The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021 announced

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has announced the winner of the NACC Care Chef of the Year award 2021.

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has declared Aaron Watson of Primrose Bank Care Home, Poulton-le-Fylde, the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021.

Aaron’s winning delicious dishes included honey and ginger glazed pork fillet served with garlic and chilli pak choi, potato croquette, carrot purée and fresh apple followed by a dessert of sweet chilli roasted pineapple with coconut ice cream and spiced rum caramel sauce.

The judges praised his “innovative, resident- and person-centred menu that expertly brought together delicious Asian flavours in a modern, exciting way, whilst showing a sound understanding of nutritional requirements.”

On winning, Aaron said: “I’m really happy to have won. I’m also a little surprised – I thought the final went well for me, but the other chefs were so good I didn’t dare imagine winning! It was fantastic to see what the other finalists were doing and to learn from their expertise too. I’m just very pleased to be creating food that puts smiles on people’s faces.”

Sue Cawthray, the NACC’s national chair, said: “Huge congratulations to Aaron Watson, our NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021. The national final gave us an incredibly exciting 90 minutes of competition.

"After more than a year of experiencing life through a screen, it was fantastic to bring the competition back into the kitchen where it belongs. All the talented finalists put on an amazing performance and were both impressive and inspiring. The judges certainly had a difficult job in deciding the winner – and I’m glad that responsibility didn’t fall to me!

“Care chefs are highly-skilled individuals, whose knowledge and culinary flair makes a real difference to the wellbeing and quality of life of the older and vulnerable people they dedicate their talent to. This has been spotlighted during the challenges of the pandemic and that is why this fantastic competition is so important.

"It not only gives our chefs the opportunity to push boundaries, develop their skills and shine, it gives care catering a platform that demonstrates and celebrates the value and contribution of care chefs up and down the country.

"They go above and beyond every day to ensure their residents and clients always enjoy person-centred, nutritious and delicious food, whatever life throws at them, and that is certainly something to be proud of and to shout about.”

Congratulations also goes to Matt Knott of Fernhill House Majesticare, Worcester, and Daniel Kavanagh of Green Tree Court, Lexicon Healthcare, Exeter, took second and third places, respectively.


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