LOS ANGELES - The star of the swanky party at the TV Critics Press Tour wasn't author Alton Brown or Olympic skater Brian Boitano. It was the grub. Critics, who usually subsist on overcooked chicken and bread rolls during the tour, were treated to specialty dishes conjured up by contestants in the upcoming season of Food Network's "The Next Iron Chef." Spit-roasted lamb, lychee shots with green mango paneer, short-rib grilled cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon with fennel jam on toast, and crispy shrimp accompanied by aioli and mousse were among the samplers served poolside at a private Pasadena residence. In the wine cellar, a representative from Trefethen Vineyards poured full-bodied red wines. We never did chat with Brown or Boitano. Did I mention the lychee shots?