accent).
January 4th, 2008
I have been gone several months now. I started my own business and moved into a new home so I was too busy. However, I missed writing about my favorite hobby: FOOD! I am back and excited to write about the new stuff going on at the food network, as well as sharing all of my new receipes. So, stayed please return to find out what is going on with the New Iron Chef, Michael Symon, the never tiring Chef Robert Irvine from Dinner Impossible and all other the latest food news.
