Throwdown with Michael Symon

Michael Symon and culinary director Katie Pickens arrive at a chef's own workplace without revealing the challenge in advance. The local chef then discovers that Symon plans to cook that chef's signature dish. [Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/throwdown-with-michael-symon)

No, Michael Symon hosts this Food Network revival of the Throwdown format previously associated with Bobby Flay. The surprise visit and signature-dish challenge are the link between the two series. [Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/throwdown-with-michael-symon)

Symon and the guest chef cook in front of spectators, then a blind-judging process decides the winner. That blind tasting keeps the judges from choosing based only on the chef's name or television reputation. [Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/throwdown-with-michael-symon)

Food Network highlights battles involving barbecue burgers, fried chicken, khachapuri, and chicken shawarma. These named dishes show that the show covers restaurant specialties and regional comfort food, not one fixed cuisine. [Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/throwdown-with-michael-symon)