For Those With an Iron Constitution…

New York's fooderati were out in force tonight to celebrate the launch of The Next Iron Chef, premiering October 7 on the Food Network. Always hungry for a chance to watch their favorite chefs in action, this crowd of journos and other culinary-scene regulars noshed on capapés and cocktails in the Food Network's Kitchen Stadium to wish the élite group of chefs well. John Besh (Restaurant August, Besh Steak, Lüke, La Provnce); Chris Consentino (Incanto); Jill Davie, (JOSIE); Traci Des Jardins (Jardinière, Mijita and Acme Chophouse); Gavin Kaysen (El Bizcocho); Morou Ouattara (Farrah Olivia); Aarón Sánchez (Centrico, Paladar); and Michael Symon (Lola and Lolita) are the eight masters of cuisine who will be duking it out this season, with the winner revealed on November 11. The following week, the newly crowned Iron Chef will take his or her rightful place on the new season of Iron Chef America, which premieres on November 18. Gentlemen (and ladies), start your burners. %%showphotos [setid=72157602529521049]%%