IT'S THE FIRST ROUND OF COMPETITIONS FOR 16 CULINARY HOPEFULS WHO WILL SHARE "THEIR LIVES ON A PLATE" TO IMPRESS THE MENTORS/JUDGES ON ABC'S "THE TASTE"

Chef and Author Edward Lee Guest Judges Group Challenge

"My Life on a Plate" - It's the first round of competitions for the 16 culinary hopefuls who have secured a spot in "The Taste" kitchen. The teams will face both group and individual cooking challenges as they gear up for battle.

First challenge: Each mentor joins their team in the kitchen for the first time, shares their own memories of the foods that remind them of home, and gives their team a specific dish to put a personal spin on. Second challenge: Without the help of their mentors, the competitors have to prepare the dish that most represents their own memories of home. From soup and roasted meats to a multicultural mash up, in the end, two competitors will be sent home.

Chef and author Edward Lee guest judges during this episode of "The Taste" THURSDAY, JANUARY 9 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

"The Taste" features no-holds barred Chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef/author Ludo Lefebvre, and joining "The Taste" this season, chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. It is from Kinetic Content and is executive-produced by Chris Coelen, Matilda Zoltowski, Emma Conway, Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Brian Smith who is the director.

"The Taste" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-14,L parental guideline.

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