Canadian Chef Michael Smith battles it out on Iron Chef America

Airing Sunday, January 31 at 9pm ET /PT on Food Network Canada

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TORONTO , Jan. 20 /CNW/ - January 20, 2010 - Canada's own Chef Michael Smith , host of Food Network Canada's Chef Abroad and Chef At Home, was called to battle in kitchen stadium on Iron Chef America and has risen to the challenge. The ultimate Iron Chef America culinary competition between Michael Smith and Iron Chef Bobby Flay is scheduled to air January 31 at 9pm ET /PT on Food Network Canada .

When Chef Michael Smith was invited to compete on Iron Chef America he and his two sous-chefs, Bill Pratt ( Halifax based retired Navy chef) and Chef Paul Rogalski (Chef Proprietor of Calgary based Rouge Restaurant) readied themselves for combat. On January 31 , Michael Smith and his challenger, Bobby Flay, will take to their stations in kitchen stadium and once the legendary "secret ingredient" is revealed, begin their race against time to create a four star meal for a panel of judges.

During the battle between Smith and Flay, The Chairman, Mark Dacascos, oversees both competitors as they combat the clock. Kevin Brauch (Food Network's Thirsty Traveler), exposes the goings-on in each competitor's kitchen while Alton Brown , host of Good Eats, offers play-by-play analysis and personal insights as dishes are created and tensions rise. An all-star judging panel, including Donatella Arpaia (restaurateur and culinary personality); Antonio Sabato Jr. (Actor); and Anya Fernald (Director of Live Culture Co.), will score each dish for taste, presentation and originality and declare victory for one chef. Tune in to find out whose cuisine reigns supreme.

Apart from his appearance on Iron Chef America, Michael Smith has an action packed winter season in store. Chef Michael will be leading a team of chefs in the Whistler Athletes Village preparing a menu of Canadian favourites and global flavours for all the athletes of the world during the games. 85 Olympic teams, upwards of 12,000 meals a day!

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