Ep 7. Flay vs. Kelly

Iron Chef America season 4 episode 7 is titled "Flay vs. Kelly." In this episode, renowned Iron Chef Bobby Flay takes on challenger Paul Kelly, executive chef of YOLO Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The secret ingredient for this battle is announced as soon as the clock starts ticking: apple cider. Flay and Kelly have 60 minutes to create five dishes that showcase this seasonal ingredient.

Both chefs dive right in, chopping, sautéing, and grilling their way to five distinctly different dishes. Flay constructs a cider-glazed pork tenderloin with roasted apples and a cider reduction, a cider-braised endive salad with blue cheese and bacon, a cider-brown sugar glazed salmon with fennel and orange slaw, an apple cider-marinated grilled chicken with a cider pan sauce, and cider-glazed donut holes with an apple cider caramel sauce.

Challenger Kelly counters with a cider-braised pork belly with sweet potato puree and an apple cider jus, cider-braised beef short ribs with creamy polenta and braised carrots, cider-steamed mussels with chorizo and fennel, a cider-brined veal chop with roasted root vegetables, and a cider-poached pear with vanilla ice cream and toasted almonds.

Throughout the competition, both chefs are presented with numerous challenges. For Flay, the pork tenderloin proves to be a difficult cut to work with, while the donut holes provide some unexpected complications. Meanwhile, Kelly struggles with his braising technique and has to think on his feet to correct course mid-battle.

As the hour ticks down, both chefs struggle to finish plating their dishes before the time runs out. But when the dust settles, the judges are left with five beautiful and delicious dishes from each chef.

The judges for this episode include seasoned Iron Chef America judge Jeffrey Steingarten, food critic Karine Bakhoum, and chef Kevin Rathbun. As always, the judges offer their expert opinions on each dish, evaluating not just taste but also presentation and creativity.

In the end, only one chef will come out on top and earn the coveted title of Iron Chef. Who will it be, Flay or Kelly? You'll have to tune in to find out.

Overall, "Flay vs. Kelly" is an exciting episode of Iron Chef America that shows off the skills of two talented chefs while also highlighting a unique and versatile ingredient. With stunning dishes and surprising twists, it's a battle that foodies won't want to miss.