Ming Tsai vs. Bobby Flay

Okay, I was at it again.

Finding the inducement to reward myself for cramming from the night before (class homework of 4 weeks-worth which I managed to write in 6 hours!); I sought solace from push-buttoned technology. And as often as it has been in the past, whenever I'm in the mood for some couch-potatoing, the TV won't combine forces with me! Argh! Why does it always have to be that way? Re-run films, slap-stick shows, Pinoy Big Brother (Vincent even sent me with this text message: 'just type BB NENE and send to 2331'...ano ba?!!! Probably he too, was bored)! Oh come on, por favor, not tonight.

Thank heavens for Food Network, one hour of my TV pleading was bailed out. Iron Chef America was on, only to tear my loyalty apart between Ming Tsai (East Meets West) and Bobby Flay (Hot Off the Grill) - 2 of the chefs I adore, fencing ladles in the kitchen stadium. Flay was the iron chef, while Tsai was the challenger. Huuufff! I had to decide who to take sides with. Not that I had to, but I knew I just have to. I chose Tsai! But just for tonight, Bobby (winks). Ted Allen (Queer Eye) was one of the judges, by the way.

Duck was the secret ingredient in last night’s episode. In an hour's time, the guys managed to whip up their "whatever" dishes. I had my computer propped up on my lap just in time for the judging, so I was able to jot down their duck delights.

Tsai's concoctions:

1. Foi gras shumai (imagine duck chunks wrapped into a siomai and then steamed)
2. Wrapped duck breast and shrimp mousse
3. Braised duck legs with sweet potatoes
4. Roasted pekin duck with duck leg crepe (duck in crepes! I wonder how it tastes like)
5. Froi gras creme brulee (it's creme brulee with duck!)


Bobby's handiwork:

1. Duck breast skewers (grilled duck and then stuffed in tortilla)
2. Duck and sweet potato hash with poached duck egg (he said it's got a Caribbean touch)
3. Duck confit in a corn crepe (blue corn crepes, Bobby's trademark)
4. Jerk marinated duck breast (I don't know where the 'jerk' thing came from, but the duck was smothered with mango sauce)
5. Deep fried duck with 10-ingredient grits


When the announcement for the winner was about to happen, I looked silly on my seat, praying for Tsai to win (while my sister gave me the look). Come on! Beat the iron chef! Well, he did win. He got high marks for the taste (the duck creme brulee must've done the trick superbly!). Don't worry Bobby, I still love you.

Couch potato mission: accomplished.