May 02--Four Chicago-area home cooks are among the 40 contestants slated to compete in the upcoming season of "MasterChef," show reps announced last week.
The cooks endure a series of culinary challenges for a chance to win the "MasterChef" title, a cookbook deal and $250,000. Season 7 is scheduled to premiere 7 p.m. June 1 on Fox.
The Chicago-area contestants are RPM Steak server Diana Bilow, Chicago holistic nutritionist Caitlin Meade, Park Forest nail technician Takeila Peebles and Chicago hotel front desk representative Corey Rice.
A Fox press rep initially said bakery clerk Cassie Peterson is from Chicago. She is from Iowa.
"MasterChef" held a casting call in September at the Congress Plaza Hotel.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi, owner of Milk Bar in New York, return as judges. Graham Elliot, who runs Graham Elliot Bistro in the West Loop, will not be a recurring judge this season.
Guest judges include Wolfgang Puck, Aarᮣhez, Edward Lee, Kevin Sbraga and Richard Blais.
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