A Local, Hands-On Version of "Iron Chef"

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Feb 8, 2006 2:56PM

We discovered from last week's Iron Chef post that some of you are very opinionated about the series and the chefs mentioned; to the extent that you might be considered- gasp- foodies!!!

We'll let that sink in a moment for you. Breathe. It's alright. It's not a bad word. Ostentatious as all get-out, yes. But not bad. Take a sip from your smoothie.

There you go. Feel better?

For those of you who don't know a damn thing about Iron Chef but have been thinking about taking a cooking class, please consider this for Saturday morning- especially if you're on the verge of getting your better half doghouse roses and a box of chocolates at the last minute. Chefs Stephanie Oelsligle and Brian Flower, the founders of Hot Dish Cooking, are hosting an Iron Chef-inspired "Hot Dish Cook-off" from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the professional kitchen of Robert Morris College (401 S. State St., 8th floor). It's part of the city's "Winter Delights 2006" series.

The Hot Dish Cook-off pairs Oelsligle and Flower with five random participants each who take mystery ingredients to produce a three-course meal. It combines the surprise and "beat-the-clock" action of Iron Chef with a cooking class. The $95 fee also includes a parting gift from the Hot Dish crew. To sign up contact Oelsligle at her number listed on the Hot Dish website.