Ep 1. Symon/Burrell vs. Cora/Irvin

Symon/Burrell vs. Cora/Irvin is the very first episode of the ninth season of the cooking competition show Iron Chef America. As with every episode of the show, this one is action-packed and full of tension and excitement.

In this episode, viewers are introduced to the two teams of chefs that will be competing against each other. The first team consists of Iron Chef Michael Symon and chef Anne Burrell, while the second team consists of Iron Chef Cat Cora and chef Michael Irvin. Both teams are incredibly talented, and each is determined to come out on top in this intense culinary battle.

As the episode begins, the two teams are brought into the Kitchen Stadium, where they are greeted by host Alton Brown. Brown explains the rules of the competition: each team will have one hour to prepare five different dishes, each of which must incorporate a secret ingredient that will be revealed to them at the start of the competition. The dishes will be judged on taste, presentation, and creativity, and the team with the highest overall score will be declared the winner.

With the rules established, the secret ingredient is revealed: duck. Both teams quickly spring into action, grabbing ingredients from the pantry and getting to work. As they chop, saute, and fry, tensions rise as each team tries to outdo the other.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the chefs' creative processes. They watch as they brainstorm new and innovative ways to use the secret ingredient and test out different flavors and textures. Meanwhile, judges like Simon Majumdar and Donatella Arpaia offer their expert opinions and provide feedback to the chefs on their dishes.

As the hour draws to a close, both teams scramble to get their dishes plated and presented to the judges. Each team presents five unique dishes, each one showcasing the team's creativity and culinary prowess.

At the end of the episode, the judges taste each dish and deliberate on their scores. They offer praise and constructive criticism to each team, noting both their strengths and weaknesses. After much consideration, the winner is finally revealed, sending shockwaves through the stadium.

Iron Chef America season 9 episode 1 is a thrilling and intense culinary battle that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With mouth-watering dishes, expert judging, and plenty of drama, it's a must-watch for any foodie or fan of cooking competition shows.