Iron Fork 2014: Aaron Brooks and Todd Erickson Talk Strategy

Laine Doss July 15, 2014 11:00AM

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What do you think your opponent's strengths and weaknesses are?

Brooks: Strengths: his dashing good looks and stylish coiffure. Weaknesses: I am not too sure -- maybe that he's just too nice.

Erickson: Aaron is really strong with charcuterie and balancing flavors. I've yet to see his weakness, but as soon as I do, I'll capitalize on it!

How are you preparing for this epic battle?

Brooks: To be honest, I have been trying not to think about it much. It'll only make me nervous! Plus this whole fitness challenge thing Jamie DeRosa got me tied up in has had me plenty busy. Thankfully, though, Todd is part of it too, so he's got his hands full also!

Erickson: Both Aaron and I are kickboxing now. We're going to be lean, mean, cheffing machines by the time we battle.

Do you think cooking before a live audience will help or hinder you? Does this make you nervous or feed your will to win?

Brooks: Love live! The adrenaline rush of cooking in front of a crowd is a great motivation. I'm really looking forward to this!

Erickson: I've done similar events in the past. At first it can be intimidating, but once the battle begins, the focus sets in, and everything but the cooking disappears. Let's hope for that scenario again this time around.

The competition is just part of the evening. Iron Fork will also feature some of the best restaurants in Miami offering bites. VIP guests will experience the food, fun, and excitement one hour early, at 6 p.m., and will have access to a private bar and lounge that will feature entertainment, cocktails, and an elite selection of Miami's best luxury dining restaurants.

Tickets for this 21-and-over event cost $50 for general admission and $85 for VIP and are available through ticketfly.com.

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Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times. She has been featured on Cooking Channel's Eat Street and Food Network's Great Food Truck Race. She won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature about what it's like to wait tables.

Contact: Laine Doss

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