Domestic divo? Televised treatments of masculinity, femininity, and food

Over the sound of clashing knives, television host Mark Dacascos warns the audience that they are about to witness a “battle of masters” in which a “band of brothers” will be put to the ultimate test. The lights dim and floor opens to reveal three shadowy figures slowly rising from beneath the stage. As the music swells and spotlights flash, Dacascos cries, “Gentlemen, prepare for battle!" (Episode IANS03). The scene carries the same masculine intensity and drama of a boxing match; however, combat takes place in “kitchen stadium” and focuses on culinary-not martial-art. Here, on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America, food preparation is sport, and chefs are athletes.