Bravo's new Tom Colicchio-hosted show premieres January 21.
Joining Tom on this gastronomic journey across the country are culinary experts Maggie Nemser (CEO & Editor-in-Chief, BlackboardEats) and Jeffrey Zurofsky (Co-founder & Partner, ’wichcraft), who will offer their unique and diverse opinions to help guide Tom in his final decisions. The team will evaluate each restaurant on not only the dishes that are served, but also everything from décor to hospitality to overall concept.
In the first round of competition, the restaurants are divided into pairs based around a common theme reflected in their concepts or culinary influences. All are challenged to the same three tasks testing their overall performance, the strength of their staff, and the clarity of their concept. First, the restaurants are subjected to a "Pressure Test," in which 30 hungry diners descend on the restaurants without notice to see how the businesses handle the stress of a packed house.
Next, Tom sends in two "Undercover Diners" wired with hidden cameras in order to get a patron’s perspective when the restaurants do not know they are being judged. Finally, the two paired-up restaurants come together in a neutral location and serve dinner for 30 VIP diners. At the end of each of the first eight episodes, Tom declares one restaurant the victor, and the establishments move on to the semifinals.