The show debuted Sunday, October 7, 2007, and the hosts were Alton Brown and "The Chairman", Mark Dacascos.

The final challenge took place at the Food Network studios in New York City, on the Iron Chef America set.

The show was based in Los Angeles before traveling to Tokyo for two episodes, and again hosted by Alton Brown and "The Chairman" Mark Dacascos.

It was later announced in an internet press release[2] that Alton Brown and judge Donatella Arpaia would return for season 3.

Completing the judges panel are food writer and broadcaster Simon Majumdar and current Iron Chef Michael Symon.

The contest was judged by food writer Michael Ruhlman, Bon Appétit restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton, and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia.

[6] The judges are restaurateur Donatella Arpaia, food writer and broadcaster Simon Majumdar and current Iron Chef Michael Symon, winner of the Season 1 competition.

As the winner of the previous challenge, Celina Tio had a five-minute head start in the 30-minute hunt for ingredients on the fair grounds.