Eric Greenspan From 'The Next Iron Chef'

He left the grasshoppers at home!

"The Next Iron Chef" contestant Eric Greenspan, stopped by the PIX studios. He was the first chef to be eliminated on the hit show.

Greenspan attended the the Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris. After graduation, Greenspan moved to New York City where he honed his skills. He worked for heavy hitters such as Rocco Despirito and David Bouley.

Greenspan later moved to Los Angeles where he opened his first restaurant, The Foundry on Melrose.

Taleggio Sandwich With Apricots And Capers

15 dried apricots
1 tablespoon nonpareil capers
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
8 slices dark raisin bread
5 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
4 small handfuls arugula
8 ounces taleggio cheese, rind removed, at room temperature
4 pinches fleur de sel.

1. Place apricots in small saucepan and add water just to cover. Bring to full boil and immediately remove from heat. Mix in capers, mustard and olive oil. Pulse in blender to chunky consistency; set aside.
2. Spread one side of each bread slice evenly (to the edges) with 1/2 tablespoon butter. With buttered sides down, top four slices with 2 tablespoons of apricot mixture, handful of arugula and equal portions of cheese. Top with remaining slices, buttered side up.
3. Place large skillet over high heat, and melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Reduce heat to low and add sandwiches. Cook until browned and crisp on both sides, about 2 minutes a side. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels, and sprinkle each with a pinch of fleur de sel. Cut in half and serve.
Yield: 4 sandwiches.

You can catch "The Next Iron Chef" Sunday nights on The Food Network.

Written By Femi Redwood