The uber-chef that we grow for, David Kinch of Manresa, was on Iron Chef last night. If you saw it, you know that he pummeled Bobby Flay in kitchen stadium. Final score: Kinch 52, Flay 42.
The secret ingredient was cabbage. Cabbage, you might think, is not a very difficult or sexy ingredient, but I would disagree. So would the judges, as they were blown away by Kinch's preparations. Chef was also delighted that his ingredient turned out to be a vegetable, rather than a protein, since he is very involved with Love Apple Farm, his kitchen garden. Here we grow many members of the cabbage family: Savoy, purple, golden, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, pac choi, tatsoi, Napa.
It takes a lot to keep one of the top chefs in the world in fighting form. We do our best here on the farm, particularly since Chef is here every couple of days, snipping, cutting, sniffing, tasting, and watching over the plants. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the garden.
If you missed this particular battle on Iron Chef America (Food Network Channel), you can catch it again later this week. And if you've never seen an episode of Iron Chef, you're in for a treat, as it's great fun. Even for non-foodies. Congratulations, David!
Just watched ched kinch and flay - bravo chef Kinch! You killed cabbage. My sister and I were just reminiscing about our family recipe for fried cabbage. We were raised on your type of cuisine and miss it so much. Thank you for your delightful talent and obvious love for what Mother Earth gives those who Care!
Posted by: Melissa Stover | March 17, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Chef...your food and presentation were absolutely AMAZING! How refreshing it is to find a chef who highlights, honors and works with the ingredients to bring out their best possible flavor. You have a culinary gift, and impeccable palate, and I cannot wait to bring some of my fellow foodie friends to your restaraunt for what I am sure will be a meal to remember for a lifetime!
Posted by: Rebecca Christen | March 30, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Congrats to chef! It is very hard to upset an Iron Chef and we love the show. I'll have to search out the Food Network site to see if they post the episode online (we do not have cable or anything of the likes.)
I love to check your blog every now and then. You've inspired a few new veggies here and there in my garden. If only I had all my time for gardening!
Posted by: Deanne | March 26, 2009 at 06:09 AM
Can't wait to watch this. Just posted a blog about our incredible experience at Manresa a couple weeks ago.
Posted by: Estelle | March 19, 2009 at 09:40 AM
My son and I are huge Iron Chef fans and I was SOOOOOOO excited that Love Apple's chef was on it...even more so that he won!! Trying to find out how to see it...thanks
Carrie
Posted by: Carrie Moyer | March 18, 2009 at 07:59 PM