Iron Chef Morimoto Brings Culinary Talents To South Florida

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – World famous chef Masaharu Morimoto has brought his culinary talents to South Florida.

Watching Chef Morimoto prepare his delicate and refined Japanese dishes is like watching Picasso paint. It's the work of a master craftsman. Millions know him as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America but he's best known for his unique style of presenting food. But as this Iron Chef told CBS4's Lisa Petrillo, having that title isn't always a piece of cake.

"Sometimes is too much pressure and a lot of stress," said Morimoto,  "But, on the other hand, I am so very honored and proud to do this."

Inside Morimoto's brand new self-titled eatery at the Shelborne Wyndham South Beach, his 12th restaurant to date, guests are surrounded by soft colors, warm woods and high style.

"It's very sexy, very gorgeous," Chef said.

Morimoto said both the food and the ambiance must work together in perfect unison.

"We try to do something and make some atmosphere. It's about hospitality, not just the food," he proudly explained.

Watch Lisa Petrillo's Chat With Iron Chef Morimoto

For Lisa, Chef prepared a dish he first created in 2001 at his first restaurant in Philadelphia; the Tuna Pizza. It's fresh tuna on top of a glazed and toasted tortilla with micro veggies in a secret sauce.

"You get the kick of the pepper and the sauce on the tuna is beyond," Petrillo described while enjoying the meal.

Up next was Lobster Ceviche with fresh conch and cucumber set in a gelatin vinaigrette dressing.

"You'll want to drink up," said Petrillo. "The lobster is not overcooked, not undercooked. It's perfect."

The next tasting was Torro Tartar, or tuna belly, with a host of different condiments to dip into.

"This is so special, it's something Miami has not seen before," said Petrillo.

"This is true," replied Chef Morimoto. "That's why I'm here!".

Now you can't end a great meal without a great dessert to die for.

Served up was a chocolate dome with chocolate mousse and creme inside, which was lit on fire and melted into a plate of pure perfection. "It's so incredible, I have no words," said Petrillo as she devoured her decadent dessert.

Morimoto South Beach is opened 7 days a week  for breakfast and dinner.

For more info: www.shelborne.com

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