Iron Chef 2011

After a two year hiatus, Iron Chef Atlanta returns!!

The premise: Two teams compete to win a challenge by cooking a 3 course meal utilizing the secret ingredient in every course. My friends (Jon, Meg, Alexis, Neville, Caleb, and Kevin), Gwen, and I competed in 2008. Mom was the guest judge and we cooked in Greenville at the house. Since the challenge was over summer, Mom picked zucchini as the secret ingredient. Each team (made up of 4 people) had 4 hours to plan, shop, and cook. We also had a $50 budget. It was competitive!

We tried to recreate the challenge again. Jon, Meg, and I did have an opposing team earlier this year but the challengers moved to Korea. Slight disadvantage competing over continents and oceans... the taste tests would be supremely difficult.

So, after a lot of canoodling, bullying, sweet talking,  smack talking, and what not, I've successfully found a challenging team! Gwen's friends Joe, Emily, Daina, Dara, Joy, and Derek. Dun Dun Dun!!!

We finalized the competition last night over dinner at No. 246. Over heaping bowls of pasta and wine, we discussed the rivalry between the friend groups. The conversation was heated- a lot of bragging about Italians dishes, baking, foodie terminology and technique were tossed around. It was almost a pep talk of sorts- they would not only rise up to the challenge, but even trash us! Somewhere over biting into the zeppoles (heavenly, bite- sized, fried sugar concoctions) Gwen, Joe, and Emily committed to the foodie challenge. These fluffy fried air dough balls had moved us No- inspired us!

Iron Cheff 2011 will take place in Folly Beach over New Years weekend.

Gwen's friends claim that they can cook. And that they can cook well. I've yet to taste. However... they know food. They love food. They eat a lot of food. I think they'll be worthy opponents.

These yoga loving runners are up against some serious talent though. Jon, Meg, and I have cooked a lot together. We know each other rhythms, strengths, and sore points (Trivia Pursuit). We are also uber competitive.

The teams will meet over Halloween weekend to hash out the rules, decide on the guest judges etc... Will post updates as we near the foodie challenge!