Iron Chef America

Iron Chef America is an American cooking show based on FujiTV's Iron Chef, and is the second American adaptation of the series, following the failed Iron Chef USA. The show is produced by Food Network, which also carries a dubbed version of the original Iron Chef.

Related Topics:
American - Cooking show - FujiTV - Iron Chef - Iron Chef USA - Food Network

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The chairman is portrayed by martial arts expert Mark Dacascos, who is introduced as the nephew of the original Japanese chairman Takeshi Kaga (in fact, contrary to the urban legend which suggests that Moriko McVey, Dacascos' real-life mother, is the sister to Kaga, the two are not related - this belief likely arose due to the fact that both chairmen effectively play fictionalized versions of themselves). The commentary is provided solely by Alton Brown (unlike previous incarnations where there were two commentators), and Kevin Brauch is the floor reporter.

Related Topics:
Martial arts - Mark Dacascos - Takeshi Kaga - Urban legend - Alton Brown - Kevin Brauch

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The show is one of the more successful ones on Food Network (both in the US and Canada), attracting many from outside its normal demographic - in particular, the core 18-49 male demographic. This is due in part to its roots - Iron Chef in all its incarnations is often touted as more of a sporting event rather than a cooking show. Its critical acclaim is in stark contrast to Iron Chef USA, as Iron Chef America both modernizes the look and feel of Iron Chef in addition to bringing back Iron Chef to its roots. Criticisms of Iron Chef America are often minor in nature, such as having Alton Brown fill in the roles of both Kenji Fukui and Yukio Hattori on the original Iron Chef. As Brown, who in the making of Iron Chef America, likened himself to Hattori, many believed that Brown should have been paired with a play-by-play commentator. Some fans also claim that Brown is not as knowledgeable about Asian cuisines compared to European cuisines, and suggest that another commentator who is more versed in Asian cuisine work should be added. Others have criticized Brauch's somewhat intrusive floor reporting, often times interviewing chefs as they cooked, which was not done by Shinichiro Ota, his counterpart on Iron Chef (this was also done in Iron Chef USA, but the chefs on Iron Chef America are notably more open to Brauch compared to Sissy Biggers, his Iron Chef USA counterpart).

Related Topics:
Kenji Fukui - Yukio Hattori - Shinichiro Ota - Sissy Biggers

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Unlike the original Iron Chef or Iron Chef USA, however, Alton Brown, rather than the chairman, is credited as the show's host.

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