Congratulations [Next Iron Chef]! (spoiler inside)

[whiner]

Note: the title of this post was edited by The Chowhound Team to remove the spoiler from the title.

I'm surprised there is no topic about this here, but just to let you all know, after beating out several nationally known chefs in a series of challenges on The Food Network, Michael Symon -- the founder/chef/co-owner of Lola and Lolita in Cleveland has just been named the new "Iron Chef" on The Food Network's popular series: "Iron Chef America".

I've been to Lola many times and personally consider it to be a world-class restaurant. The best in Cleveland. Now Symon will be representing the quality of cooking that Cleveland (and the midwest) is capable of on a national level, squaring off in cooking battles against other incredibly reputable chefs.

You can watch the entire event leading up to this online here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_...

Again, I think this is great for Cleveland. Even better for Symon. And he really did deserve it. So, CONGRATULATIONS!

[LindaWhit]

There's quite a long thread about the finale and who won here, just a couple of posts below yours: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/459574