ABC is casting for a new cooking competition show hosted by Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson. Both of them appear in the video promo below — which may seem a little fake and cobbled together from other cooking shows — but ABC's casting website says it's happening. According to ABC, which calls it "America's Hottest New Cooking Show":
Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson have teamed up with Producer Kinetic Content for a brand new cooking show for ABC that will pit America's most skilled cooks against one another in a show unlike any other. That sounds rather different from Bourdain's current gig at No Reservations. There's even a website that's casting for a show with the working title "ABC Cooking Show." It promises open calls — in which "You MUST bring one prepared dish to be served to the food judges" — but urges you to apply online as well.
Below, the full ABC casting call, the odd promo video, and comment from Bourdain himself.
This may seem like a total 180 for Bourdain, who just left the Travel Channel and signed a deal with CNN for a travel show. But, as he said in a recent blog post, he's looking to take some time off from traveling and take "A 'normal' family vacation—where I plan to putter to excess, dote on my daughter—and do what people are said to do on vacation. Also, I'll be writing a book." And, apparently, filming a cooking reality show?
Update 10PM: Anthony Bourdain emails Eater to confirm the reality of the reality show. He writes: "It's true. I will be hosting a competitive reality series for ABC. I'm particularly looking forward to working with Nigella--who's a friend from way back... More to come later."
The casting promo video below was recently uploaded to YouTube, but it's archived here for posterity.
Video: ABC Cooking Show
ABC'S Casting Call
America's Hottest New Cooking Show Is Here! Do you sizzle in the kitchen and have a passion for food? If so, we're offering you a life changing opportunity! We are looking for professional chefs, home cooks, and foodies from all walks of life.
Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson have teamed up with Producer Kinetic Content for a brand new cooking show for ABC that will pit America's most skilled cooks against one another in a show unlike any other.
Whether you are a restaurateur, executive chef, sous chef, line cook, culinary student or home cook -- you are encouraged to apply! We are on a nationwide search for all types of cooks from all backgrounds with range of cooking styles. Cooks from across America, you are about to be given the chance of a lifetime. You'll get to sharpen your skills with the help of the world's most renowned culinary experts.
Do you have what it takes to impress the best?
· ABC Cooking Show [ABC]
· All Nigella Lawson Coverage on Eater [-E-]
· All Anthony Bourdain Coverage on Eater [-E-]