The NACC Names the National Finalists for Care Cook of the Year 2016
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has named the 12 talented chefs that are to compete for the title in the national final of the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 competition.
Each finalist showcased their exceptional knowledge, talent and flair in the specific field of care catering throughout the regional heats to impress the judges and secure their place in the final line up.
They will compete for the coveted title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 on Wednesday 8 June at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy.
The 2016 NACC Care Cook of the Year National Finalists are:
Scottish Region:
- John Grover – Ivybank House Care Home, Polmont, Falkirk
- Stuart Middleton – Meallmore Lodge, Daviot, Inverness
Northern Region:
- Ryan Blake – Sunrise of Mobberley, Knutsford
- Julian Gabrielli – Sunrise of Hale Barns, Altrincham
Midlands Region:
- Martin McKee – The Hawthorns, Aldridge
- Peter McGregor – Perry Manor Care Home, Worcester
Welsh Region:
- Kevin Beebe – Y Plas Care Home, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
- Simon Harris – Claremont Court Nursing Home, Newport
South West Region:
- Anthony Proffitt – Kimberley Court Care Home, Newquay
- Christopher McDonald – The Check House Nursing Home, Seaton
South East Region:
- Alan Cash – Mildenhall Lodge, Mildenhall, Suffolk
- Alex Morte – Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames
Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, comments: “Catering within the care sector requires specialised and crucial knowledge and skills. Catering for the elderly and vulnerable comes with specific challenges, including the risk of malnutrition and the impact of reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia.
“Care caterers across the UK do an incredible job in overcoming these challenges, creating exciting and appealing meals to ensure the nutritional wellbeing of those entrusted to their care. The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition gives us a fantastic platform to celebrate and champion the talented and dedicated chefs in our sector. I congratulate all of our finalists. The regional heats were exhilarating and have set the bar for what is sure to be a phenomenal national final. I wish everyone the very best of luck.”
The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition seeks out the best care cook in the UK by challenging entrants to create a nutritionally-balanced, two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses must be no more that £1.50 per head based on four portions and it is to be produced in just 90 minutes.
Each competitor is expected to demonstrate nutritional understanding of the foods they are using, plus culinary flair in flavours, execution and presentation, with the appropriateness for the target clientele always a priority. In addition, the judges are looking for innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance.
The final will be held at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy. Each year around 500 students, age 16-18, enrol at the Academy for technical and professional training with a clear line of sight to work. The next generation of professional chefs learn in spacious, well-equipped training kitchens, as well as learning on-the-job in the Academy’s commercial restaurant and café which are open to the public. As well as catering and hospitality, students can choose a variety of subjects including construction, childcare, digital and IT, media-makeup, hairdressing and beauty therapy.
The panel of expert judges at the National Final include: Simon Fooks, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Cooks; Lynden Davies, Chef/Assessor and Professional Catering Lecturer, Barking & Dagenham College; Caroline Lecko, Patient Safety Lead, NHS England; Katey Pigden, Reporter, The Caterer; Andrew Archer, Managing Director, Dewberry Redpoint and Louise Wagstaff, Senior Culinary Advisor, Premier Foods.
As well as the esteemed title of NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016, the overall winner will claim a superb prize package and trophy.
For more information on the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk
