Next Iron Chef, Season 3: Behind the Scenes of Episode 1
Browse The Next Iron Chef rivals' dishes and get a closer look at the first episode's challenges.
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Let the Battle Begin!
Alton welcomes 10 new rivals to The Next Iron Chef.
Your First Secret Ingredient Is ... Bread!
Season 3's inaugural challenge: "What could be more American than the perfect sandwich?" — Alton Brown
You Between Bread
With goods from the Next Iron Chef pantry and their extensive selection of bread, each chef must create a sandwich that represents his or her personality.
Intimidation Factor
Some were shocked to see chef Ming Tsai in the rivals' lineup: "Ming Tsai? Come on, is that fair?" — Chef Caswell
Chef Tsai Between Bread
Grilled Rare Teriyaki Tuna With Fennel Salad and Leek Shiitake Truffle Fondue, Mini Potato Chips and Pickled Daikon and Onions
Chef Chauhan: Game On
"Whatever you have in your mind about a traditional, stereotypical Indian woman, you can throw that out of the window." — Chef Chauhan
Chef Chauhan Between Bread
Naan Cucumber Mint Chicken Sandwich With Chipotle Onion Rings, Chipotle Yogurt Dip and Mango Mint Chutney
Like Father, Like Son
Chef Forgione's dad, Larry, is a household name in the culinary world. "Being in this competition is my opportunity to be seen as Marc Forgione, not as the son of the Godfather of American cuisine."
Chef Forgione Between Bread
Sausage and Peppers With Homemade Pork Belly and Anise Sausage, Micro Arugula and Parmesan Cheese
Chef Canora Between Bread
Tomato and Egg Bruschetta With Chiles, Oregano, Basil and Fresh Porcini Mushrooms
Chef Caswell Between Bread
Tempura Banh Mi: Tempura Filet of Sheephead Fish With Julienned Daikon, Carrot and Cucumber With Mint, Cilantro
and Red Chile and a Namprik (Fish Sauce) Dressing
Foraging
Chef Kirschner surveys the pantry.
Chef Kirschner Between Bread
Prosciutto and Wild Mushroom Bruschetta With Black Truffle, Tomato, Asparagus and Fontina
Chef Pagan Between Bread
Pain Tostado on Baguette With Chorizo, Onions, Manchego Cheese and Tomato
Chef Tio Between Bread
Breakfast Cuban on Brioche with Slab Bacon, Chorizo Vinaigrette and Housemade Pickles
Chef Dumont Between Bread
Crispy Tempura Oysters on Grilled Corn Bread With Pickled Radish and Yellow Tomato Soup With Creme Fraiche and Opal Basil
Confidence
When the chefs judge one another, Chef Estes votes for her own sandwich. Bold move.
Chef Estes Between Bread: Winning Sandwich
Grilled Sonoma Lamb Meatball Sandwich With Cherries Two Ways, Pistachios, Harissa and Goat Cheese
Chairman's Challenge
The chefs arrive at Paradise Cove, a beautiful stretch of beach in Malibu, Calif., to meet their next challenge.
Setting Up
Each chef's beach "kitchen" includes a grill and a prep table. That's about it.
Mad Dash
The chefs scramble for ingredients — except Chef Estes, whose sandwich challenge victory won her five extra minutes.
Ready to Cook
The cooking equipment may be minimal, but the view is spectacular.
Watch the Clock
Timing is key on The Next Iron Chef — it's good preparation for Kitchen Stadium.
An Intimidating Spectator
Alton surveys the competition.
At the Ready
Chef Caswell and Chef Tio bring their game faces.
Chef Pagan, Ready to Battle
"I want to become an Iron Chef because I want to expose Puerto Rican modern cuisine."
Desert Island Ingredients
The chefs were asked what one ingredient they'd choose if stranded on a desert island. Chef Caswell fillets his choice, whole Amberjack.
Chef Caswell: Amberjack
Cactus and Seaweed-Cured Amberjack With Watermelon Rind, Finger Chiles, Grilled Nopales and Sea Beans
Chef Pagan: Lime
Santa Barbara Prawn Ceviche in Lime-Coconut Milk-Mint-Cilantro Mojo Over a Pan-Seared Ripe Plantain With Papaya-Lime-Honey Relish
Chef Dumont: Corn
Corn and Coconut-Poached Santa Barbara Prawns With a Ragu of Sweet Corn, Habanero Chile, Hearts of Palm and Mint with A Grilled Corn, Dried Apricot and Mint Chutney Garnished With Fresh Sea Beans
Corn Showdown
Chef Tio also chose corn as her desert island ingredient.
Chef Tio: Corn
Prawn with Fire-Roasted Corn and Oyster With Raw Corn Salsa
Chef Canora Plates Up
"I'm into subtlety in food."
Chef Canora: Suckling Pig
Grilled Stuffed Pork Loin With Papaya and Pineapple With Lemongrass Skewer Pork Shoulder and Tropical Salsa With Coconut Sauce
Battle Pig
Chef Estes also receives a whole pig for the desert island challenge. She has two pigs of her own on her Santa Rosa, Calif., farm.
Chef Estes: Suckling Pig
Suckling Pig Surf and Turf
Chef Chauhan: Turkey
Charred Ginger-Flavored Turkey Topped With Coconut Turkey Gizzards Sauce and Caramelized Plantains With Watermelon Basil Slaw
Chef Forgione: Chicken
Chicken Under a Coconut With Caramelized Plantain Puree and a Watermelon Salad
Chef Kirschner: Duck
Duck Salad With Green Papaya, Mango and Sea Bean
Focus
"I'm not trying to prove to the world that I can cook; I'm doing this to prove to myself that I've still got game." — Chef Tsai
Chef Tsai: Whole Suckling Pig
Winning Dish: Chile and Garlic Marinated Pork Loin With Coconut Kidney Clam Stew, Mango-Avocado-Sea Bean Parfait and Lychee Sambal
Judgment Day
Judges Michael Symon, Donatella Arpaia and Simon Majumdar hold their first tasting.
Break Between Dishes
The judges share a laugh with Alton between tastes.
A Long First Day
The rivals return to the Chamber of Judgment to await their fate.
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