ON TELEVISION
His Hawaii background could help 'Iron Chef' challenger
Local boy Tony Liu worked his way through Oahu kitchens, the Culinary Institute of America and some of the most respected restaurants in New York City.
But now he really has the chance to prove his mettle, so to speak, as he challenges former mentor Mario Batali on "Iron Chef America."
Liu, a Kapiolani Community College culinary school graduate, worked at Batali's Babbo restaurant, but since 2004 has presided over New York's August Restaurant as executive chef.
Liu cooks off against Batali at 6 and 9 p.m. Sunday on the Food Network. The program repeats at various times (check daily listings) on Monday and Aug. 9 to 12.
In his Food Network profile, Liu names Honolulu one of his favorite food destinations and says his secret weapon is sugar.