Is your child the next Master Chef Junior?

I got this request from Master Chef Junior, and I had a weird feeling, and a realization that I am not sure how I feel about exploiting children on behalf of reality television. 

Yes, I know, I have a dad blog, and on some level, I'm exploiting my child as well, but I think there are some big differences.  My audience is tiny in comparison, and my son is not really the feature of my blog.  He's of course what made me a dad, and I tell my fair share of embarassing stories and videos about him,  but he's not  the front and center of every post.  Also the potential for failure/ridicule is relatively low. And any money my "production" makes goes directly into feeding my son and keeping him in speedskates.  Can we say the same for Master Chef Jr? 

Nevertheless, people love the show (we watch it too) so I decided I'd pass along the request for MasterChef Junior.  (Please ignore if you like!)

I am pretty sure we won't be attending with my son, but he mostly doesn't like to cook, so we're good.

And who knows, maybe your kid IS the next MasterChef Jr. and will be propelled to fortune and fame.  (If so, I want 10% for the tip!)

Here's the notice that I got from MasterChef Junior Casting:

FOX's #1 Hit show, MasterChef Junior, is now casting Kids who like to cook who have passion, potential and personality. The MasterChef Junior team is going to be in CHICAGO on JAN 13th
If you know any kids who are into cooking send their parents to
www.MasterChefJuniorCasting.com 

These casting calls are a lot of fun and very lighthearted! Everyone leaves feeling like a winner! Plus your kids can try out with friends if they want!

They are looking for kids of all skill levels in the kitchen so don't be discouraged by what you see on TV. MasterChef Junior is all about learning & growing into an amazing cook!

In addition to the open call on January 13 in Chicago, they have other open calls in other cities:

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 16, 2017 9am to 5pm STEWART HOTEL NEW YORK  371 7TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10001

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 16, 2017 9am to 5pm HYATT REGENCY SAN ANTONIO 123 LOSOYA ST., SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 13, 2018 9am to 5pm SOFITEL CHICAGO 20 E CHESTNUT ST, CHICAGO, IL 60611

ATLANTA - JANUARY 13, 2018 9am to 5pm
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ATLANTA 75 14TH ST NE, ATLANTA, GA 30309

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 20, 2018 9am to 5pm
W HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 625 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90028

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20, 2018 9am to 5pm
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL PHILADELPHIA CENTER CITY
237 S BROAD ST, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107

And if for some reason you can't attend the open call, you can still make a video and apply online. For more information and the complete set of rules to follow, visit the URL

http://www.masterchefjuniorcasting.com/how-to-audition