Ep 20. Banana
- February 12, 1999
- 41 min
Iron Chef season 2 episode 20 is named "Banana" and is a culinary battle between the team of Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai and his challenger, Chef Stephen Kalt. The episode begins with Sakai and Kalt being introduced to the audience as they prepare to face off in Kitchen Stadium.
The secret ingredient for this episode is the banana. This tropical fruit is a favorite amongst chefs and home cooks alike due to its versatility in dishes both sweet and savory. The contestants have their work cut out for them as they must create multiple dishes featuring the banana in a limited amount of time.
As the competition begins, Sakai and Kalt race to create their first dish, both utilizing the banana in unique and unexpected ways. Kalt chooses to make a banana bread pudding, while Sakai opts for a grilled banana and shrimp skewer. The judges are impressed with both dishes, but only one can come out on top.
Throughout the episode, the chefs continue to wow the judges with their creative uses of the banana. Sakai presents a seared duck breast with banana puree and a booby surprise, while Kalt creates a banana and lobster risotto with a banana and chorizo empanada.
As the clock ticks down, the chefs race to finish their final dishes. Sakai creates a banana and coffee-flavored dessert, while Kalt goes for a savory banana and beef dish. The judges taste both dishes and come to a difficult decision on who will be crowned the winner of this banana-themed episode.
Overall, "Banana" is an exciting episode of Iron Chef that showcases the creativity and culinary skills of both Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai and his challenger, Chef Stephen Kalt. Each chef presents innovative and unexpected uses of the banana, resulting in a delicious and entertaining episode for viewers.
As with all episodes of Iron Chef, the judges provide insightful commentary and critiques on each dish, providing viewers with an inside look at what goes into judging a culinary competition of this caliber.
Fans of Iron Chef and cooking shows in general will find "Banana" to be a must-watch episode that showcases the versatility of one of the world's most beloved fruits.
