In June, regional heats were held across the NACC Regions – Midlands, South East, Scotland, North, South West and Wales – with care chefs demonstrating their culinary skills. Successful candidates from the heats will advance to the national final, which is scheduled to take place on 3rd October 2023.
Steve Munkley, lead judge and vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, attended each regional heat to ensure continuity. He said: “I have been incredibly pleased with the standards I have seen so far. This is a really important competition that shows highlights the skills within the care sector.”
The ninety-minute regional heat challenged entrants to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The chefs had to demonstrate to the judges their full understanding of the meals they were providing whilst introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours.
The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £3.50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.
The 12 NACC Chef of the Year finalists, include:
- 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
Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, added: “The calibre of entries for this competition continues to be incredibly high, and we have seen exceptional dishes created and served by chefs across the regional heats. The finalists should be immensely proud of their efforts so far. I know that they will want to impress the judges in October.
“The national final is always a fantastic event. It highlights and celebrates the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs. Delicious, nutritious food and positive dining experiences are vital to quality care.”
The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is supported by main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and long-standing event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks.