SEASON PREMIERE

16 CONTESTANTS WILL BATTLE IT OUT TO EARN A PLACE IN THE KITCHEN DURING THE SEASON THREE PREMIERE OF "THE TASTE," THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 ON ABC

Surprise Twist Sends One Competitor Home

Chef Stephanie Izard Is Guest Judge

"Auditions & Childhood" -- The hunt for America's Best Undiscovered Cook is on as season three of "The Taste" premieres THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

In the two-hour series premiere, home cooks and professional chefs from across the country will battle it out in "The Taste" kitchen by creating their most delicious dishes for culinary superstars Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludo Lefebvre and Marcus Samuelsson to taste. Every dish is always judged blind. At the end of the night, 16 cooks will be given a place on the mentors' teams.

In a surprising new premiere episode twist, one competitor will be sent home immediately after an intense "Childhood" inspired challenge. Chef Stephanie Izard of Chicago's Girl & The Goat Restaurant is guest judge.

"The Taste" features no-holds barred Chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef/author Ludo Lefebvre and chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. "The Taste" is from Kinetic Content and is executive produced by Chris Coelen, Sam Dean, Kathleen Burns, Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Brian Smith who is also the director.

"The Taste" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries TV-PG,L parental guideline.

For more information on "The Taste," visit ABC.com/The Taste.