Twelve chefs will compete at the Qualifying Event on January 30, 2012 which will be held at Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774. Attendees will cast their vote for the chef that they believe prepared the best culinary creation. Four chefs will advance to the Finale on February 27 at The Club at Pointe West.
Participating chefs for the 2012 Vero's Top Chef Challenge include:
Chef Chris Bireley - Osceola Bistro
Chef Chad Darwent - Hale River Market
Chef Mitch Dembrowski - Regency Park
Chef Jake Gilmore - The Mooring Club
Chef Greg Hepler - Pelican Diner
Chef Jay Herman - Pipa Movida
Chef Leanne Kelleher - The Tides
Chef Chuck Arnold - Avanzare Ristorante
Chef Fernando Pons - La Bodeguita de Vero
Chef Michael Shields - Quail Valley River Club
Chef Michael VanBuskirk - Cobalt Restaurant
New this year will be a dessert competition at the Qualifying Event. The winner of the competition will prepare the dessert for the Top Chef Challenge Finale on February 27th. The three competing dessert Chefs are:
Chef Gina Battle - Faith, Hope and Chocolate
Chef Paul Conti - Casereccio Cakes
Chef Sean Pierce - Carnival Confections
