Midlands-Based Care Group’s Chef Known As ‘Ratatouille’ Named ‘Chef Of The Year’
The executive chef at a Midlands-based care group has been awarded the Chef of the Year title at the recent Care Home Catering Awards.
Anas Al Saadi is known affectionately as ‘Ratatouille’ by his colleagues and residents across the Macc Care Group, where he heads up the catering offering, thanks to the personal touch he puts into all his food.
This award recognises Anas’ culinary skills, innovative approach to nutrition and his commitment to creating meaningful meals for the residents.
Anas draws inspiration for his menus from personal stories and memories of the residents he serves.
The title of Chef of the year recognises Anas’ ability to tailor his menus and recipes to fit individual resident’s’ needs. He understands that older adults have specific dietary requirements and he designs his menus to ensure they’re balanced and rich in protein, fibre and essential vitamins. He also works to ensure that residents with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure receive meals that support their wellbeing without compromising on taste or variety.
The award also commends Anas’ sensitivity to residents with conditions like dysphagia or dementia. He hand-pipes pureed diets to resemble traditional meals and has introduced a ‘restaurant service’ for those living with dementia, allowing them to pre-order meals, reducing stress at mealtimes.
Anas’ unique ability to connect his cooking to the residents is also recognised in this award, having both his signature dishes – “Nonna’s Legacy” and “Seafood Medley” inspired by a residents upbring in Pompeii.
Anas said he was delighted with the award: “Mealtimes are such an important part of our residents’ daily lives, I spend time with each resident, learning about their life history and their favourite meals. Food is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating an experience, one that brings joy and a sense of home.
“It is wonderful that it is all being recognised in this award win.”
This is the latest award win for Anas, who earlier this year was named winner of the Care Home Chef Award at the Regional Great British Care Awards, and was highly commended at the national Great British Care Awards.
Bhav Amlani of Macc Care said:
“We are so proud of Anas and the dedication he shows to creating exceptional dining experiences for our residents. His ability to connect with each individual, understand their needs, and deliver food that brings both comfort and joy is a testament to his culinary expertise and compassion. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and commitment to excellence.”
