The start of the Rising Chef of The Year competition is being put on the back burner after Hurricane Gonzalo.

The initial stages of the event, an annual fundraiser organised by the Bermuda Hospitality Institute, have been postponed by a week.

The first cook-off, scheduled for yesterday, will now take place next Monday, while the second has been put back from today until next Tuesday.

Cook-offs scheduled for this Thursday and Friday will proceed as scheduled, with the final on Tuesday, November 4.

“We are thankful for the support of our major sponsors Butterfield & Vallis, Lindo’s Family Foods, Gosling’s Limited and International Imports,” said BHI executive director Malika Musson. “Their support ensures 100 percent of the proceeds raise funds for BHI’s educational hospitality programmes.”

A few tickets remain for the competition, which was created to highlight the talent and dedication of the Island’s culinary professionals.

Entrants must cook using a mystery basket of ingredients and each semi-final has three or four competitors.

The event begins at 6pm at various locations across the Island, see www.bhi.bm for details.

Tickets for the semi-finals cost $95 each from International Imports on Par-la-Ville Road.