Ep 5. Symon vs. Nawab

Iron Chef America is a cooking competition reality television show that pits master chefs against each other. Season 8, episode 5, titled Symon vs. Nawab, features Iron Chef Michael Symon taking on challenger Jehangir Mehta Nawab.

The episode begins with Alton Brown, the host, introducing the contestants and revealing the secret ingredient for the competition: the versatile and flavorful grape. Both chefs have one hour to prepare five dishes using the grape in unique and creative ways.

Iron Chef Michael Symon is known for his bold, rustic cooking style, while challenger Jehangir Mehta Nawab is known for his innovative and fusion approach to cooking. The two chefs start the competition with a flurry of activity, chopping and slicing grapes while brainstorming their dishes.

Symon begins his grape-centric meal with a refreshing salad, complete with grapefruit and a grape vinaigrette. Next up, he prepares a seared duck breast with a grape port sauce, followed by a grape-stuffed pork chop and a grape sorbet for dessert.

Challenger Nawab takes a different approach, blending the sweet and savory flavors of grapes in his dishes. He starts with a grape and chicken liver pâté, a bold choice that makes the judges take notice. He follows with a grape and lamb tagine, grape-glazed quail, and a spicy grape chutney topping off the meal.

As the hour ticks away, both chefs work frantically to complete their dishes. Symon adds the final touches to his pork chop, while Nawab carefully drizzles his chutney on top of the quail.

Finally, the time is up, and the judges taste both chefs' dishes. The judges, consisting of celebrity chefs and food critics, offer their opinions on each dish, noting the different ways the grape has been used in each course.

One of the standout dishes from Symon is his seared duck breast with grape port sauce. The judges note the perfect balance of flavors and the creativity of using grapes in a sauce. Nawab's grape and lamb tagine also impresses the judges, who praise the combination of sweet and savory flavors.

As the judges deliberate, tension builds in the air as both chefs wait to hear the final verdict. The winner is revealed, and the competition ends with a handshake between the chefs as they both offer their congratulations.

Iron Chef America season 8 episode 5 titled Symon vs. Nawab offers a thrilling competition between two innovative chefs, featuring creative and delicious grape-inspired dishes. The show remains a must-watch for food lovers and fans of cooking competitions.