I agree with wolf as well...except for one little detail. Emeril Lagasse isn't as bad as you all make him out to be. You simply watch the wrong Emeril show. Try Essence of Emeril at 1600 (4 pm for civilians) right before Molto Mario (another good show IMO).
I enjoy the Iron Chef as well...and the American version died a well-deserved death with William Shatner. Thank you Lord!
There are times that I would like to do something like that for the "normal" people. You know, have wings as the secret ingredient and let two "regular" cooks (as opposed to chefs) cook it out!
And let the judges have at least SOME expertise in food... actresses and politicians don't cut it with me. I'll save that idea for when I get my own cooking show.
Oh, Emeril's "essence" is just a spice mixture that you can make on your own. I admit to having some in my cupboard. It beats "Italian seasoning", "Cajun seasoning" and the ever-mysterious "Five-Spice Powder". And I've been known to BAM in my kitchen too.
Brian