Through the pages of his journal, relive Chef Marc Forgione's amazing journey from L.A. to Las Vegas to Kitchen Stadium, where he was crowned the newest Iron Chef.
Good Karma
Throughout the competition, Chef Forgione usually appeared calm and cool in the kitchen, rarely getting flustered.
Strong Start
For the first Chairman's Challenge, Chef Forgione adapted one of his signature dishes — chicken under a brick — to the desert island theme.
Chicken Under a Coconut
Simon Majumdar said Chef Forgione's crispy chicken skin was "something I could dream about."
Breakfast Inspiration
Chef Forgione plans two dishes for the breakfast challenge at John O'Groats: "I'm taking the doughnut and using it like ingredients that I know."
Coffee and Doughnuts
One of Chef Forgione's spins on the secret ingredients: Doughnut French Toast With Coffee and Hazelnut Syrup and Bacon.
Plan of Attack
Before the next Chairman's Challenge begins, Chef Forgione maps out how he'll innovate his diner assignment: Chicken Pot Pie.
Innovative Pot Pie
"I knew there was never going to be a crust, more like a brown-butter-biscuit crumble." — Chef Forgione
First Win
Chef Forgione's winning dish: Pie Pot Chicken With Stuffed Breast, Morel Mushroom Emulsion and Biscuit Crumble. Simon Majumdar called it "sensational."
Fair Food?
"I'm not a big fair guy. I come from Manhattan. I have no idea what's served at a fair. No clue." — Chef Forgione
Fried, Grilled and On a Stick
Chef Forgione's three fair dishes: Deep-Fried Root Beer Float; "Buffalo Chicken" Grilled Frog's Legs; "Bacon Cheeseburger" With Fried Bacon, Hamburger Reduction and Forge's Secret Sauce.
All-American
The next challenge is all about American food: Chef Forgione writes out prep lists for dishes from the North, South, East and West, plus an extra strawberry shortcake dessert.
Making Up Time
After losing the Secret Ingredient Challenge, Chef Forgione has a disadvantage in this one: He's the last one to select his ingredients, and a lot of the good stuff is gone.
A Fish Mistake
Chef Forgione's overcooked halibut put him in the bottom for this challenge: "It feels like I got punched in the stomach by Hulk Hogan. I will never make a mistake like that again."
Pastry in Vegas
In the first Vegas challenge, Chef Forgione's dessert had some romantic inspiration: "I've been dating my girlfriend for quite some time ... these are her favorite flavors."
Wedding-Worthy Dessert?
Fear and Loathing Parfait Cake: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Parfait "Cake," Feuilletine Crunch and Hazelnut Brittle
Inspired Buffet
Chef Forgione plans out a menu with three hot and two cold dishes for his modern Vegas buffet.
Pressure Cooker Problems
Chef Forgione decides to use a pressure cooker for the first time to braise his veal cheeks: "An Iron Chef needs to adapt. I'll cross my fingers and hope that it works."
Mixed Reviews
The judges praised Chef Forgione's leg of lamb and vegetable consomme, but his veal cheeks were oversalted: "I doubt that you would have sent that out in your own restaurant." — Simon Majumdar
Seductive Cocktails
For the next Secret Ingredient Challenge, Chef Forgione takes inventory of what's available behind the bar at Jean Georges Steakhouse.
Bartending
"Charlotte Voisey is this very attractive master mixologist. This is a seduction challenge, so I'm glad I'm not just cooking for Canora and Chef Tsai." — Chef Forgione
"Smoky Sophistication"
Chef Forgione's pairing: Mezcal With Kumquat and Mint Simple Syrup With a Float of Champagne; Saratoga Chips With Bacon Sea Salt and Sour Cream Dip.
Luxury Lobster
For the final Chairman's Challenge, Chef Forgione draws Maine lobster as his luxury ingredient: "I think lobster is sexy. I'm as confident as I've ever been."
Foraging
The chefs dash through the Aria Resort to collect ingredients from five restaurants. Chef Forgione and Chef Tio grab handfuls of expensive mushrooms for their dishes.
A Seductive Menu
Chef Forgione plans out his three preparations of lobster to seduce the judges' palates. Lobster Sashimi, Lobster Ravioli and Butter-Poached Lobster ultimately send him to the finale in Kitchen Stadium.
Surf and Turf
Donatella Arpaia adored Chef Forgione's Butter-Poached Lobster Tail With Osso Bucco, Pickled Chanterelles and Carrot Puree: "It's so luscious in the mouth. It was really delicious and seasoned perfectly."
Harvest Festival
For the final challenge in Kitchen Stadium, Chef Forgione takes a non-traditional approach to Thanksgiving: "At the first Thanksgiving in 1621 there was no turkey served. It may be a risk, I'm not sure."
Intensity
Chef Forgione and Chef Canora have one hour to bang out their five-course Thanksgiving feasts.
Turkey-less Thanksgiving?
In lieu of turkey, Chef Forgione served this Chestnut-Stuffed Venison With Butternut Squash, Juniper Jus, Gin-Soaked Raisins and Black Trumpet Mushrooms. Bobby Flay said he didn't miss the turkey.
The Next Iron Chef Is ...
"The curtain drops. I feel utter shock. Disbelief. Slap me in the face and tell me I'm dreaming." — Chef Forgione
Iron Chef Forgione
"It's insane, this club that I just got accepted into. It's an absolute honor. You're one of the faces of this industry that I love." — Chef Forgione
