My wife and I started watching the show Iron Chef very recently. And, while the show does provide some entertainment, I do question whether the show might be a bit overrated.
First of all, watching chefs competing against each other to prepare a five course meal in 60 minutes is kind of cool to watch; especially since they have to use a specific ingredient in each of the courses ranging from a vegetable to a type of meat.
However, I think the fact they have a team helping them is a bit of a turnoff. I can prepare a 3-4 course meal by myself in 60 minutes. I would think a professional chef is capable of doing the same with a 5 course meal. If you think about it, the contest is really about who has the better team, not who is the better chef.
The other thing I’m not a big fan of is the food they actually end up preparing. I’m sure there are some circles that eat things like raw egg over raw fish. But, nobody I know would come within 100 feet of that. I’m almost glad I don’t have the money to eat at upscale restaurants. From a viewer’s standpoint, you really can’t tell if the dish is a masterpiece or something that they just whipped together in desperation. You have to rely too much on the judges’ opinions.
In other words, it’s a good show if you’re looking to kill time but it could be better.

Rating: 7