Ep 17. Flay vs. Isidori

Iron Chef America season 10 episode 17 features a culinary battle between two seasoned chefs: Bobby Flay and Chris Isidori. The episode, titled Flay vs. Isidori, promises to showcase intense competition as both chefs strive to create mouth-watering dishes using secret ingredients.

The show begins with introductions of both chefs by the host Alton Brown. Brown explains the theme of the episode - both chefs will have to use the secret ingredient in each of their dishes. The panel of judges includes top food critics, restaurateurs, and foodies. The judges will be responsible for evaluating and rating the dishes and ultimately crowning the winner.

The first round of the competition is the appetizer round. The secret ingredient for this round is revealed to be duck. Both chefs start their preparations with gusto, rushing around the kitchen, selecting their ingredients, and starting their cooking process. Flay starts preparing a duck confit salad with grilled watermelon and pickled cherries, while Isidori opts for a crispy duck leg served over pomegranate glazed beets and topped with pickled onion.

As the time ticks away, both chefs race against the clock to complete their dishes. Once the time runs out, they plate their dishes and present them to the judges. The judges taste both dishes, appreciating the creativity and the taste of the dishes. There are mixed reviews, but the judges note that both chefs have presented an impressive appetizer.

The second round of the competition is the entree round. The secret ingredient for this round is revealed to be a surprise - snails. Both chefs look very surprised but quickly regain their focus and start brainstorming on how to create a dish using snails. Flay decides to prepare snail and pork belly ragout with basil gnocchi, while Isidori goes for a snail escargot and fish dish over a bed of risotto.

As the chefs work on their dishes, the judges are curious to see how both of them will incorporate the snails into their dishes. Both chefs work with a sense of urgency, knowing that the ticking clock can be their undoing. Once the time runs out, both chefs present their dishes to the judges. The judges evaluate the dishes, and the flavors of the snail dishes are evaluated to be more complex than the appetizers.

The final round of the competition is the dessert round. The secret ingredient for this round is revealed to be bananas. Both chefs race to the pantry to select their ingredients, with the anticipation of creating a perfect dessert to clinch the title of Iron Chef America. Flay decides to prepare maple and banana bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, while Isidori goes for a savory take on the dessert, preparing tempura of plantain banana with honey and smoked paprika.

As both chefs race against time, the judges debate on which chef will take home the coveted Iron Chef America title. The dessert round proves to be the most challenging of all, with both dishes being creative, but only one dish emerging as the best.

In the end, the judges make their final decision, and the winner of the Flay vs. Isidori battle is declared. Both chefs shake hands and congratulate each other on the hard-fought battle, with the victorious chef being applauded by the judges and the audience.

Overall, Iron Chef America season 10 episode 17 is an intense and entertaining episode showcasing two world-class chefs competing to create culinary masterpieces. With a secret ingredient in each round, both chefs rise above the challenge and push their cooking skills to new heights. This episode is a must-watch for foodies, cooking enthusiasts, and everyone who loves fast-paced competition.