Casting Call: CBS Is Looking For a Few Good Bakers

Another baking show? Yes, but this one has some real credibility behind it. CBS' upcoming "Bake Off" show is based on the hit UK series "The Great British Bake-Off." The show has developed a loyal fan base, including TV critics on both sides of the pond. Now, the U.S. version is holding an open casting call here in Los Angeles to scout for contestants.

The casting call will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Chef's Inc. (10955 W. Pico Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Bring your best baked good," the note says. More info:

Amateur skilled bakers will compete against one another in baking challenges that will test every aspect of their baking skills. At the end of the competition, one baker will ultimately be crowned the winner. The series follows the trials and tribulations of the competitors – young, old, from every background and every corner of the United States – as they attempt to prove their baking prowess.

We are seeking all types of non-professional bakers from across the country, whether you're an athlete, teacher, truck driver or retiree, as long as you have the zest for baking, we want to hear from you!

Applications are also being accepted online.

Is the Next Food Network Star in Los Angeles?

Food Network is coming to town to cast the 8th season of its hit "Food Network Star" franchise. The show's casting agents are looking for "passionate, charismatic individuals with major culinary chops" -- chefs, line cooks, home cooks, caterers and culinary enthusiasts.

Head to the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel (2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank) on Friday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go here for more info: http://foodnetworkstarcasting.com/.

Casting Call: Your Chance To Become the "Next Food Network Star"

Reality TV casting news: If you (a) think you can cook, and (b) think you're a natural TV personality (hey, that's two ego trips right there), then head on down this Tuesday to try out for the next edition of Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star."

The show is just what it sounds like: A reality competition to find a new Emeril. Or Paula Deen. (Shudder.)

A casting director writes in:

We have found some wonderful people from LA in previous seasons... We are looking for people who are full of life, passionate about cooking, and knowledgeable about food to meet us in person at our open casting call.

Here's where to go:

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
10am-3pm
Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport
2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Food Network's Looking for L.A.'s Worst Cooks

How's your cooking? If you live in Los Angeles... and your cooking blows, then Food Network wants to meet you.

Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America" is casting its second season, and will be here this Saturday to find potential candidates.

The casting call takes place this Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel and Convention Center (2500 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank).

Here are the basics:

* This is the opportunity for someone to nominate their spouse, sibling, parent, best friend, or even co-worker who needs MAJOR help in the kitchen.
* We are seeking those with a genuine inability to cook, and major need to improve Nominees will work with the best chefs in the country and finally learn one of the most important life skills - how to cook.
* We’re looking for nominees with lots of charisma, personality that pops and a vast array of kitchen disaster stories

More info at the "Worst Cooks" casting website.

Looking For a Few Good Top Chefs

Here's another chance to join the ranks of Stephanie, Hung and Ilan. "Top Chef" is recruiting contestants for its season six, including here in L.A.:

Sunday, March 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Craft Restaurant

Just do us a favor: Ask Padma why her critiques all seem to basically be echoes of others. (Tom: "That dish is too spicy." Padma: "Yes, it is too spicy!" Guest judge: "I thought the presentation was off." Padma: "The presentation was off!")