TWO of the country?s top chefs, who are based in West Devon, are to be on the judging panel for the South West Chef of the Year 2005. Michael Caines, of Michael Caines Restaurants and Gidleigh Park Hotel at Chagford, and Peter Gorton, of The Horn of Plenty at Gulworthy, will scrutinise dishes prepared by nine finalists this Saturday, March 12. The competition, which was organised by Michael Caines, a two-star Michelin chef, and Taste of the West, aims to find the best professional and amateur chefs dedicated to cooking with the region?s quality, home-grown produce. The competitors will face the challenge of preparing, cooking and presenting a two course meal for two, using as many ingredients as possible from the South West, in just one hour at Exeter College. One of three finalists in the young professional class is Nicola Batten, a student who is working at The Horn of Plenty to gain industry experience. Nicola, 18, is studying for a Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Catering at Plymouth College of Further Education, which includes one day a week of practical chef training. Her menu for the final consists a starter of goat?s cheese souffle with sun-ripened tomatoes, served with a mild, fruity chutney and a main course of griddled springtime lamb with parisienne potatoes, mashed swede, honey carrots and creamy leeks. Nicola, who has ambitions to own her own restaurant in the future, said she tried to devise a balanced menu from the local suppliers she knows through her work. ?It is a real confidence boost to reach the final, it will be a challenge as this is the first competition I have ever entered but it is a great learning experience.? The winner of the Young Professional Chef will gain priceless industry experience, winning two weeks in each of the judges? kitchens, while the winners of the professional chef and home enthusiast will win cookery courses at Ashburton Cookery School. All three winners will demonstrate their skills in the flybe Cookery Theatre at the Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink in Exeter from March 18 to 20.