Courtesy of Food Network

When it comes to sacrificial lambs, Chef RJ Cooper doesn’t fit the mold of “easy prey.” But tonight at 10 p.m., Cooper will be the first challenger to go up against the Food Network’s newest Iron Chef, Chef Marc Forgione. After winning the third season of the reality contest The Next Iron Chef, Forgione, specializing in modern American cuisine, now joins six other Iron Chefs in Kitchen Stadium. Unfortunately, “Iron Chef modern American” sounds a bit lame, so let’s just call him Iron Chef Mohawk.

Unfortunately, a win may be hard to come by when you’re someone’s first time (double entendre intended). For the past two Iron Chef America winners, their debut matches in kitchen stadium have ended in wins. In fact, every American Iron Chef debut match in the stadium has resulted in a win. Whether it’s scripted or not, taking on an Iron Chef’s opener will be an uphill battle.

Any press is good press, and Chef Cooper could benefit from tonight television appearance, no matter who wins. This winter, Cooper hopes to open his newest project, Rogue 24, featuring his 24-course tasting menu that he first developed while at the helm of Vidalia. Forget that Cooper’s a James Beard Award winner, a win on Iron Chef would be a quirky gem to add to his resume. In addition, Cooper will be joined by Rogue 24’s chef de cuisine Harper McClure and Bayou Bakery’s David Gaus as his sous chefs.

A viewing party fundraiser will take place at the Long View Gallery (1234 9th St. NW) from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. for a suggested donation of $50 while RSVPing. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit Chefs as Parents, a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of school lunch programs.