Mourad Lahlou, chef and owner of Aziza in San Francisco, will make his debut on Iron Chef March 1st. He talks about learning the tricks of the trade, a genuine malice towards Dr. Atkins, and his love of fat.

Where are you when you're out of the kitchen?
There’s a restaurant in Napa called Ubuntu. They do wonderful things with vegetables, and they treat vegetables in a very mature way. I love the barbecued brussel sprouts. I also love Coi. Another favorite of mine is Nopa in San Francisco. Another one is Zuni Café. And then there's A16.

Even steaks are healthy when grass-fed ...

1. Greens (Marina) - Vegetables grown by Marin County Buddhist monks. Experience the zen of eating.
2. Nopa (Western Addition) - Fresh scrumptious organic and locally obtained vegetables and meats in clever combinations.
3. Cafe Gratitude (Sunset District) - Rich nut-mashed pesto, blended almond milk and mint smoothies and lacey vegetables are eco-ecstasy.

I go out eating after midnight.

1. Orphan Andy's (The Castro) - Late-night Castro hotspot where tweaky club kids eat tuna melts with fries 24/7.
2. Chai-Yo (Tenderloin) - Ass-kickingly good and cheap plates of Thai standards served till 1 a.m.
3. Ryoko Restaurant & Bar (Tenderloin) - Downtown sushi hideaway with dim lighting, house beats and service till 2 a.m.