Battle Egg

On April 19, two teams competed in Iron Chef Brooklyn. Dave, the champion of Battle Pork, along with his partner Sachiko, challenged Sam and Beth in Battle Egg. It was just after Easter, and the judges were intrigued to see which celebration of the egg would prevail. Dave and Sachiko went first.

Dave and Sachiko, Dish #1: Spicy Egg Salad with Homemade Mango Chutney

This egg salad amuse was served on cracker topped with Canadian bacon. It packed a lot of heat. While the judges were intrigued by the complicated layering of flavors and the interplay of influences, many also cleaned their plate. Most judges would have dropped the ham, but both the egg salad and the chutney had nuts—walnuts and macadamias respectively—and that may have been the dish's saving grace.










Dave and Sachiko, Dish #2: Steak and Eggs

Here, steak was marinated in ponzu, ginger, and honey and seared, then topped with asparagus and green beans and a poached egg. "The meat is cooked perfectly," the judges agreed. Unfortunately, the eggs were overcooked—but the judges still gave them props for attempting such a difficult dish.










Dave and Sachiko, Dish #3: Chorizo and Egg Empanadas

These flawlessly fried empanadas were filled with cilantro-scrambled eggs, montalban cheese, and mild chorizo, then topped with pico de gallo and rich, cool avocado crema.

"Ooh—I can't believe I am eating green eggs and ham, and loving it!" said one judge. "These are amazing!" said another. And then they kept eating. "This is their best dish by far—so far."







Dave and Sachiko, Dish #4: Orange-Berry Sabayon

Orange supremes, raspberries, and blackberries were topped with a Grand Marnier sabayon and a sprig of mint.

"This is another ambitious dish," said one judge. "And it's so fluffy and boozy!" said another.

The judges felt like it got less boozy as they ate it—but then maybe that was just the booze talking.

Dave and Sachiko did well, but was it enough to win? Only time would tell.










Sam and Beth, Dish #1: Curried Stuffed Eggs

The deviled eggs were topped with cilantro and served on a bed of frisée and green apples.

"The apple frisée slaw helps cut the richness," explained a judge, as he downed the rich treat.












Sam and Beth, Dish #2: Egg Drop Soup with Five-Spice Wontons

The soup was delicate and laced with cilantro, and the wonton stips were a fried, crispy delight.

"I could eat these wontons all day," declared one judge. "But, then maybe I would be bored with the soup once they were gone."










Sam and Beth, Dish #3: Tortilla Española

This Spanish tortilla was topped with a homemade sriracha aioli and drizzled with even more sriracha.

"My mouth is on fire—in the best way."











Sam and Beth, Dish #4: Meringue-Sorbet Sandwiches Served in a Chocolate Easter Egg

This "original" dish was a "nice finish" and "so well done," that even those who "don't normally eat meringue, couldn't get enough."

It was a sweet end to an otherwise heavy meal of eight egg-celent courses.









So who won the egg-citing conclusion? It was a tie! Our first in Iron Chef Brooklyn.

And we determined, after much debate, that ties would, from this day forward, be determined by which team had the winning dish of the day. The answer? Dave and Sachiko won because the empanadas won the judges' hearts. (And who can blame them? You know you wish you could eat one right now.)

Now, they move on to play Dave and Carol in battle onion. Look for the results next month!