Charleston, SC is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the New World.  It combines Old South charm with modern luxury as it is not just full of Antebellum homes and oak lined streets but it also boasts a very creative restaurant scene.  Take for instance the recently opened Sazerac in in the city’s downtown.  To head up the kitchen at their newest venture Neighborhood Dining Group tabbed native son Sean Brock.

Brock started his career at the award-winning Peninsula Grill in Charleston under Chef Robert Carter.  Since then he has graduated from Johnson & Wales and completed apprenticeships with Chefs Rick Tramanto, Gale Gand, Grant Achatz and Paco Roncero of La Terraza del Casino in Madrid.

Stints as executive chef at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA and the historic Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville, TN before returning home to Charleston accepting the executive chef position at McCrady’s Restaurant.  Brock’s creativity and field-to-table experience at McCrady’s Restaurant lead to a 2010 James Beard Award, the Oscar’s of the restaurant industry.

At Sazerac, Brock has created an atmosphere centered around farm-fresh ingredients, classic cocktails and Southern hospitality.  In Kitchen Stadium, Brock will have to face the best Iron Chef in terms of winning percentage, Michael Symon.  This episode was actually shot during season 8 but was canned until the new season that began two weeks ago with Marc Forgione’s first defense and win as an Iron Chef followed last week with Iron Chef Garces ending his two battle skid with a 70-67 win over Mike Lata.

The judges for Battle: Pork Fat were Lorrie Morgan, Joshua Applestone and Karine Bakhoum. If you haven’t already be sure to read my exclusive interview with Iron Chef Michael Symon.

Click HERE for the outcome.

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