by Oge Okonkwo

Lights, Camera, Action! Nigeria’s TV cooking competition, Knorr Taste Quest is back with a scintillating second season tagged, “Hot just got Hotter”!

The show was officially launched last Friday at the Eko Hotel & Suites, with an exclusive screening party. The party started off with a networking/cocktail session, after which guests were ushered in to the hall where they were treated to entertaining games, musical performances and the unveiling of the contestants and judges in grand style.

According to the organizers, over 10,000 entries were received from all parts of the country before they were finally pruned down to 40 at a rigorous screening exercise that held in Abuja, Calabar and Lagos. 14 finalists comprising of 7 males and 7 females eventually got on to the show.

On the judging panel this season is, Head Judge, Dr Roberts, Gbubemi Fregene also known as Chef Fregz, and Chef Renee Chuks, the only female on the panel. The host of the show remains popular OAP, Manny of Cool Fm.

At the screening launch, the Brand Building Director, Unilever Nig. Plc, Mr. David Okeme revealed what audiences should expect from the show this season. He stated that the show which is a platform for people to showcase their culinary expertise, would also bring to the homes of consumers the most exhilarating and educational cooking show in Nigeria. He said it promises to be more engaging and captivating as the contestants would have to stand the heat in the kitchen where hot just got hotter.

Prizes up for grabs this season are; N2 million cash prize, a Ford Eco Sport SUV, and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the first prize, N1 million cash prize and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the second place and N500,000 cash prize and tons of Kenwood kitchen equipment for the third place winner. However, all 12 contestants would go home with different Kenwood kitchen equipment and could also win cash vouchers if they win any of the special tasks. Co-sponsoring the show this season are Coscharis motors and Kenwood Electronics.

The show will be showing every weekend on the following stations; NTA Network Friday 8-9pm, Silver bird Network Friday 8-9pm,  AIT Network Saturday 7-8pm, ONTV Sunday 7-8pm,  DSTV  CH155 Saturday 8-9pm, TVC Sunday 8.30-9.30pm, WapTV (Startimes) Sunday 8-9pm,  from January 10, 2014. Watching the show also gives viewers a chance to win prizes. Full details of the airing times can be found on www.facebook.com/KnorrNigeria

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