Abun-Dance in Blessings

It's All About "The Taste"

(Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC)

The "blind audition" isn't just for the singing shows anymore. The Taste, ABC's new competitive cooking show hosted by Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludovic Lefebyer and Brian Malarkey has taken the "blind audition" to a new level. Each celebrity chef pushes their button for or against being on their team without ever seeing the person who cooked the food or knowing what ingredients were used. The judges banter among themself to try to determine if the cook is a home or a professional chief. I actually think that part is quite interesting because from what I have see these celebrity chefs can always pick who has had training. However, these judges still maynot pick the trained over the self taught because rememeber, they have already chosen by The Taste. These four judges will also double as mentors to their team just like that singing show. That is about where the similarities end for me because just because you are on a particular judges team doesn't mean you are safe from elimination. They have actually unknowingly sent one of their own home in an episode. This actually makes for an exciting twist to the typical reality show.

Now with all of that being said, I did find it interesting that the judges seem to compliment some of the dishes, tell the cook that they did great and yet they say NO! Kinda found this frustrating and I was not alone. Several contestants said as much. Also, although the palates of these judges were able to distinguished between most of the professional cooks, to me it seemed that they chose mostly home cooks. Just seems like the judges second guessed themselves far too much and turned away some incredible contestants. Not sure if this is some strategy playing there or what. Time will tell I guess.

So far I like the show despite the points I made above and I am actually looking forward to more episodes. The judges personalities are just warming up and could we actually see a food fight in our future. Probably not but they do speak their minds which lends itself to good tv. Above it all, let's try to remember that one spoon can determine "The Taste."