Chef Jose Garces defeated Chef Jehangir Mehta in the Food Network 2009 Next Iron Chef competition. The Next Iron Chef finale aired this past Sunday on the Food Network.

Both Chefs have participated in NFCA Gluten-Free Cooking Spree events and received GREAT training in conjunction with their participation. Chef Mehta took part in the 2007 New York City Gluten-Free Cooking Spree,while Chef Garces and his establishments (Amada, Distrito, Chifa, and Tinto) have been represented at the 2008 and 2009 Appetite for Awarenesscelebrations.

Garces will debut as an Iron Chef on January 17, 2010, when he squares off against Seattle chef Rachel Yang.

Check out photos of Chef Garces celebrating his victory with family and friends at a viewing party!