The Question

Oh! Wait!

I forgot to tell you what Fred asked and Alton's answer!

Okay, Fred asked Alton about the chefs on Iron Chef America. He noted that they always seem to have what they need on Iron Chef. Do they, therefore, know in advance what the secret ingredient is?

Alton said, no. The contest is precisely one hour long and the show, itself, only airs for 42 minutes. What is omitted is all the chefs standing around with their sous chefs, mumbling about what the heck they're going to make. Alton also noted that they don't just happen to have the stuff they need, they just bring A LOT of stuff to the competition with them.

Additionally, in answer to someone else's question, Alton said he does not, in fact, get to taste what the contestants make. He's not a judge, it's not his place, he said. However, Mario Batali occasionally makes him a portion. Alton said he doesn't know why Mario does this, but said that since Mario is pretty much the best chef on the planet, when he gives you food, you simply say "thank you."