Cleveland and The Next Iron Chef
You might have already heard by now the Food Network is coming out with a new show called The Next Iron Chef (which should probably be called The Next Iron Chef America) in the vein of Top Chef and Next Food Network Star before it. Not one, but two Clevelanders will be on the show.
Food writer and critic, Michael Ruhlman, will be one of the 3 permanent judges. If you haven’t already, check out his excellent blog. Anthony Bourdain frequently chimes in.
Michael Symon, acclaimed chef and owner of Lola and Lolita will be one of the contestants. I think he has a serious advantage with a James Beard award under his belt, and he’s already been named one of the 10 best new chefs in America by Food & Wine. (He’s not really new anymore though, that was in 1998.) He’s also competed on Iron Chef America before, and has hosted Food Network’s Melting Pot. The man is no stranger to television. Though I do wish he wouldn’t perpetuate the pierogi as Cleveland’s signature dish.
Michael will be hosting a weekly gathering at Lolita on Sundays from 4-9 to follow the show, for $19 a person. I hope this means getting reservations at his restaurants won’t become impossible.
Serious Eats has a great interview with Alton Brown about the new show, and Scene has a decent write-up.
