Bobby Flay loses Thanksgiving Throwdown to Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman

Resident Foodies say: In a twist, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, challenged Bobby Flay to a Thanksgiving dinner Throwdown, back at her Oklahoma ranch. It was a visual and culinary feast!

The judges picked Ree as the winner, but it was very close.

For the recipes of Bobby’s and Ree’s Thanksgiving dinner, click below:

1. Ree Drummond’s Cornbread Dressing with Pancetta, Apples, and Mushrooms

2. Ree Drummond’s Giblet Gravy

3. Ree Drummond’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes

4. Ree Drummond’s Pecan Pie

5. Ree Drummond’s Pie Crust

6. Bobby Flay’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce and Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise

7. Bobby Flay’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates and Vanilla-Pecan Butter

8. Ree Drummond’s Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

9. Bobby Flay’s Sourdough, Wild Mushroom, and Bacon Dressing

10. Bobby Flay’s Thanksgiving Pioneer-Style Herb Roasted Turkey

Laurent Gras leaves L2O in dispute with owner Rich Melman — big loss for Chicago!

Resident Foodies say: We are devastated, absolutely devastated, to learn that Executive Chef of L2O Laurent Gras is permanently leaving L2O for NYC, even after being awarded the highest distinction by Michelin (3 stars) yesterday.

Food & Wine reveals that Gras left in a dispute with Melman over the direction of L2O: ““I love L2O and am very proud of everything we achieved there. But [owner] Rich Melman and I have always had different points of view on L2O. In July, we talked about changes he wanted to make, and for me, these changes would alter the character of L2O and ultimately make it a different experience. I let him know then that I would be leaving.”

L2O awarded 3 Michelin stars, while Chef Laurent Gras may leave L2O

Resident Foodies say: We have good news and bad news. First, the good new–no, great news–is that our favorite Chicago restaurant, L2O (short for H2O + Laurent Gras), was awarded today the highest distinction in the restaurant industry: 3 Michelin stars. (Only Alinea matched that feat in Chicago.)

The bad news–and really bad news–is that Executive Chef Laurent Gras took a leave of absence a couple weeks ago and left town. It’s not clear if Gras is displeased with the restaurant management or has some non-work related issue. But the owner of L2O, Rich Melman, thinks that Gras may have left for good, despite Melman’s efforts to keep him. We hope not!

To celebrate the Michelin honor, we are rerunning our 2009 review of the restaurant:

Full version

Short still version

Written review to follow!

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Ming Tsai loses Next Iron Chef; Marc Forgione + Marco Canora make finale

Resident Foodies say: Wow, Ming Tsai eliminated from Next Iron Chef! What a shocker double elimination round of Next Iron Chef.

Chef Ming Tsai, a favorite of many, got eliminated right before the finale. Marc Forgione and Marco Canora will go head-to-head next week in the finale. Ming Tsai was probably the most famous contestant chef on the show and the favorite, or “the one to beat.” Moderator Alton Brown summed it up for Chef Tsai: “You were simply outcooked–and not by much. But by enough, and I’m sorry, but you won’t be the next Iron Chef.” Wow, talk about adding salt to the wound!

Below is a video recap of Ming Tsai’s elimination:

YouTube version, iPhone compatible:

Click here for more from LA Times

Click here for Ming Tsai’s recipes

Gary Danko: Sweet Corn Soup with Dungeness Crab, Red Pepper, Crème Fraîche and Chive Biscuit

Resident Foodies say: This is one of the best appetizers you will ever taste. Gary Danko’s sweet corn soup is an exquisite creation, with such a distinctive taste that you probably will remember for the rest of your life. Every ingredient — from the dungeness crab to the chive biscuit — is so wonderful to partake. The soup is seasonal (when corn is available), so, if you see it on the menu at Gary Danko’s, you should definitely order it!