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South Bay Chef Battles In Kitchen Stadium

There have been a parade of big-name San Francisco chefs who have duked it out on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.”

But now, those of us in the South Bay, finally will have one of our own to cheer on in Kitchen Stadium.

None other than David Kinch, chef of the two-Michelin-star Manresa in Los Gatos, will challenge an Iron Chef on Sunday, March 15. Of course, we can’t be a spoiler and tell you how he fared or what the secret ingredient was when he taped the show. But we can say that he goes chef’s knife to chef’s knife with Iron Chef Bobby Flay.

Those who know Kinch’s earnest demeanor and perfectionist nature when it comes to cooking might be surprised that he agreed to participate in such a zany cooking competition.

“We are serious about what we do, but hopefully don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Kinch says. “We like to have fun, too. And more than anything, I knew it would be a new experience and a lot of fun.”

Indeed, he jumped at the chance when he was extended his first invitation to the show. And he enjoyed the experience so much, he said that he’d definitely consider doing it again.

What surprised him most about doing the show?

“How long it takes to film, and the attention to detail to get everything right,” he says.  “It was impressive. You must never forget though that even though it is TV and is entertainment, that the hour that you cook, it is the real deal. If equipment doesn’t work or breaks, or you cut your finger off, the clock doesn’t stop. You keep going — just like in a real kitchen.”

Kinch has help, too. He’s assisted in Kitchen Stadium by his current chef de cuisine, John Paul Carmona; as well as his former chef de cuisine, James Syhabout, who will open his first restaurant, Commis, in Oakland this summer.

Tune in to see if Kinch’s elegant cuisine reigns supreme.