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Food fight: Chefs settle old scores in 'Superchef Grudge Match'

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Author: 
Michelle Rose / TV Media
Darnell Ferguson hosts “Superchef Grudge Match”

Darnell Ferguson hosts “Superchef Grudge Match”

It’s time to settle some long-simmering feuds on TV (and, no, this has nothing to do with any “Real Housewives” drama).

Premiering Tuesday, Feb. 7, on Food Network and discovery , “Superchef Grudge Match” is being touted as a settle-all-scores competition between feuding chefs. Some are squabbling business partners; some have long-standing personal beefs; and some are merely competitive rivals in a mentor-protege kind of way.

"'Superchef Grudge Match' competitors have conflict with each other when they enter the kitchen – and the drama only intensifies from there,” said Betsy Ayala, senior vice president of programming and development at Food Network, in a statement. “Just like show host Darnell Ferguson, these competitors are bold, brash and incredibly talented. They will do whatever it takes to win against their culinary rival.”

There have been plenty of stories written about real and rumored celebrity chef feuds over the years. And while it might be fun to watch Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver work out their differences in a winner-take-all TV battle, “Superchef Grudge Match” isn’t that kind of show. Sure, the participants appear to have some kind of score to settle, but the spirit of competition quickly takes over and it’s ultimately about the food (plus a $10,000 cash prize).

In Tuesday’s premiere, Darnell plays host to “Tournament of Champions” rivals Antonia Lofaso and Jet Tila. During their time on the Guy Fieri competition, both were tied in every category until the rematch in the finale, when (spoilers) Tila ultimately won by one point. Their rivalry will be renewed in “Superchef Grudge Match,” even if it’s mostly for bragging rights.

Each episode features two different one-round/one-dish, winner-take-all battles, and in the premiere, the second culinary clash features restaurateur Brian Malarkey and chef Carlos Anthony. The two have opened 10 restaurants together, and with Malarkey getting all the recognition, Carlos is ready to enjoy his time in the limelight.

Upcoming “Grudge” matches include one between culinary commentators Justin Warner and Simon Majumdar, and another between “Iron Chef Gauntlet” rivals Stephanie Izard and Shota Nakajima.

Will a win in “Superchef Grudge Match” be enough for some of these rivals to bury the hatchet? Probably, but find out when the new one-hour series premieres Tuesday, Feb. 7, on Food Network and discovery .