A Close Encounter...

...of the Iron Chef kind!

Today, I lunched at Superior Pho. It is the less-flashy next door neighbor of the more well-known #1 Pho, but the pho is so much better. Apaprently, I am in good company in this belief...

As I was waiting to pay for my co-worker and my meals, I noticed a distinct laugh. Was it, could it be.... yes! Michael Symon, perhaps the greatest restrateur Cleveland has ever known, and our own Iron Chef, way paying for take out from my favorite Pho spot. He was chatting with the proprietor of the Pho place about how much he loved Vietnamese food, and since he was classically trained in the French technique, he had an even greater appreciation for the cuisine.

As he turned to leave, I couldn't resist saying something to the man whose food I adore, who I cheered on every Sunday night in his quest to become Iron Chef, who has done so much for the city I love. "Chef, I'm liking the beard!" I said.

He turned around, gracing me with his signature laugh, and put his hand on my shoulder. "Thanks! But it's growing in all grey, I'm an old man now!" he chuckled.

"No, no -- it's quite dashing!" I assured him.

After he cheerily departed, I turned to the Pho proprietor, and with the grin still on my face said, "How awesome that you've got an Iron Chef coming in here!"

He told me that Symon comes in SEVERAL times a week, and gets a bunch of take out for his staff. So not only has Michael Symon himself ordained my favorite pho to be the pho to have, but I got to meet him in a casual, fun setting. He touched my shoulder. I made him chuckle.

I love Cleveland. In what other city would I be able to bump into a world-class chef in a tiny Asia Town lunch spot? And have him be so amicable, friendly, and down right cheerful? Fame hasn't gotten to his head one bit, he has clearly not forgotten that is was every-day diners like me that helped him create his expanding empire.

We're happy to share him with the world... as long as he still calls Cleveland home, and Pho Hoa the best pho in town.