The first episode of this new series was last night. The format of this show in 2 Preliminary Round episodes (and beyond) is a copy of how The Voice does it. A mix of home cooks and professionals was invited to come and prepare a taste of their their food on a one-bite spoon (quite a bit larger than a tablespoon). Each of 4 judges then votes yes or no after tasting it. The contestant then confronts the jury, talks and bit and hers what their votes were. They need at least one yes vote to stay alive. If they get 4 Nos they are out. Most contestants did get 4 Nos. Each judge verbally rationalized their decisions.
The judges are a distinguished group:
Anthony Bourdain - TV celebrity, world traveler and former chef
Brain Malarkey - chef noted for his seafood
Nigella Lawson - English food writer, journalist and broadcaster
Ludo Ludovic - noteworthy chef
Here are the contestants going though to the first regular episode in 2 weeks (after another Preliminary Round episode next week):
Anthony's Kitchen: Ninamarie Bojekian, 28, caterer, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; Diane DiMeo, 45, chef consultant, Astoria, New York; Mia Morgenstern, 26, yoga instructor, San Francisco, California; TBA
Nigella's Kitchen: Renatta Lindsey, 32, program monitor, Houston, Texas; Lauren Scott, 23, administrative assistant, Laurel, Mississipi; TBA; TBA
Ludo's Kitchen: Shawn Davis, 43, executive chef, Los Angeles, California; Sarah Schiear, 27, food blogger, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Paul; TBA
Brian's Kitchen: Micah Kasman, 31, design director, San Francisco, California; Khristianne Uy, 30, private chef, West Hollywood, California; TBA; TBA