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Morimoto to Bring Yakatori to the Traveling Masses

partysugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:50:26 -0700

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's got a new project in the works. Yesterday the hospitality company Delaware North Cos announced a partnership with the sushi master, with plans to launch Skewers, a new fast-casual airport restaurant chain.

Although no sushi will be on the menu, the concept will offer travelers easily portable meals like soups and salads, as well as a variety of skewered meats and vegetables.

Known as yakitori in Japan, skewers are an incredibly popular street food and Morimoto hopes to introduce the world to his interpretation of it. "Yakitori is the next big wave, I think," Morimoto said, adding confidently, "It will be very popular."

While the rollout dates and details concerning the locations have not been released, I think the idea sounds interesting. I've yet to experience yakitori and am curious to see how Morimoto translates it to the masses. How about you? Have you had yakitori? Will Morimoto's latest endeavor be a success?

A New Battle Begins Over The Next Iron Chef!

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:45:51 -0700

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.

2008's Best Moments at Aspen Food & Wine

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:50:09 -0700

As I mentioned yesterday, Party and I are headed to Aspen this weekend for what is considered the food industry's biggest gathering of the year. Before we report back with inspiring moments and witty words from this year's gustatory fest, I wanted to take a look back at the best that Aspen had to offer last year.

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Meet the Newest Dining Hotspot: The Ballpark

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:00:29 -0700

Masaharu Morimoto isn't the only celebrity chef to be serving stepped-up stadium food at future Yankees games. As part of the stadium's new Legends Culinary Series, at select games, famous New York chefs will serve up signature dishes at the stadium's Legends Suite Club.

In addition to Iron Chef Morimoto, the star-studded lineup of chefs will include Alex Guarnaschelli of The Cooking Loft and Butter restaurant, April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig, and Sirio Maccioni of Le Cirque. Chocolatier Godiva will also be on hand to create signature chocolate desserts.
Food Network has announced that it, too, will be rolling out its first-ever food stands. The stands will feature "quality takes on classic" foods that incorporate "the ethnic cuisines of New York City, Food Network's hometown," according to a statement from the network. Hot dogs, burgers, and fries will be in the mix - but so will Puerto Rican pork sandwiches and Chinese cold noodles.

Since variety is the spice of life, and because dining options at sports events do seem to be trending toward the upscale, I suppose premium dining at the stadium makes business sense. PartySugar and I both agree, however, that canapés can never take the place of chili dogs at the ballpark. What do you think? Would you want to eat gourmet cuisine at a sporting event?

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YumSugar's Top 10 Things Found in Aspen

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:15:15 -0700

During the three days PartySugar and I spent at this year's Food and Wine Classic, we came across a lot of amazing and tasty things. From pork to peas, we were treated to some of the best food from some of the most amazing chefs on the planet. It was a difficult task, but I've rounded up my top 10 favorite things. Read them below and then be sure to click through for all the pictures.

David Chang's Pork Party (specifically the pork buns)
We were lucky enough to attend the David Chang and friends after-party on Saturday night. The highlight was chowing down on his pork buns and wraps, and then learning that there was also crab and whole roasted piglets.
Ming Tsai with tofu on his face
During his cooking demonstration, Ming got a piece of tofu on his face. When he looked at the mirror (which was facing the crowd) he said, "I can't see it, all I see is white people."
Jose Andres cooking with his 9-year-old daughter Carlota
He has such a great personality and is so much fun to watch. Having his daughter help on stage made it even more fun.
Jeremy Fox's Best New Chef dish
I was a bit dubious about the Best New Chef's pea, mint, white chocolate, and macadamia nut concoction, but it was so delicious! I couldn't stop eating them, PartySugar practically had to pull me away from the the table.

To discover what else made my list, plus a gallery of images, just read more.

The gorgeous weather and scenery
I had never been to Aspen before, and what you hear is true. It is absolutely gorgeous there.
The Puerto Rican pig party during the tasting
On the last day of the event, the Puerto Rico booth celebrated by bringing in an entire pig on a spit. They also brought their own traditional band, creating a dance party right in the center of the tent.
Laura Werlin's Raw Cheese class
I had the opportunity to take a class with cheese guru Laura Werlin. At 11 a.m. I already had eight amazing cheeses and three glasses of wine.
Talking to Wylie Dufresne about pork
At the David Chang party, Chef Dufresne was serving up roasted pork. I wanted to shake his hand, but it was dripping with pork fat.
The banter between Tom and Padma
Tom and Padma held a cooking demonstration where they each cooked dishes, and bickered like old pals. At one point Padma even referred to Tom as her TV husband.
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto walking around with a humongous fish slung over his shoulder.
The picture pretty much says it all.

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Aspen Part Two: What Did We Learn?

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:03:33 -0700

Yesterday the Food & Wine Classic continued. Partysugar and I learned a lot more about some of our favorite chefs. To discover what we learned, take our quiz now! And be sure to stay tuned all week while we bring you more details from this fabulous event.

Oh and if you're wondering, that's famed chef Jacques Pepin and Food & Wine magazine editor Dana Cowin.

