New Iron Chef winner reigns supreme

By Yvonne Lim Wilson | September 6, 2008

Chef Parul (Masala Wok), Chef Chan (Tea House), Chef Moses (Benihana) and Chef Chad Pritchard

Chef Chad Pritchard is Austin's newest Iron Chef. Pritchard defeated two-time Iron Chef winner Chef Chan over a heated pineapple battle during the third annual Asia Food Fest, held Sept. 5 –7 at the Texas Culinary Academy in North Austin.

Pritchard is a graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy and is developing his own contemporary Korean restaurant, Ella 41.

The two chefs were judged on their use of the secret ingredient, presentation, sanitation and originality.

Pritchard earned 1367 points with his menu of panko-crusted langoustine with pineapple salsa, a napoleon with tilapia paired with fried catfish over pineapple with sesame rice, and a caramelized pineapple soufflé with caramel sauce. Chan offered a salmon, short ribs and Singapore noodles, earning 1165 points.

Pritchard said the most challenging part of the competition was working with the secret ingredient and going against Chef Chan. But the hard work was worth it.

"I thought it was great. It's good to come home," said Pritchard of working at the Academy and competing against Chef Chan.

Dishes were served to each of the judges and an extra dish was created for auction among the audience.

"I think Chef Chan wanted to lose when we told him if he wins three years in a row, no more!" joked Dr. Foo Swasdee, event founder and owner of Satay Restaurant.

The Iron Chef competition was the big finale to the three-day festival, which also included a six-course Pacific Sake dinner, and a day of workshops and cooking classes.

The event was hosted by the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, Satay Restaurant and the Texas Culinary Academy. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a Thai Tsunami orphanage and also The Arc of Texas.