Ranu's Reviews

The Cooking Channel

10:00PM Thursdays

I’ve always been a fan of Iron Chef and will watch whatever variety of the show that the Food Network throws out at me. The whole “secret ingredient” thing is a great concept and I love to see what the Iron Chefs can come up with in such a short amount of time.

The show is so fast-paced that I never even thought about trying to recreate the fabulous dishes I saw on TV—until now!

The 411

Iron Chef Michael Symon takes you from Kitchen Stadium to your kitchen and shows you how to “cook like an Iron Chef.” This show is at a much slower pace, so you can actually learn how to make a few different dishes with the secret ingredient.

The Good

Michael Symon is very knowledgeable about food and it really shows. I learned a lot of useful tips from him in just 30 minutes and have still retained that information a week later—not bad for a guy who can’t even remember what clothes he wore to work before the week is out.

The show is shot tight and quick, which really helps pack a lot of visuals in a short amount of time. I also love the way they incorporate slow motion into the program. It is used beautifully and complements Michael’s cooking techniques.

It is quite obvious that Michael Symon is much more relaxed here than on Iron Chef.  His warmth, sense of humor and passion for cooking come across as extremely genuine and inviting. The camera loves this guy and I think you will to if you give this show a chance.

The Not-So-Good

Right off the bat, Michael has two helpers with him in the kitchen—well, I think they are his helpers because he neglected to introduce them at the beginning of the program. He asks them to do the “grunt” work for him while he cooks. I understand the show is all about Michael, but a couple of seconds introducing his staff might have left me with a better taste in my mouth.

The other problem is that while the camera pans out to show more of Michael, I see these two people in the background working on stuff and honestly I find it distracting. I’m watching Michael do his thing, but I can’t help but wonder what these two “strangers” are doing back there.

To DVR or Not to DVR

This show was not only interesting, but I found it to be extremely informative as well. It was nice to see a relaxed and smiling Michael Symon, however, I just wish he would have provided an introduction for the two people assisting him in the kitchen.

I watched How to Cook Like an Iron Chef with my wife and I know the Cooking Channel has a hit on their hands for the simple fact that my wife told me that she was inspired to cook after watching the show. If any of you know my wife—that is the best testimonial that any cooking show could ever receive!

For more information, visit: www.cookingchanneltv.com/cook-like-an-iron-chef/index.html