I love my job for many reasons, but one of them is because I've had the opportunity to interact with some famous chefs (Mario Batali, Joanne Weir, Nirmala Narine and Elizabeth Falkner). I thought it would be cool to get to know our local chefs a little better and feature a new Q&A every few weeks. I sent an e-mail with 10 random questions to a bunch of chefs to see if they would be game. Within 20 minutes of sending my e-mail, Michael Symon was the first one to respond! Seriously, how cool is that? Thanks, Michael, for being the first. Hopefully you won't be the only!
- the top 5 spices that are a must in every kitchen:
coriander, cumin, some kind of dried chile, citrus
zest, salt - favorite and least favorite food to make: anything braised /
crappy boneless skinless purdue
chicken - if you could cook for one person, real or dead, who would it be: my wife, liz
- you're having a dinner party. top 5 songs on your play list:
hey jude, sympathy for the devil, boris the spider,
eruption, end of the world - favorite restaurant in cleveland:
i love em all...lol - what restaurant do you miss:
mark sharys players - favorite thing about cleveland and what drives you nuts:
the people...the people - most famous person you have cooked for:
chefs(thomas keller or julia child) celeb (billy
crystal) - most unusual food you have ever tried: cows balls
- if you weren't a chef, what would you be doing: a farmer
I've had bulls balls, too, aka rocky mountain oysters. My step dad made me try them years ago. From what I remember, it wasn't too terrible.
7 comments:
wow...sounds like you have a great job :)
I have an idea. Do you have an email address?
he does rock! That is so awesome!
Jerri N. Udelson
20 Tanoito
Santa Fe, NM 87506
(505) 992-0055
December 17, 2007
Bruce Seidel, Executive Producer
The Next Iron Chef
Food Network
75 Ninth Ave.
New York, NY 10011
Dear Mr. Seidel:
I am an avid fan of the Food Network. I particularly enjoy the Iron Chef Challenge programs, as well as anything with Bobby Flay.
I recently watched all six episodes of “The Next Iron Chef” show hosted by Alton Brown. The shows were particularly interesting to me since they featured such a variety of chefs in terms of style, technique and personality.
When Michael Symon and John Besh were the last two chefs standing, I was not surprised, given the kudos expressed all along by the three judges. When Michael Symon won, I was personally surprised, since it seemed as though Mr. Besh was the favorite.
Now for the interesting part: About a month after the conclusion of the series I was given a book by a friend. Knowing that I like memoirs and biographies of chefs, she lent me The Soul of a Chef: The Journey Toward Perfection by Michael Ruhlman. As I noted the name and photo on the cover, I saw that Mr. Ruhlman, indeed, was one of the three judges featured on “The Next Iron Chef.”
Imagine my surprise when I opened the book to the table of contents and discovered that a third of the book was devoted to Mr. Symon and his restaurant Lola. Not only did Mr. Ruhlman personally know Chef Symon, he spent time in his restaurant hanging out with him, observing him, smoking cigarettes with him, and indeed praising him, saying “I adored his style and admired his mechanical genius” (page 213, paperback edition, 2001).
Now, I cannot assume that Michael Symon won The Next Iron Chef challenge due to the favoritism of one of the judges; however, I think the relationship between the two should have been disclosed to unknowing viewers, including the undersigned. To present the show as impartial and unbiased is a disservice to the many loyal viewers of the Food Network, and perhaps even a tad unethical.
Sincerely yours,
Jerri N. Udelson
P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a native of Cleveland, Ohio, but I have never met any of the principals mentioned above, nor have I ever eaten at Lola or Lolita.
Cc: Michael Symon
John Besh
Michael Ruhlman
Alton Brown
Kim Severson, New York Times
Editors, New York Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer,
Times Picayune
Jerri:
Not sure why you are posting this here - Clevelanders are pretty much huge Symon supporters and we believe he won fair and square. But, you are of course entitled to your opinion. In my opinion, I don't think the show was trying to hide or promote the relationship. It was called out that each was from Cleveland and the producers knew of the relationship and obviously didn't think it would be a problem. In fact, Ruhlman wasn't supportive of Michael during each show. Further, each of the three Iron Chefs - according to the papers - voted for Michael. He deserved to win, just as Ruhlman deserved to be there, so just be happy for him. I mean, why the need to go to such lenghts? I'm sure you have more important things to do with your time, and in the scheme of things, it's just a show afterall.
Wow, Jerri you showed them huh? Is Symon still an Iron Chef after that stinging expose?
Get a job.
How romantic was Michael's answer to number 3? Very sweet.
As for Jerri, maybe you should actually think about eating at Lola and then form an actual opinion. It's obvious you're a Besh fan and for that who could fault you, I hear he's great. But if you have no idea what Michael Symon can do with food, you might want to think about finding out before posting such a letter. I've eaten at Lola many times and each time it's absolutely amazing. He is every bit an Iron Chef and deserved to win.
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