No new episodes this week, but we do have four new additions to Beyond Kitchen Stadium.
- IC on Scrubs – JD and Turk know what to watch on TV
- Morimoto Interview – Iron Chef Morimoto as part of Google’s Authors @ Google series.
- Kenji Fukui on Mecha Ike – Announcer Kenji Fukui is part of a segment with Fuji TV announcer/anchor Mizuki Sano on the popular (and one of my all-time favorites) Japanese TV show Mecha Mecha Iketeru. (As usual, I need some help with the question Okamura asked Sano. I think it said something about not being able to announce a variety show and retirement, but I could never get a good translation of it.)
- Nakamura Policeman – Iron Chef Koumei Nakamura is the honorary Police Chief for a day.
New in the Video Database this week: IC on Scrubs, Morimoto Interview, Fukui on Mecha Ike, Nakamura Policeman
It’s time for some more ICC Exclusives episodes for you. We add two new episodes this week.
First up is Bamboo Shoots (514OA) – Sakai vs. Okunuma:
- In the introduction of the challenger, I hear the word “Kaiseki” 懐石 which I have seen translated as “tea lunch” or a simple meal eaten before tea is served.
- Chairman Kaga calls the challenger the originator of French Kaiseki. Of course, he challenges Iron Chef Sakai. It’s a French vs. French battle today in Kitchen Stadium.
- I think the theme speech has something to do with seasonal dishes and cooking with seasonal ingredients. Of course, Chairman Kaga likes to make little puns when announcing the theme. He uses the “Take” part of the theme (Takenoko) to make his joke here, but I could not quite figure it out.
- Bamboo Shoots. Sakai doesn’t look too thrilled when he sees the theme announced. There are 50 raw ones and 50 boiled ones.
- Among the Challenger’s four dishes: Bamboo Shoot Crème Mousse, Tomato Sauce; Bamboo Shoot and Beef Filet Mille-Fueille. Fluffy Bamboo Shoot Dessert.
- Sakai’s dishes include: Bamboo Shoot and Peking Duck sandwich, Green Bamboo Shoot Soup (made with bok choy), Bamboo Shoot Carpaccio, Sweet Bamboo Shoot Balls.
The second addition this week is Tomato (515OA) – Chen vs. Otsuki:
- The chairman wants to taste some of the delicious food of Spain. The Chairman has brought in a Japanese woman who is skilled at preparing the delicious dishes of Spain. She seems to have won some kind of cooking contest in Spain. She now owns her own restaurant in Aoyama. Of course, if it is a female challenger, it’s going to be Chen. “Chen-san, por favor.”
- Chen may be at a disadvantage with this theme. In fact, during Ohta’s first report from Chen’s side, he uses the word muzukashi twice. It means “Difficult.” (Chen also uses this word in his post match interview with Ohta. But he also said he had fun, too.)
- The challenger’s guests in the royal box are a lively bunch.
- Usually, it is Chen and his wok that gets the flames flying, but this time, the challenger has a flare up that actually burns off some of her hair! Later in the battle, Chen shows her how it is done with some tall flames of his own.
- Both chefs fire up their ice cream makers. What do they have in mind for this tomato battle?
- Chen finishes plating his final dish with literally one second remaining.
- Challenger’s dishes include: Spain-style Tomato Gyoza; A Tomato stuffed with a salad that includes peppers and prawns; Beef, Potato and Tomato Pot-au-feu; Pasta Paella; Vegetable Paella; Tomato and Yogurt Sherbet
- Chen’s dishes include: Egg Tomato Gyoza; Tomato and Shrimp something; Tomato and Eggplant Ice Cream
- The votes are split 2-2, so the final score will determine the winner. It is a one-point margin.
New in the database this week: Bamboo Shoot (514OA), Tomato (515OA)
I will do my best to add at least two episodes per week this month. Of course, I am planning special post for our one year anniversary on February 1st.