The three chefs, Jaakko Sorsa (of Finds, in Central), Philippe Orrico (Pierre at the Mandarin Oriental) and Oyvind Naesheim (Nobu InterContinental at the InterContinental hotel), are so enthusiastic it's difficult to keep up with their conversation.

Sorsa also wants to give underprivileged, young members of the community the opportunity to learn cooking through the charity Cooking for Life. "It happens on Saturdays in hotels and restaurants. For example, at Finds we'll have 15 kids, and I and some of my chefs will cook for them, then we'll teach them how to make some dishes, something simple. We don't expect them to become professionals - it's cooking for fun. We'll make something simple so they can help their parents and get excited about cooking but in a practical way. Of course, it's possible one of the kids might want to become a professional chef.

"Cooking for Life has been around for a few years but Disciples Escoffier will help to get the big chefs and encourage them. It's been difficult for the charity as some of the big hotels haven't been excited or helpful. Disciples Escoffier will give them publicity. We're a gastronomic organisation so with our connections, we can convince chefs to help out."