Following a series of regional heats in June, the NACC has announced the roster of chefs who have qualified for the national final of its annual competition to find the 2023 winner of the Care Chef of the Year.
At each the chefs were challenged to demonstrate their full understanding of the meals they provide for their residents whilst also introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours.
The finalists, who now compete for the title on October 3 in a cook-off that forms part of the NACC’s annual Training & Development Forum event in Nottingham. They are:
• Nigel Cooke – Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection
• Alex Millichamp – Chandler Court, Care UK
• Chris Mattinson – Sycamore Court, Caterplus/Elior
• Brian Preston – RBL Lister House – Royal British Legion
• Jessica Vreede – Guthrie House, Four Seasons Health Care
• Graham Watson – Lauder Lodge, Care UK
• Kasia Hab-Bialkowska – Highmarket House Care Home, Care UK
• Chris Mitchley – St. John’s House, Castlemeadow Care
• Darren Nelson – Trymview Hall Care Home, Care UK
• Daniel Bree, Hartwood House, Cinnamon Care
• Alex Connell, Vegetarian for Life
• David Sharp, Signature for Barnet, Signature Care
Each 90-minute regional heat focused on the importance of food, nutrition and a positive mealtime experience, with chefs asked to create an ‘appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting’.