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The Final Four Next Iron Chef Elimination: Exclusive interview with Chef Amanda Freitag
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Chef Amanda Freitag
It was a sticky competition, literally, last night on Food Network's The Next Iron Chef. The final four chefs traveled to Tokyo and where the theme of the week's challenge was "Deliciousness." They were asked to prepare dishes that highlighted umami, as well as present five rice dishes that represented all the senses of taste in the final task. Unfortunately, the very personable, and fan fave, Chef Amanda Freitag was asked to turn in her chopsticks. I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Freitag about the challenge and her elimination.
Seemed like you did well in both of the tasks. The judges were full of compliments, but yet you ended up in the bottom two. Were you surprised by your elimination? What do you think happened?
I was not surprised to be in the bottom two. I did undercook the mushrooms and overcooked the beef a bit, but because I had received high praise, I was surprised to be the one to go home. It all seems so surreal when you are there.
You never think it is going to happen to you, and when it does, it is just weird. I also think that the judges take into account previous weeks as well. I am just glad I went out on a good note, not with someone telling me the get out of the kitchen because I can't cook!
Was cooking for Iron Chef Morimoto intimidating?
It really was! I mean he was right there, very close quarters! I kept thinking, "Am I doing it the right way? Why is he watching me so much?" But... in the end he liked my dishes, so I was very happy with my performance. Being in Tokyo was an honor and super cool. I just stuck with what I know and tried to incorporate flavors that I knew I would like. Always stick with what you know.
You always seemed rather calm and collected to me. You seemed more frazzled this week. Why? How about that coconut milk?
There was so much pressure leading up to this task... being in the final four, the trip to Tokyo and generally feeling worn out. Had they taped this in Italy I would have been a different chef. I don't have a lot of experience with Japanese food. I think the other chefs have more global experience in general. So, I felt a bit out of my element. And let me tell you, I will not travel to Tokyo without a can opener ever again!
You rooting for any particular chef now?
Oh wow... I do have a winner in mind, but I will keep that to myself and just see how it gels out. But, it was a pleasure to meet all of them. We got close during the show and I got lots of messages last night after the show aired.
Will we still see you on Chopped as a judge?
Absolutely! We start shooting very soon for 2010 season. Since I have been on The Next Iron Chef the contestants will be more wary of me... they are all afraid of Alex, maybe now it will be me!
Advice for future contestants?
Cook the way you like to eat. Do what you know and don't stray and take major risks or something you have never done before. You can use your same techniques and work in the ingredients that are given to you.
Learn all about Chef Freitag
Check out her signature recipe
Other interviews with Next Iron Chef Contestants:
Chef Nate Appleman
Chef Roberto Trevino
Chef Dominique Crenn
Chef Brad Farmerie
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