by Ross Everett
'Iron Chef' is a crazy Japanese import cooking game show that features accomplished chefs from around the world going head to head in a competition format that's part Julia Child, part pro wrestling. Even non-foodies are drawn to the show for its sheer entertainment value.
The show was originally created by the Fuji TV network in the Japan, and the original Japanese title translates literally to The Iron Men of Cooking. The premise behind the competition is even more outlandish. An eccentric millionaire and food lover MC Kaga, summons the summons the finest chefs in Japan to do battle in his kitchen stadium. Also in residence are three Iron Chefs, each representing a different type of cuisine (Chinese, French and Japanese). The summoned culinary challenger picks which Iron Chef he wants to take a crack at and the contest begins.
Adding even more 'spice' to the show--each dish must include the 'theme ingredient' which is kept a mystery until immediately before the competition begins. With great pomp and amid smoke and pyrotechnics, Kaga reveals the 'mystery ingredient'. Sometimes it'll be something basic like apples or tofu, other times it's more obscure like ox tail or some otherworldly shellfish.
The chefs then have an hour to prepare a seven-course meal to be served to a panel of what I presume to be mid-level Japanese celebrities. They rate and discuss each participants offering and pick a winner. At the end of the show with much fan fare Kaga reveals the winner. Its a great honor to beat one of the Iron Chefs, though its no easy feat.
The announcing is what makes the show. There's a hysterical play by play announcer, an excitable color commentator, and an even more hyperactive sideline correspondent who will break in the commentary frequently with revelations such as observing that a chef is using fresh ginger in a dish or some similar piece of trivia. Apparently one of the announcers is a legit sumo wrestling announcer in Japan, making the strange connection between 'Iron Chef' and Japanese pro wrestling even more pronounced.
The dishes that are presented are always amazing and creative. Sometimes they might not be the most appetizing creations, but that's to be expected when you have to make a desert with something like pickled carp as a theme ingredient. The creative process and the competition is what makes the show a must watch.
The Food Network has recently begun production of a native grown version called 'Iron Chef America'. It has a similar format, but really loses a lot from the Fuji TV original.
About the Author:
Ross Everett is a well known marketing consultant to the restaurant, casino and sports betting industries. He is also a freelance writer specializing in topics such as fine dining, travel and how to successfully bet on NFL football. He is currently a staff marketing and hospitality director for Sports-1 sportsbook.
