Days before the season finale of The Next Food Network Star — and hot off the heels of another captivating Top Chef Masters round — we've learned more about another foodie reality TV show. After the first successful iteration of The Next Iron Chef in 2007 (alums Michael Symon, Chris Cosentino, and Aaron Sanchez have all become Food Network personalities), the show is returning for a second season on Oct. 4.
This season will purportedly "take the contestants from Los Angeles to Japan to New York to compete in the food fight of their professional lives." Alton Brown hosts once again, with the competitors facing the wrath of three judges: returning panelist and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia, Vogue food writer Jeffrey Steingarten, and sustainable advisor (and Slow Food Nation director) Anya Fernald.
Who will be next to join the likes of Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Mario Batali, Michael Symon, and Masaharu Morimoto (who just confirmed plans to open his first West Coast restaurant)? I've got my speculations — and I'd love to hear yours below. Find out who the 10 contenders are.
- Nate Appleman (New York, NY) Chef & Butcher
- Dominique Crenn (San Francisco, CA) Chef de Cuisine, Luce
- Brad Farmerie (New York, NY) Executive Chef, Double Crown, Madam Geneva, Public, and The Monday Room
- Amanda Freitag (New York, NY) Executive Chef, The Harrison
- Jose Garces (Philadelphia, PA) Executive Chef & Owner, Amada, Tinto, Distrito, and Chifa
- Eric Greenspan (Los Angeles, CA) Executive Chef & Owner, The Foundry on Melrose
- Jehangir Mehta (New York, NY) Executive Chef & Owner, Graffiti
- Seamus Mullen (New York, NY) Executive Chef & Partner, Boqueria Flatiron and Boqueria Soho
- Holly Smith (Kirkland, WA) Chef & owner, Cafe Juanita and Poco Carretto Gelato
- Roberto Treviño (San Juan, PR) Executive Chef & Owner, Budatai
If it's not obvious already, I'm gunning for Nate Appleman, formerly at the helm of San Francisco favorites A16 and SPQR. Will you tune in to watch? Who are you rooting for?
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1Surprised about Seamus Mullen - Boqueria's good but not amazing...
2I'm not familiar with any of those places or chefs, but I'm going to watch the show to see if I like any of them.
3Wow, is this why Nate left SF? SPQR is an amazing restaurant
4Meh. What's the point? Michael Symon hardly ever gets to battle as it is..
5i love watching these types of fn competitions, its like a guilty pleasure almost
6Who the HECK are these chefs? Gawd, if they're going to be an Iron Chef we should at least have a cursory idea of their existence. Man....
7I actually know some of these chefs and I think most have been contestants on Iron Chef America, like Chef Trevino (who was also featured on 40$ a day when Rachael Ray went to Puerto Rico).
8I am not sure who I'll be rooting for, though. It's going to be fun!
That Nate Appleman is nothing but a lying sack of s... He needs to be gone. I may not watch Iron Chef if he's up there. VERY irritating.
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