The NACC announces the finalists for Care Chef of the Year 2024
The national final will take place on 1st October, with the winner being named at the NACC Training and Development Forum on 3rd October
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has announced the finalists who will compete to be named as the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024.
Throughout June, regional heats were held across the NACC Regions – Midlands, South East, Scotland, North, South West and Wales – with care chefs demonstrating that they can compete with the best when it comes to culinary skills. Their prize is to represent their region in the national final, which is scheduled to take place on 1st October 2024, with the name of the winner being revealed at a gala dinner which will mark the culmination of the NACC Training and Development Forum, which will take place at East Midlands Conference Centre on 2nd-3rd October.
During the regional heats, the chefs had to demonstrate their full understanding of the meals they are providing for their residents whilst also introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours, to a panel of judges that once again included Steve Munkley as chairman.
The finalists who have been selected to impress the judges one more time include:
Dawn Louise Brown, Rossendale House Care Home
Mark Burrow, Brandon House
Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection
Matthew Dodds, Foodbuy Group
Adrien Henard, Chandler Court, Care UK
Anna Koziarska, Auchtercrag Care Home, Meallmore
Darren Nelson, Trymview Hall, Care UK
Maks Nikolaev Parvulav, Renaissance Care
Robert Rofe, Roswell Court, Radish
Samuel Sewell, Wellington Vale Care Home, Cinnamon Care Collection
Carmine Tarquilio, Mardy Park Resource Centre, Monmouthshire County Council
Paul Wright, Prospect House, Mysing
The ninety-minute regional heats, which focused on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experience as part of quality care, challenged the entrants to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) that was appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses was deemed to be no more than £4.50 per head, based on three portions and it had to be nutritionally balanced. The menu also had to feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.
Commenting on the heats, Steve Munkley says: “Once again, I have been impressed with the skills that I have seen and the total dedication these chefs demonstrate. The care sector is incredibly important and it is encouraging to see so many skilled chefs wanting to do their best for others.”
Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, adds: “Many congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2024. I agree with Steve, that the calibre of entries for this competition remains incredibly high, and I would have been more than happy to eat any of the dishes that were created across the regional heats.
“The Care Chef of the Year competition is a high point in the NACC year and is always an exciting event. It highlights and celebrates the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs. Last year’s winner, Brian Preston has been a marvellous ambassador for the sector throughout the year, appearing at a number of catering shows. Delicious, nutritious food and positive dining experiences are vital to quality care. I wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
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.
You may also be interested in…
