Celebrating with Iron Chef Garces- Pictures Too!

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Maria Valetta

I can’t help but say, I called it! Yes, my post; And The Next Iron Chef Is… gave you all the reasons why Chef Garces was going to win. And just in case you missed it because you were watching something unimportant like sports, here’s the quick recap version. After a grueling 60 minutes of chopping, slicing, dicing, roasting, searing, braising and plating the secret ingredient “ribs and racks” along with plenty of chef sweat to accompany the drama, the Chairman announced in his sharp, serious manner “and The Next Iron chef is…..Chef Garces.” Garces had roasted Jehangir Mehta to a burnt crisp…WELL DONE JOSE! ;)

Last night’s viewing party event at Distrito for the final episode was overflowing with fans of all ages, those in the food biz, camera crews, paparazzi, PR companies, and of course, Jose himself, along with his friends and family. There was even an unexpected special guest appearance from third place cheftestant Seamus Mullen of Boqueria in NY. Distrito positioned about 6 TVs in the bi-level restaurant, and even had the show playing on the giant projection screen that hangs above the stairs for the crowd to watch the cooking combat. Jose, his family, his close friends, and Chef Mullen watched the episode in the secret back karaoke room behind the hostess stand.

As soon as it was announced that Garces would be joining the hierarchy of champion chefs; Morimoto, Batali, Cora, Flay and Symon, the crowd began to roar with the sounds of celebration. Our newly crowned Iron Chef then reappeared and made his way through the crowd to high-five everyone as the DJ spun the sounds of The Notorious B.I.G.! For the next hour and a half José shook hands, signed autographs,menus, and copies of his cookbook. He also posed for a million pictures for both the press and his adoring fans. He is a true celebrity now. And there we were in the middle of it all, watching someone’s dream become a reality. I also must add that Jose sure knows how to throw a celebration party. I’m still recovering from the effects of the continuously flowing sangria and tequila-laden blood orange frozen margaritas. Check out the fun pictures from the event below:

Also, make sure to mark your calendars as Iron Chef Garces has already taped an Iron Chef America episode for The Food Network which will air on January 17^th. Chef Garces will battle it out in kitchen stadium against Seattle Chef Rachel Yang of Joule. So stay tuned, there is a lot more to come from our Phamous Philly Chef whose cuisine now reigns supreme!