'Masterchef' Starts Cooking in the USA, 7/27

Sharpen your knives and fire up your stoves! Famed chef Gordon Ramsay's newest culinary competition series, MASTERCHEF, based on the smash international hit, is set to start cooking Tuesday, July 27 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. After a nationwide search for the best home cooks in America, the series will turn one of 50 hopefuls into a culinary star and America's first-ever MASTERCHEF.

In the premiere episode, the hopefuls will have one hour to prepare their signature dishes and present them to the distinguished MASTERCHEF judging panel: Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay; restaurateur and wine maker Joe Bastianich; and the youngest four-star chef in America, Graham Elliot. The judges are looking for passion, creativity and most importantly great flavor and taste. Only the most deserving home cooks who impress the judges will win the coveTEd White apron and will move on to the next round of the competition.

On Tuesday, Aug. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the judges will reveal the Top 30, and each week, the stakes will be raised as more hopefuls are eliminated until the Top 14 are announced on Tuesday, Aug. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Then, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the show moves to a new night and expands to two-hour episodes as the hopefuls dish out their absolute best in an effort to impress the judges and continue in the competition.

Below are the hometowns, professions and dishes of the 50 home cooks:

HOMETOWN NAME PROFESSION LOVES TO COOK...

California

Anaheim Sheena Zadeh Marketing Executive Pork Tenderloin with Braised Fennel and Spaetzle in Orange Sauce

Felton Jake Gandolfo Construction Worker Eclectic Surf and Turf

Glendale Faruq Jenkins Bartender Chic and Cozy Colbert Mac and Cheese

Long Beach Stevie Cannone Longshoreman Lamb on Vanilla Sweet Potato

Los Angeles Sharone Hakman Financial Advisor Za'atar-Dusted Lobster with Roasted Corn Chutney, Tostones and Anchovy Chili Cilantro Sauce

Redondo Beach Mike Kim Server Duck "Ssam" Wraps

Santa Clarita Christopher Spradley Unemployed Beach Bum's Beer Cheese Soup

Venice Lee Knaz Bartender Herb and Panko-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Fennel Mint Risotto

Venice Whitney Webster Marketing Rep Pan-Seared Halibut with Fennel Citrus Salad and Green Quinoa

Whittier Adeliz Garcia Legal Assistant Trio of Tostones with Red Wine, Balsamic Reduction and Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Woodland Hills Ryan Wesley Dockworker Wally's Wing Sandwich

HOMETOWN NAME PROFESSION LOVES TO COOK...

Colorado

Denver Charmaine Cheung Assistant to the Attorney General Seared Curried Scallops with Truffled Oysters, Mushrooms and Creamy Coconut Rice

Denver Darryl Pierce Public Relations Smoked Baby Back Ribs with BBQ Baked Beans and Cole Slaw

Florida

Boca Raton Paul Berger Attorney Frutti di Mare

Boynton Beach Jennifer Fresard Car Sales Yucca and Sweet Potato-Encrusted Fish Served on a Bed of Jicama Slaw Dressed in a Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette Finished with a Passion Fruit Aioli

Miami Barbara Estevez Office Manager Arroz con Pollo

Georgia

Atlanta Steven Kowalczuk Mixologist Bang Bang Shrimp

Atlanta Tracy Nailor Doctor Smothered Chicken with Braised Brussels Sprouts

Duluth Robin McMahan Sales Associate Roast Pork Tenderloin with Vinegar Peppers

Marietta Joseph McKenna Medical Consultant Triscuit-Encrusted Tuna with Peppered Swiss