TNT's first foray into competitive food television has announced its premiere date: On the Menu, the competition that features chef Emeril Lagasse and Extreme Makeover host Ty Pennington, will debut Friday, October 3. As previously reported, the show comes with a big gimmick: In a reality food competition first, viewers will actually be able to taste the winning dish the day after each episode airs.
Each episode pits four amateur cooks against each other to ultimately compete in a challenge from "one of America's favorite restaurants." (Those "favorite restaurants" include chains like Chili's, Denny's, Planet Hollywood, Cabo Wabo, and Emeril's own eponymous chainlet.) Lagasse and representatives from the participating restaurants will serve as judges, and the winning "new signature dish" will be featured available on the restaurant chain's menu. A preview video reveals contestants will be making dishes like stir fry, pizza (probably for participating restaurant California Pizza Kitchen), and filet mignon sandwiches. Go, watch:
Video: On The Menu Trailer
· On the Menu Trailer [YouTube]
· All On the Menu Coverage on Eater [-E-]
· All Emeril Coverage on Eater [-E-]