Be sure to tune in to the Food Network THIS SUNDAY October 4th at 9pm for the premiere of The Next Iron Chef. As if we didn't already love Excecutive Chef and Owner Holly Smith for her Cafe Juanita cuisine, now she's about to be sprung into super foodie stardom. With many national accolades such as the Best Chef 2008 James Beard winner, and recognition in Gourmet Magazine, Top 50 restaurants and the Robb Report it's no surprise that they came knocking on her door. She had passed on previous opportunities, but when this one came up she figured, "what the hell!"
She flew down to LA for an interview and ended up having an uncontrollable bloody nose that cut it short. But the network clearly recognized her personality and skills as a great match for the show. When I sat down with Holly yesterday I was delighted by how down-to-earth and funny she is. It's a crack up to see those serious photos on Food Network's site because she is so positive and energetic in real life that you know she is doing everything she can to hold the shot without busting out laughing.
We'll have to tune in on Sunday to see if she was laughing or not when she found out that her main ingredient was JELLYFISH. This season is unlike others in that everyone will not have the same featured ingredient to make a dish with and compete. All the chefs get something different- like grasshoppers, eel, egg yolks, or stinky tofu. I'm not sure how they will adjust scores accordingly -- seems to me the yolks would be easier than jellyfish, but I'm no chef.
Holly said the time constraints weren't a big issue for her as she's known for being speedy. The challenge was definitely keeping focus in between all the waiting. When filming the battle might be done but the presentation would be later. So you had to be ready to have your game face on at any moment. And she said you learn as you go--the chefs all judge each other in the first episode and she was really impressed with a soup that Jose made. This gave them all a chance to size up the competition. Of course, she said there are things that will go wrong but she's sworn to secrecy. Darn!
When I met Holly's son Oliver (photo left) I had to ask if there is a sort of stigma with being a chef when you are in your everyday life. I mean, what do you pack for his lunch? He was nibbling on a tunafish sandwich and an apple, so that was reassuring (even I can make that, whew). But he already has a discerning palate too- all the kids at school know he's got the 'good' cheese (no cheese sticks!) and at his 5th birthday party they served beets and focaccia and hangar steak with chanterelles. OK, maybe I've got some work to do on that part. Other fun facts from Holly:
Favorite Food and Wine Pairing: Spit roasted goat and Barbaresco (or anything w/Barbaresco!)
Pet Peeve: Knife tappers
Fave Snack: Cheese/crackers, or she'll whip up an easy and delicious soup
Fave Kirkland restaurant besides her own: Izumi Sushi
You should head in to Cafe Juanita so that you can taste Holly's unique Northern Italian creations for yourself. Don't worry, no jellyfish on the menu! I have been there many times and never been disappointed. Be sure to tune in on Sunday night to see Holly in action and cheer her on! I was thinking.......maybe the Food Network should open up a location in Kirkland with all of our local talent. Melissa D'Arabian just got picked up for a second season of her show. You go, girls!!! ~j
Great show! Always fun to root for the hometown folks!
Posted by: Vince Armfield | October 08, 2009 at 07:47 AM