Comments on: Iron Chef — Sunday, August 30, 6pm and 9pm PST

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:32:46 +0000

And Pete: separate email forthcoming, but yes, I’ll be issuing an all-electronic version of the Breakaway Japanese Kitchen soon, with lots of video! More on that soon.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:31:44 +0000

Thanks everyone! The starkest difference between being there and watching it on tv is the pace — in Kitchen Stadium there’s no music, the beginning sequences took many many takes,the cooking happens, and then things get really slow again as they
break down the studio and set up the dinner table for the judges. I
think I was there five hours in all. On tv is just wacko, pure frenetic/manic, which I guess tells you that editing is everything.

Tiki sat during much of the tedium glued to his Kindle!

Serving quantity: As soon as the ending bell rings, there’s a very
long break, as everyone takes a breather and the studio starts breaking
down. It’s during this break that the SOUS CHEFS recreate the meal for
the judges and the chairman. Weird but there you have it.

Worst part of it all: staff kept whisking away the tasting dishes before I was finished!! Believe it or not, I actually left hungry!

Best part of it all: Morimoto learned that I speak Japanese, and we
began a nice chat. He invited me downstairs (his restaurant, Morimoto,
is directly below Kitchen Stadium, same building) to eat with him!
Three special hours of waiters and chefs competing to see who could
keep us the happiest. Got a beautifully signed book from him and a
really great memory. I was no longer hungry.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:19:56 +0000

Fantastic job Eric and what a great battle! We were all rooting for the challenger on Sunday night but really all the food seemed pretty amazing. I had never seen one of those coconut crabs, that was a curious creature. We were really impressed by how knowledgeable you came off, do you think there’s any way you can share some behind the scenes tidbits? Possibly elaborate more on the experience? You are great on camera and we hope to see more of you on the small screen.

By: Marianne Charters

Marianne Charters — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:54:24 +0000

I find some of the judges to be so critical, you were very refreshing to watch…you genuinely showed your pleasure in the tastes that were created……….hope they have you on again!!!

By: EMily

EMily — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:57:41 +0000

Great job judging!!! You seemed to be a natural and really seemed to be enjoying the food. I wish I could have tasted some of the dishes.

By: Pete Slate

Pete Slate — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:06:56 +0000

As I die-hard IC fan, I catch every episode. If not live, my trusty DVR has my back.

To be honest, I hate coconut, so I was a little turned off at first.. but still, I had to at least wait for the introduction of the judges.

After hearing your background, and the books you’ve written, I was a little intrigued. Especially regarding “The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen”.

That piqued my curiosity, so I continued watching. When you used “umami” in your description of a dish, and explained it so well to Tiki, I decided that I had to have your book.

Therein the problem lies.
The book seems to be unavailable for less than $50 (used).

Are there any plans to reissue it?

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:02:00 +0000

I am so excited!

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:22:35 +0000

Let me know your forcing techniques!

By: Mariko Fujinaka

Mariko Fujinaka — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:20:47 +0000

Maybe I will invite people over and force them to watch it. Perhaps I can lure them with umami-laden beef jerky.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:26:51 +0000

Wow, I hadn’t even thought of that, thanks Karena. The biggest group of people seems to be in Berkeley, where I think we might have a house with a big screen, but it’s not certain yet. If anyone’s interested in coming, write me!