Which chef is Bermuda's rising star?

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: If you are a fan of the cooking shows like Chopped or The Next Great Chef, the Bermuda Hospitality Institute has a competition that will heat up the kitchen.

The BHI is sponsoring ‘Bermuda’s Rising Chef of the Year’.

It is calling all rising professional chefs, 18 years of age or older, to share their love of culinary arts by participating in a culinary competition.

A total 12 Chefs will be selected to compete in The Rising Chef of the Year Competition & Fundraiser, being held from November 1-9, 2012, at the International Imports (The Chef’s Shop).

Karla Lacey, BHI CEO, said: “This event has been created to promote the talent and dedication of Bermuda’s culinary professionals, and to raise funds for BHI’s educational programs which spotlight the Hospitality Industry.

“This is an opportunity for Chefs who are on their way up to showcase their talents to an appreciative audience while sharpening their presentation skills.”

The competition consists of four semi-final rounds with three competitors each night, leading to one final round of four competitors.

Dishes will be judged based on taste, presentation, originality in the use of ingredients and work ethic by a panel of celebrity judges.

The top chef will win the title of ‘Bermuda’s Rising Chef of the Year’.

To enter, a person must be a professional chef, defined as someone who is paid or has been paid to cook or bake, or is currently enrolled as a culinary student or has obtained a culinary degree. Those who have held an Executive Chef position for more than five years are not eligible.

Prizes from Goslings Limited, International Imports and Lindo’s Family Foods will be awarded each night to the Audience Favorite and Winner, both during the semi-finals and the Final Night. The Grand Prize of an all expenses paid trip to DeBragga & Spitler “New York’s Butcher” will be awarded to the Chef who wins the title, courtesy of Butterfield & Vallis.

The entry period runs September 24-October 5, with details available at www.BHI.bm, or by calling 295-5049. Tickets go on sale in October.