Why This Job Rocks, #30

Judges Table at Throwdown!

#30- Staff field trip to Throwdown! That's right, the Bobby Flay show rolled into town, and we were there to witness the epic battle of two bigger-than-life chefs: Bobby "I Heart Poblano Peppers" Flay versus Teddy "The Kid" Folkman in a Mussels and Fries Throwdown.

How did we know about this supposedly secret event, seeing as FN puts quite a bit of effort into inventing a plausible cover story for each Throwdown? Well, it might have been the fact that Teddy had to take a few "important calls from a major food television producer" during class. (Program Note: For any parents or students who might be reading this, this would be an exception to our still standing policy of no cell phones or other techno-gadgetry during class. Seriously.) The second tip-off was probably the "cover story" that Dr. Granville Moore's was going to be featured in a FN segment called "America Eats". As board member/volunteer Binni put it, "What?!? America Eats? America does not eat Moules and Frites." Moules and Frites, however, is Teddy's specialty, and having a "specialty dish" gave him added Throwdown potential.

At any rate, we ran into Teddy during the 3 day stint where FN producers were "getting footage" for their completely bogus cover show, and he invited us to lunch at the Argonaut, 11:15 the next day and warned us that we might be there until 2 or 3. A middle of the day field trip to support one of our favorite chefs, eat some mussels, AND maybe be on tv? What a dream Tuesday.

As soon as we got there the next day, there was clearly something afoot. We had to sign waivers before entering the Argonaut, which was lit up stadium-style and packed full of giddy spectators clutching complimentary beverages. There was only the vaguest notion of a time line, and, from the looks of it, the 5 or 6 FN camera folk seemed to be in no rush as they collected footage of Teddy talking about his ingredients, and setting up camp in front of a few single burners. Still no mention of Throwdown, and no sightings of either Bobby Flay or his entourage.

Meanwhile, the entire room buzzed with the energy of adults playing hooky from their day jobs to watch some play-ground style culinary stand off. You could practically hear the strains of "Anything you can do, I can do better" as the crowd (some more boisterous than others) got antsy. And then, just as the lights were getting a tad too hot, and air inside the packed bar went from stale to stuffy, the back door to the bar opened, the annoyed crowd glared in the direction of the cold draft of air, and in strolled Bobby Flay. Wearing a plum colored argyle sweater over a button down shirt of the same color, and looking pretty much like he does on TV.

And this, of course, is where things got started. Bobby got the same table and single burners that Teddy had, though his side was fancily furnished with Le Creuset and stainless steel utensils, and both chefs went to work. Teddy was doing mussels with bleu cheese, spinach, and bacon, and the regular herb-dusted frites with a roasted yellow tomato and truffle aioli. Bobby, by anyone's guess, was at work on some green looking broth for the mussels (poblanos or curry, perhaps?) and, you guessed it, a chipotle aioli dipping sauce for his fries. Unfortunately, we weren't able to witness the cooking of the fries, which took place in the back kitchen.

This is the point where any Throwdown party-goer has been urged by producers to repeat the standard, "I can't tell you who won until the episode airs in May or June." But as someone who tasted both Teddy's and Bobby's dishes, I will say that I did think there was a clear winner. And if you're still curious about the outcome, check out the blog by the one of the Throwdown judges on Amalah. DC Foodies, DCist, and EndlessSimmer also wrote up the event.

The following camera phone moments brought to you by Brainfood event photographer, Amy Brady.

Teddy's Mussels and Fries & Judges Table

Bobby Flay and crew hard at work & Amy and Carina with Bobby