Today I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of GreatDay Houston and be a part of preparations for the Vintage Park Iron Chef segment. Although not directly involved with the project, I’ve learned always to say yes to MMI’s everyday adventures.
Host Debra Duncan and guests enjoy cuisine prepared by our Iron Chef competitors.
Like the iron chefs awaiting their next challenge, MMIers planned for every contingency and helped bring all the components together. Weeks were spent researching kitchens and strategizing the game plan. MMIers saw to every detail–scouring the grocery store for gourds to achieve the perfect reveal display of the secret ingredient, butternut squash.
Chefs and clients were rehearsing sound bites and details with MMIers down to the last minute. Twenty minutes before the show it came to our attention that a few extra supplies were needed. Only at MMI would you find yourself driving around Montrose at 8 a.m. on a Friday looking for butane and spinach.
L to R: Iron Chef from Peli Peli Paul Friedman, Vintage Park Director of Retail Management Melissa Goedde, Iron Chef Winner from Fish City Grill Carolyn Karwick holding the golden wisk, Host Debra Duncan and Iron Chef John Ly from Strata
It’s often hard to give people a description of what we do because it involves activities such as these; creating things from scratch and carrying out projects that may seem a bit strange to onlookers. In short, we make the unusual everyday business and the imaginary possible.
Finally, the show started and our secret ingredient was revealed. Our clients spoke beautifully and the food turned out delicious; filling the studio with rich, autumny smells of Thanksgiving and the great weekend to come.
For more behind-the-scenes photos of GreatDay Houston, visit Vintage Park’s Facebook page here.
