TV Talk - Fine Living Network Brings Back Iron Chef
I am just thrilled. The Fine Living Network, in its infinite wisdom, has brought back the original Japanese version of Iron Chef. I originally got addicted to this show when it was on the Food Network. I'm guessing they decided to drop it in order to put more focus on its own Iron Chef America, which I also enjoy.But nothing compares to the real thing. No one can match the cheesiness of The Chairman, Takeshi Kaga, who appears to get his wardrobe from Prince's tailor. I love listening to the Japanese chatter right under the enthusiastic English translation. I really enjoy checking out the Japanese "celebrity" judges, but one could not discuss the cult that is Iron Chef without mentioning Asako Kishi. Kishi-san is a nutritionist and food critic who is really harsh. She makes Iron Chef America judge Jeffrey Steingarten seem like Santa Claus.
But the chefs make the show. You have the following: a very young Iron Chef Japanese Masaharu Morimoto (who's currently on Iron Chef America); Iron Chef FrenchYutaka Ishinabe; Iron Chef French Hiroyuki Sakai; Iron Chef Italian Masahiko Kobe; Iron Chef Japanese Rokusaburo Michiba; and Iron Chef Japanese Koumei Nakamura. But my true love is Iron Chef Chen Kenichi, the father of Chinese cooking. He has such flair...sigh.
I also love the wild secret ingredients the Chairman comes up with. Sea urchin, swallow's nest, roe, shark fin, sea bream, and the list goes on. You don't see this stuff on Iron Chef America. I'm just really glad the show is back.
And speaking of food, I haven't forgotten the weight thing. Here's the deal -- I was in Seoul, South Korea last week. I thought I had done a good job trying to stick with Weight Watchers, eating all the right foods and exercising every day. But apparently, it wasn't enough because I actually gained 2.6 lbs. I was a bit disappointed, but I've gotten right back on the saddle. We'll see how I do tomorrow at weigh in.
posted by Benét @ 2:48 PM
3 Comments:
I'm glad it's back on the air, but I wish they would have been able to leave the original music intact. Other than that, it is the same as the original Food Network broadcasts.
And anyone who doesn't have Fine Living but still wants to watch the show can go to the Iron Chef Collection. We have over 100 episodes to watch or download. We have 30+ other Iron Chef related videos we like to call Beyond Kitchen Stadium. We even have a Japanese language episode not aired outside of Japan. An Iron Chef site made for fans by fans.
http://www.ironcheffans.info
Wow! I just noticed that the music isn't the same. This new music is just a little too new-age for my taste. And thanks for the tip about the IC Fans site!
I agree Iron Chef America is a weak imitation, but lately they've been trying a little harder on the theme ingredient choices. For instance ginger, and country ham, both powerful flavors difficult to turn into multiple dishes.
The original music was from a bunch of big American movies like Backdraft. So it must be their way of overcoming licensing fees.
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