Saveur’s James Oseland Returns as Judge for Hit TV Series Top Chef Masters

Saveur’s Editor-in-Chief James Oseland will be back for his role as a featured judge on Bravo’s hit TV series Top Chef Masters when it returns for its third season on April 6. Oseland is the only judge to appear on all three seasons of the show. Viewers will see a brand-new format this year, with 12 new award-winning chefs no longer judged on a scale but in elimination-style challenges similar to the format of the original Top Chef.

Oseland, a noted culinary expert, has been the editor of Saveur for the past five years. Published nine times a year, the award-winning magazine is known for its savvy articles, stark photography, gorgeous design and overall excellence.

“It’s a complete thrill to be back for the third season of Top Chef Masters,” said Oseland. “I was amazed at the level of talent during the first two years, and the talent on this new season totally blew me away. Viewers are going to love season three.”

In addition to his lauded work as Saveur’s editor, Oseland is the author of Cradle of Flavor: Home Cooking from the Spice Islands of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, published by W. W. Norton in 2006. The book won awards from the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Culinary Professionals and was named one of the 10 best books of that year by Time Asia.

Celebrity chef Curtis Stone will serve as the newly appointed host. Oseland will be joined by fellow judge the food critic and author Ruth Reich. Celebrity guest judges will also appear, including Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, pop/rock group Maroon 5 and pop sensation Kelis, among others.

After debuting on Wednesday, April 6, at 11 p.m. ET/PT, Top Chef Masters will move to its regular time period on April 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In each episode, money will be at stake, with the winners of every quick-fire challenge winning $5,000 and the winners of elimination challenges winning $10,000 for their designated charities. Each week will whittle down the chefs until the finale, when one winner is crowned “Top Chef Master” and receives the grand prize of $100,000 for the charity of his or her choice. For a sneak peek at the third season of Top Chef Masters‚ go to www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters/season-3/videos/for-culinary-glory.