Take the quiz

Take a Look at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:15:51 -0800

Yesterday marked the kick-off of the 2008 Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Think of it as spring break for the culinary elite. While Hollywood may be galavanting off to Los Angeles for the Oscars, your favorite chefs and Food Network personalities are hanging out on the beach, drinking beer, eating burgers, playing poker, and having what looks like tons of fun.

Today we've got photos from Paula's Poker Party, Rachael's Burger Bash, and the Today Show. Check them out and pretend you're right there, too.

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The Next Food Network Star Recap: Episode One

YumSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:45:53 -0700

A week ago, I introduced you to this season's contestants on The Next Food Network Star, and last night we saw the 10 competitors in action for the first time. They'd barely settled into their new digs before facing their first challenge: to cater the network's sweet 16 party for more than 75 guests, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and stars like Giada De Laurentiis and Alton Brown.

Although all 10 cast members appeared to bond right away, I wasn't experiencing the same connection to them on the small screen. Hopefully, I'll soon be convinced otherwise. Find out my thoughts on the show - and share yours! - when you read more.

Most of the contestants didn't seem comfortable speaking. Were you as stunned as I was to find that outgoing personalities like Brett and Eddie became awkward and flat in front of the camera?
I was surprised that dietitian Katie Cavuto, with her plain Swiss chard and stereotypical spinach salad, didn't wind up on the chopping block. What did you think of her dishes?
Debbie, with her awful leadership skills, also should have faced elimination. Although she jumped at the opportunity to take charge, she turned out to be an ineffective leader and poor judge of character. Shouldn't she have taken ownership of the atrocious angel food dessert?
I thought the judges were spot on to eliminate Jen. Her food looked bland, and I couldn't take her seriously at all. In fact, I felt like she set womankind back a few decades with some of her remarks. What makes her a "housewife 2.0" anyway? It's entirely de rigueur for women to work full-time and cook every night. And what was with the parting comment about "making babies"?
Who are you rooting for so far? I don't mind watching Michael, Jeffrey, and Teddy. I already can't stand Brett and Debbie.

What were your initial thoughts about the season? Share them with me below.

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PartySugar's Top 10 Moments Found in Aspen

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:57 -0700

It's hard to say good-bye to a long weekend of fabulous food and wonderful wine. However, the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen ended last Sunday and until next June, I won't come into contact with any festival as fantastic. To commemorate the occasion, I've rounded up my top 10 favorite Aspen moments. From complex sushi rolls to French piña coladas, check out my list below and click though for all the magnificent photos.

Chatting with Gail Simmons at the CIA awards dinner
We hadn't seen Gail since her last visit to San Francisco, so it was great to catch up with her at this event. Topics of conversation: the location of Top Chef Season 5 (New York City!) and her upcoming nuptials.
Gerard Craft's chicken liver terrine at the Best New Chefs Dinner
This delicious bite was insanely balanced: rich, crunchy, sweet, and salty.
Chatting with Rocco DiSpirito at the David Chang party
After I interviewed him, Rocco and I spoke later that evening over lettuce wraps and pork buns. We both agreed living alone in a big city is expensive!
Toni Abou-Ganim's party punches and sangria class
Learning how to make party drinks from a master was informative and entertaining. I caught his attention when I was the only one in the audience who knew grenadine is made from pomegranates instead of cherries!
Getting ham from Jose Andres
During his demo, I answered all of Chef Andres' questions correctly (little did he know I lived in Spain for two years!). He rewarded me with a piece of fresh sliced jamon.

To discover what else made my list, plus a gallery of images, just read more.

Sunning with sparkling rosé outside the tents
I enjoyed the Spanish sparkling rosé so much I asked the girl to pour me an entire glass, so I could sip in the sun.
Watching Morimoto make sushi
During his demo, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto made a complex, multistep sushi roll. The roll was so geometric it looked more like a piece of art than food.
The after-pool party at the Sky Hotel
After Sunday's final grand tasting everyone whose anyone headed to the after party at the pool at the Sky hotel. I sipped cocktails made by the Modern Mixologist and got cozy with Hung Huynh's sous chef Kenny.
Puerto Rican pork and piña coladas
The Puerto Ricans made an insanely refreshing French piña colada that paired perfectly with their fresh-cut pork. Chambord was swirled into the classic colada giving it a chic presentation and sophisticated flavor.
Bobby Flay's uberentertaining demo
Learning how to make burgers from one of America's most loved chefs was something I will never forget.

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The Year's Best Restaurant Chef

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:30:14 -0800

For our Best of 2008 series, we asked you who you thought deserved the title of best restaurant chef of the year.

The votes for Masaharu Morimoto and Thomas Keller were neck and neck, but ultimately your pick was Thomas Keller.

We must, however, respectfully disagree and say that our pick for best restaurant chef is David Chang. Since David Chang opened his first Momofuku restaurant, the New York chef has skyrocketed to unexpected heights of celebrity chefdom.

We have always been fans of the talented young chef's unparalleled innovation in flavor and technique, and his ability to bring a dramatically different yet affordable type of comfort food to the masses. When we sat down with him at Slow Food Nation, we also fell for his self-deprecating humor and bad boy demeanor.

Have you been to one of Chang's Momofuku restaurants?

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