Iron Chef Bobby Flay Off the Clock

Related To:

Iron Chef Bobby Flay

Guest Judge Iron Chef Bobby Flay tasting Rival Chef Alex Guarnaschelli's dishes for the "Heritage" as seen on Food Network’s, Season 5.

Photo by: Eddy Chen/Creel Films ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Eddy Chen/Creel Films, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

I am often asked which Iron Chef is the most intimidating to judge in Kitchen Stadium, and without hesitation, I always reply, “ Bobby Flay.” His well-earned reputation, coupled with that calm penetrating stare when a panelist dares to give a negative comment on one of his dishes, is enough to make even the toughest of critics shrivel like a salted slug.

Fortunately for me, he definitely seems to bring his “A” game when I am on the panel, and although he is not always victorious, I am constantly reminded of why he is the chef so many contenders want to test their culinary chops against.

I grabbed a couple of minutes with Iron Chef Flay before battle to ask him these, 10 very important questions.

The Cookery Police are going to raid your house and take all of your books. They allow you to save one. Which would it be?

BF: The Zuni Cafe Cookbook by Judy Rodgers
Who was your culinary mentor(s)?
BF: Jonathan Waxman and Wolfgang Puck

What is your single favorite piece of kitchen equipment?

BF: Chimney starter

Have you ever considered that any ingredient in Kitchen Stadium was beneath you?

BF: No, not at all.

Have you ever put a dish in front of the judges on Iron Chef America that you knew was lousy, but you got away with it?

BF: No. I made a fondue out of goat cheese that sucked and the judges hated it, rightly so.

I know you like to travel as much as your schedule allows. Which country’s cuisine has been the most surprising in its variety and quality?

BF: Ireland. It has a bad rep for cuisine, but the ingredients are amazing and the chefs are changing the culinary landscape.

Is there one chef out there that you would love to persuade to battle you on Iron Chef America?

BF: That's easy: Gordon Ramsay.
Could you survive without green chili?

BF: Yes, but only if you don't take the red ones, as well.

What would be the one tip you would give any aspiring young chef?

BF: Work for a chef whose food you respect and absorb all you can.

Name your three desert-island ingredients.
BF: Ice cream, bourbon and red chili

More Iron Chef America:

Next Up

All the Things You Didn't Know About Bobby Flay

Learn about what the chef and food-competition guru is up to when he’s out of the kitchen.

Only the Most-Elite Chefs Will Enter Bobby Flay’s Secret Kitchen for a Triple Threat Throwdown Against Culinary Titans

Premiering Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 9|8c, Bobby’s Triple Threat features fearless competitors facing off against acclaimed chef-titans Brooke Williamson, Michael Voltaggio and Tiffany Derry.

High-Iron Recipes

Many folks discover they have iron-deficiency — a condition which can result from not eating enough foods that contain iron. If you’re looking to pump up your iron, here are 5 recipes to help you do so.

Bobby's Triple Threat Returns with Brand-New Roster of Elite Chefs

The all-new season premieres Tuesday August 22 at 9|8c.

We Asked Chefs, Caterers and Food Stylists How They Pull Off Their Thanksgiving Spreads

Here are 11 tips and tricks for a beautiful, seamless feast.

How Much Iron Does Cast Iron Cookware Add to Your Food?

Cooking with cast iron can up the amount of iron found in your food. Here's how much iron you may be adding to your diet by cooking with cast iron pans.

Domino’s Pizzas Are Half-Off This Week

The pizza chain wants customers to savor the last few weeks of summer.

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

And what does it mean to season cast iron, anyway?

How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet

We tested whether you can use soap.