The heat was on at Iron Chef Competition

by Jim Obert

The fragrant aromas of New Orleans-style cooking wafted through the air in the University Center lobby on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as two local chefs went head to head - and dish to spicy Cajun dish - in the fourth annual Iron Chef Competition.

The competition, which was hosted by Chartwells at Southeast Missouri State University, is based on the popular Japanese TV cooking program. But the local version merges Ultimate Fighting Champion with the finesse of accomplished cookstress Julia Child.

Reigning Iron Chef Matt Tygett, chef and co-owner of Mollie's Cafe & Bar defended his title against ACF-certified (American Culinary Federation) Executive Chef Emily Bashore of Chartwells Educational Dining Services and Catering.

This year's theme was "Mardi Gras" and featured a panel of ravenous judges. Each chef had two assistants and were given 45 minutes to prepare at least three dishes, one of which was vegetarian. And they had to incorporate into the culinary delights two secret ingredients, which turned out to be alligator and chittlings (small intestines of pig)!

The judges watched intently as the chefs diligently prepared their dishes in a make-shift kitchen equipped with electric griddles. When finished, the clever chefs presented their dishes for sampling. The dishes were scored according to taste and flavor, use of the secret ingredients and appealing presentation.

Emily Bashore was declared the new Iron Chef. But the competition was as close as a crowd in the French Quarter on Mardi Gras parade night. Emily scored 34 points, and Matt scored 33.3125.

The dishes Emily prepared were Fried Chittlings on Black-Eyed Peas with Fresh Thyme, Blackened Alligator with Andouille Sausage Cream Sauce, Blackened Tofu with Creole Corn Sauce, and Seafood Gumbo.

Matt garnered his close runner-up finish by preparing a Vegetarian Delight Omelete, Frey Diablo, and Open-Faced Muffuletta Sandwich.

The discerning judges were Quantella Anderson, Dr. Kelly Burris-Wesener, Adam Hannah, Dobbie Herrion, Adam Schaefer, Dr. Tom Harte, Matt Hopkins and Michael Wells.