Chef Rivalry is Not Just in the Kicthen

Iron Chef star Mario Batali has banned London gourmet and "He'll Kitchen" star Gordon Ramsay from eating at his restaurants, according to the New York Daily News. The rancor between the two is nothing new. A year and a half ago, Batali accused Ramsay of creating dull and outdated meals, and Ramsay rebutted by calling Batali "Fanta-pants," mocking some of the orange clothing Batali wears. What makes the dispute even more odd is the two culinary giants have never met in person. New York Magazine however, tested the restaurant ban by calling several of Batali's restaurants and attempting to make reservations on Ramsay's behalf. Of the four restaurants they called, three booked Ramsay a table.

Ramsay has complimented Batali's cooking, although he has been quick to recount an incident where his party had to return a meal at one of Batali's eateries. Batali has offered a stick of truce and told the Daily News that he would make peace with Ramsay if "he called me himself and said, 'Let's sit down for a drink.' I'm sure it would be fine. We'd be cool."

"Hell's Kitchen" is revving up for it's fifth season and it kicks off tonight at 9 p.m. on Fox. The hard-nosed Ramsay has become famous for slicing and dicing the contestants. Fox is also preparing a special where Ramsay will teach viewers how to cook a meal, including all of the prep work.

The drama looks more like a soap opera than a cooking rivalry, but it's probably good for ratings.