Iron Chef Party at Vermilion

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. tonight, Midtown East’s At Vermilion will celebrate Chef Maneet Chauchan’s rumble in the kitchen against Iron Chef Morimoto on tonight’s episode of the Food Network’s winning Japanese-adapted show.

The watching party, in keeping with the theme of “Iron Chef,” will feature a secret cocktail and special menu mirroring Chauchan’s “Iron Chef” performance.

At Vermilion is recovering from something of a bad rap among the New York press circuit.  Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post said in 2008, “The 200-seat, two-level eatery’s liabilities start with a stark, colorless design (without a trace of red) and a moronic name (why not just call it “Vermilion” like the celebrated Chicago original)?”  But then acquiesces that “Tandoori-baked, churrasco-style skirt steak lit my fire on a bitter night.”

Chauchan’s fusion of Indian and Latin American flavors admittedly works better in some dishes than others.  Lobster Portuguese stewed in goan (from Goa) gravy with coconut rice is a dud.  Tamarind margaritas and tandoori skirt steak are keepers.

Of course, it’s probably not a secret that this Salman Rushdie-backed restaurant ends up winning Iron Chef, or At Vermilion’s PR blitz will end up with proverbial egg on its face.  Diners also get the benefit of hearing Chauchan’s behind-the-scenes commentary on the filming.

Make your next stop restaurateur Steven Starr’s New York foray, Morimoto, and be your own judge.

At Vermilion, 480 Lexington Ave (at 46^th street), 7:00 p.m., $65 per person.

[Photo by jenny downing]

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