Elite chefs compete for chance to join ultimate culinary society in six-episode primetime event; digital companion series 'Iron Chef Mode' delivers Kitchen Stadium-worthy cooking tips
"Iron Chef Gauntlet" is back for a second season this spring, with seven rising stars battling for the chance to gain the only culinary title that matters: "Iron Chef." The weak will fall and the strong will rise until just one chef remains and has the title in reach. But to join the "Iron Chef" pantheon, the last chef standing must win the gauntlet: three rapid-succession battles, each against "Iron Chefs" Alex Guarnaschelli, Stephanie Izard and Michael Symon - or leave the kitchen in defeat.
Hosted by the inimitable Alton Brown, the six-episode primetime event begins Wednesday, April 4 (9 p.m. ET/PT).
Online, fans can bring Kitchen Stadium into their own kitchen with digital companion series "Iron Chef Mode," which offers "Iron Chef"-style cooking tips and techniques for the home.
" 'Iron Chef' is an iconic title that only a select few can claim, and it's a thrilling ride to see if one of these top-notch chefs have what it takes to join the best of the best," said Courtney White, senior vice president, programming, Scripps Networks Interactive. " 'Gauntlet' delivers the nonstop culinary action our audience loves and they are sure to be on the edge of their seat with every battle."
"Iron Chef Gauntlet" competitors are: Timon Balloo (Miami - partner/executive chef, Sugarcane); Nicole Gomes (Calgary, Canada - owner/executive chef, Nicole Gourmet); David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach, California - owner/executive chef, Manhattan Beach Post); Dale Mackay (Saskatoon, Canada - owner/executive chef, Grassroots Restaurant Group); Jeanie Roland (Punta Gorda, Florida - owner/executive chef, The Perfect Caper); Hong Thaimee (New York City - owner/executive chef, Thaimee Table) and Kevin Tien (Washington, D.C. - owner/executive chef, Himitsu).
In the first five "Iron Chef Gauntlet" episodes, the competitors endure two grueling rounds of cooking starting with the "Chairman's Challenge," where Alton delivers a themed challenge and is the sole decision-maker on the most and least successful chef.
The winner then selects a competitor to join the bottom chef in the "Secret Ingredient Challenge," where they must cook three dishes featuring a secret ingredient. A panel of rotating judges sends the least successful chef home each week, while the winner is sent back to battle.
In the finale on Wednesday, May 9, the last chef standing has the "Iron Chef" title in reach - but first, the chef must run the gauntlet: three rapid-succession secret ingredient battles, each against Guarnaschelli, Izard and Symon. Only if the finalist receives more points than the Iron Chefs combined will history be made, and the winner will join the coveted Iron Chef brigade. Otherwise, they will leave the kitchen in utter defeat.
For fans wanting more, digital companion series "
Iron Chef Mode" takes inspiration from the feats of cooking seen in Kitchen Stadium and offers culinary tips and tricks viewers can use in their own kitchens. Fans can also meet the challengers and find out more about the Iron Chefs and guest judges at
FoodNetwork.com/IronChefGauntlet. Plus, join the conversation on social media and watch for exclusive content using the hashtag #IronChefGauntlet.
Alton Brown with the competitors on Food Network's "Iron Chef Gauntlet." (Food Network photo)
