FOOD TVIron Chef Tom Aikens

TV Times talks to top chef Tom Aikens about the new cookery and game show Iron Chef UK

Few suit the title of ‘Iron Chef’ more than Tom Aikens (far right). Known for his maverick style and impatience, he’s not your average touchy-feely, smiley TV chef. Making him the perfect choice for C4’s tough new cookery contest, Iron Chef UK.

"I am very, very competitive and I hate losing," he warns, insisting he’ll be making no concessions for those brave enough to go up against him in the kitchen.
 
Based on a Japanese format and presented by wine expert Olly Smith, the competition sees eager amateur challengers compete with four resident Iron Chefs: Tom, Martin Blunos, Judy Joo and Sanjay Dwivedi.

Given a special ingredient (that could be anything from aubergine to octopus) they all have 70 minutes to create a culinary masterpiece that will be judged by expert food critics. The best challenger will go head-to-head each Friday with the strongest of that week’s Iron Chef – pocketing £1,000 if they beat them.

Increasing the tension, the competition takes place in the ‘Kitchen Stadium’ – a hugely impressive pressure cooker of an arena that’s presided over by ‘The Chairman’, an enigmatic Japanese ringmaster who embodies the ‘ancient heritage’ of the competition!

"He’s very funny – this certainly isn’t a staid, boring, studio-based show," says Tom, who was the youngest British head chef to be awarded two Michelin stars. "It’s more like a high-energy sports contest which is very quick and where every second counts.

"There’s a real sense of what it’s like to cook in a professional kitchen when you’re up against the clock. There’s a lot of stress for the contenders."

Given that they’re not professional chefs like Tom – nor used to the pressures of a kitchen – aren’t the challengers at a distinct disadvantage?

"Tough!" he says. "That’s the luck of the draw. We’re Iron Chefs, we’re going to be very difficult to beat."

He won’t say if anyone succeeds, but does admit to an off-day.

"I made classic Italian Meatballs and the judge said he expected something more creative from a Michelin-starred chef!"

And for those who prefer to cook at a more leisurely pace, Tom suggests this special slow roast lamb recipe below…

FOOD TVRecipe

Full Recipe: Tom Aikens’ slow roast shoulder of lamb with onions, thyme and balsamic vinegar