While all the excitement from this weekend’s Perozzi boxing match quietens down, another battle is rearing up in the kitchen.Twelve chefs were yesterday announced as the contenders for the Bermuda Hospitality Institute’s Rising Chef of the Year competition.From November 1 to 9, they will showcase their culinary talents as part of the fundraising competition at International Imports on Par-la-Ville Road.Daaiman Simmons (The Reefs), Ryan Lampano and Kelly Simons (both from Cambridge Beaches), Saravanan Ranganathan (Grotto Bay Beach Resort), Vinod Sharma (Bonefish Restaurant), Andrew Turnbull (Waterlot Inn), Uddav Tamang (Angelo’s) and Jonathan Rivard (self-employed) will participate in the event.Meanwhile, the Fairmont Southampton saw three of its chefs chosen: Adam de la Cruz, Carmin Viola and Trevor Kliaman. One chef, Takemore Mukazika, was chosen from the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.BHI CEO Karla Lacey 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 programmes 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 will consist of four semi-final rounds with three competitors serving up their best dishes each night.The top chef from each night judged by a panel of celebrity judges on taste, presentation, originality and use of ingredients will go on to the final round.The first place winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to renowned meat company DeBragga and Spitler, courtesy of Butterfield & Vallis, a $350 gift certificate from International Imports, a crystal decanter and wine donated by Gosling’s.Other prizes for the semi-finalist and audience’s favourite have been donated by Lindo’s Family Foods.In the event the 12 chefs chosen cannot compete, the four chefs on standby are: Mahmoud Oushi, Ashley Tucker, Cheryl Dalida and Ahmed Al Saied.Tickets are now on-sale for the cooking event and include a pre-assigned seat, five-course meal and beverages courtesy of Gosling’s Ltd.Only 30 tickets will go on sale each night priced at $95 per person for the semi-finals from November 1 to 6; or $125 per person for the finals on November 9. They are available by phoning 292-1662.For more details visit www.bhi.bm or call 295-5049.