Chefs
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Prologue
Chairman Kaga is upset. His Iron Chefs have had a 33% win percentage in recent months. He arranged a battle for Iron Chef Kenichi Chen with a talented Osaka-based Italian chef, who came highly recommended by actor and Iron Chef judge Masaki Kanda.
However, Chairman Kaga decided to boycott the battle out of embarrassment. Dr. Yukio Hattori will take over Chairman duties for this battle.
Judges Panel
The judges for the Suckling Pig battle are:
- Lower House member, writer Shinichiro Kurimoto (栗本慎一郎)
- Actress Chizuru Azuma (東ちづる)
- Actor Hideki Takahashi (高橋英樹)
- Food critic Asako Kishi (岸朝子)
Battle Action
Iron Chefs Sakai, Morimoto and Kobe were in the stands to cheer Chen on, although Iron Chef Kobe was keen to point out that he didn't lose a battle recently and was carrying water for the team.
One of Chen's dishes consisted of an entire 2 liter bottle of Coca-Cola which was reduced down to create a sauce for the suckling pig. This is odd but not that unusual for pork; I've seen Martha Stewart do this with ham, many barbecuers swear by using cola in a spray bottle to provide a nice glaze to smoked pork shoulder and ribs, and my father used to deglaze carnitas with cola and lime wedges.
Kanda-san was on the floor during the battle checking out the action up close. Action which included the challenger creating a thick pasta containing lemon peels.
Chef Stelvio's Dishes
- Pork Appetizer, Two Flavors
- Tomato & Pork Pasta
- Roast Pork, Balsamic Vinegar Flavor
- Pork Dessert with Celery Stewed in Red Wine
Chef Chen's Dishes
- Pork Salad
- Pork Stewed in Cola, Smoked and Fried
- Fried Pork in Chinese Stew
- Chinese Roast Piglet
- Chinese Herbal Soup with Pork
Judges' Notes
Dr. Hattori takes over tasting duty from Chairman Kaga. Masaki Kanda tastes but does not judge.
Winner
Kenichi Chen
Final Scores
| Chen | Stelvio | |
|---|---|---|
| Kurimoto | 20 | 19 |
| Azuma | 20 | 19 |
| Takahashi | 20 | 19 |
| Kishi | 19 | 17 |
| Totals | 79 | 74 |
The winner is determined by the number of judges who rule in favor of a chef. If there is a split vote, it comes down to total points. If points are also tied, the match ends in a draw.