The Taste: US tv review (ABC) In response to a turkey, macaroni, and cheese stir fry that a contestant promoted as "awesome" cooking, Lawson admired its "wit" but admitted "I didn't get it." Bourdain described it as "appalling," observing that "there is no college dorm in the world where this would pass for food." No matter how complex the dish, the taste on which it is judged must fit into one spoon. Offerings ranged from chicken fried watermelon chunks to a spiced up traditional Jewish noodle dish. Of course, unlike singing and dancing contests, viewers cannot presume to be armchair judges for a taste test. So, those who develop a craving for The Taste will have to be enthralled by the contestants, the judges, or just fascinated by reality shows. Because only a handful of team contestants have been chosen so far, the focus is on the judges. And the most interesting to watch are Lawson and Bourdain. Both are best-selling authors who have a way with words. The warm and witty Lawson was not afraid to admit that she may have "buggered up" in prematurely rejecting a contestant from her team and aptly describes Bourdain as the "Mick Jagger of food." And Bourdain, who at times can seem ridiculously serious about the spoonfuls, also knows how to soften the blow of rejection. He compliments one unsuccessful but impressive contestant for "grabbing challenge by the throat and giving it a big shake." As for the contestants, almost all have accepted their rejections graciously. One professional chef did express anger over Lawson's selection of a home cook whose dish included mashed potatoes. But why not? The Defender of the Home Cook said the taste reminded her of something her grandmother would have made. Comforting, no doubt. The Taste airs on Tuesday nights at 8 ET on ABC.