Chef of the Future 2012 – finalists announced

To become Cordon Vert Chef of the Future entrants must complete two stages. First they must create a three course menu which is suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Finalists are then expected to produce their full meal at a live cook off at Vegetarian Society headquarters in Cheshire, tomorrow (9 May). • Colin Marshall, from Sussex – "Colin's menu shows real imagination, combining traditional dishes with contempary world flavours." • Gary Ashley – from Southampton - "Gary's dishes demonstrate a clear skill which would impress any diner. His menu consists of 10 separate dishes split over 3 courses." • Natasha Koncewicz, from Suffolk- "this menu draws its influence from Europe, Africa and Asia. She clearly has a passion for world food reflected in her exciting menu." • Olivia West, from Oxford – "takes an Asian slant to her menu, which was selected due to the contrast of flavours and textures." On this year's Chef of the Future judging panel Cordon Vert's Principal Tutor, Alex Connell, will be joined by Damien Davenport, Director of Bistro 1847 and Mike Haddow, Group Executive Chef - Shire Hotels and Thwaites Inns of Character. The final judge will be Jane Hughes, editor of The Vegetarian magazine and Secretary of the Guild of Food Writers. The winner of the competition will receive the title Cordon Vert Chef of the Future 2012, a fully funded Cordon Vert Professional Diploma course (worth in excess of £1,500), embroidered whites and a bottle of champagne. Alex Connell, principal tutor, Cordon Vert, said: "We had many entries but the menus that were selected for the final were chosen because the three courses contrast and complement one another well. "Each chef created an exciting menu that pushes the boundaries of vegetarian cuisine. The final result will depend on the chefs' performance on the day. I wish each one of them the very best of luck."