Ep 7. Battle Strawberry

The iconic cooking competition show Iron Chef welcomes viewers to season 1 episode 7, where the theme is "Battle Strawberry". Renowned Iron Chef Chen Kenichi is pitted against newcomer challenger Hiroyuki Sakai, who hails from the famous La Rochelle restaurant in Tokyo. The episode begins with the show's signature voiceover introducing the theme and the chefs as they get ready for the intense battle ahead.

With the theme being strawberries, both chefs have their work cut out for them, as the ingredient isn't typically associated with savory dishes. The judges are introduced, including food critic Asako Kishi, actor Masaharu Fukuyama, and strawberry farmer Kazuhiko Shiraishi. They take their seats as the chefs prepare to create some extraordinary dishes with strawberries as the main ingredient.

As the competition kicks off, the chefs scramble to create unique dishes that will wow the judges. Iron Chef Chen Kenichi, known for his Szechuan-style of cooking, decides on a pork and strawberry dish, while challenger Sakai opts for a strawberry risotto with grilled scampi.

As the clock ticks down, both chefs work tirelessly to present their dishes to the judges. Chen Kenichi's pork and strawberry dish is a hit with the judges, who rave about the unexpected yet delicious combination of flavors. However, Sakai's strawberry risotto steals the show, garnering high praise from all three judges for its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The competition takes an unexpected turn when Iron Chef Chen Kenichi decides to challenge the challenger to a bonus round using strawberries. A flustered Sakai accepts the challenge, and the two chefs work furiously to create a strawberry-based dessert that will win over the judges. As the tension mounts, the chefs present their desserts, and the judges are blown away by the creativity and taste of both dishes.

In the end, the judges must choose a winner, and the response is unanimous. Despite Chen Kenichi's impressive dish, the judges ultimately award the victory to challenger Hiroyuki Sakai, who wowed them with his unique and flavorful take on strawberries.

The episode concludes with the iconic presentation of the Iron Chef jacket to the victorious challenger, as well as the famous line, "Allez Cuisine!" as the show comes to a close. Iron Chef season 1 episode 7, Battle Strawberry, showcases the skill and creativity of these talented chefs as they transform a seemingly limited ingredient into a showcase of culinary prowess.