Aside from BBQs, fireworks and enjoying an extra day off of work, you can celebrate this Canada Day long weekend by watching homegrown chef Roger Mooking face off with Michael Symon on Iron Chef America.
Food Network Canada announced Tuesday that Mooking, host of the channel’s Everyday Exotic, would enter Kitchen Stadium for the very first time on Sunday, July 3.
According to a press release, Mooking and his two sous chefs, Stuart Cameron and Nelson Fernandez (from Mooking’s former restaurants Kultura and Nyood), will battle Symon, creating a five-course meal in 60 minutes, using the secret ingredient revealed at the beginning of the episode.
Judges include sports broadcasters Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton, restaurateur and cookbook author Donatella Arpaia, and Bizarre Foods host Ander Zimmern. Each chef will be scored on taste, presentation and originality, with Chairman Mark Dacascos, Good Eats’ Alton Brown and Thirsty Traveler’s Kevin Brauch overseeing the events.
Mooking’s battle is part of a mini Iron Chef America marathon. The night’s three back-to-back episodes kick off at 6 p.m. ET with a repeat of Bobby Flay and Lynn Crawford’s battle, followed by an encore of Flay and Chuck Hughes’ competition at 7 p.m. ET. Mooking’s debut takes place at 8 p.m. ET.
Aside from Crawford, Hughes and Mooking, other Canadian Iron Chef America competitors have included Rob Feenie, Guy Rubino, David Adjey, Michael Smith and Amanda Cohen.
Iron Chef America, featuring Mooking, airs Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network Canada.
Thoughts? Comment below.
Check out Diana’s DVDs every Tuesday or follow Diana on Twitter.
Follow TV Guide Canada on Facebook