Brian Malarkey Not Returning to The Taste; Confirms Restaurant Expansion to Los Angeles

Open casting calls for the next season of The Taste have been announced, but when the new episodes air, they'll be missing an original player.

Eater San Diego has just learned that chef Brian Malarkey, who helped mentor season one winner Khristianne Uy, won't be rejoining the cast this time around.

In a statement, Malarkey reflects on his time with the show and confirms that his Enlightened Hospitality Group will be expanding into Los Angeles; Eater LA hints that Herringbone may be coming to Sunset Boulevard's Mondrian Hotel.

He says, "Being a part of ABC's The Taste was a great experience, especially mentoring one of my chefs all the way to the finish line and taking home the win. I am of course disappointed to part ways and not return for season 2, but onward and upward! I'm looking forward to pursuing future television projects and continuing to grow our restaurant group, which has had its most successful year to date. Austin has welcomed Searsucker with open arms and we're excited to open a restaurant in Los Angeles at the end of this year."
·All Brian Malarkey Coverage on Eater [~ESD~]
·The Taste [Official Site]