NACC Care Chef of the Year 2017 finalists confirmed
The line-up for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2017 competition final has been announced.
Following six regional heats, 12 chefs who demonstrated skills, creativity and knowledge in the specialist field have been selected to compete.
Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cooks and Premier Foods, the competition spotlights the care catering sector and the chefs operating within it.
Entrants are challenged 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 £2.25 per head based on four portions and it is to be produced in just 90 minutes.
The national final will take place on 7 June at Barking & Dagenham College's Technical Skills Academy.
The finalists are:
- Callum Chapman, the Close Care Home, Burcot
- Paul Criggall of Turning Point Smithfield Services, Manchester
- Glenn Francis of Abbeyfield Ballachulish
- Craig Handley of Sunrise Senior Living, Cardiff
- Roger Heathcote of Signature at the Miramar, Herne Bay
- Adam Hedges of Sunrise of Mobberley
- David Higgins, Brendoncare Foundation, Winchester
- Simon Lewis, Gracewell of Frome
- Peter McGregor of Perry Manor, Worcester
- Martin McKee of the Hawthorns, Aldridge
- Stuart Middleton of Meallmore Lodge Care Home, Inverness
- Sam Nurse of Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames
Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, said: "The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is a fantastic platform to showcase the incredible skills and knowledge of chefs working in the care sector. From ensuring meals are nutritionally balanced and beneficial, through to catering for individual needs such as special diets, cultural requirements, reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia, there is an awful lot to consider when creating delicious, appealing menus.
"The competitors in the regional finals demonstrated the highest standards of excellence and understanding of this specialist area of catering. Congratulations to the finalists. From what we've seen so far, it's going to be a closely fought and exciting final."
Winner's profile: NACC Care Cook of the Year, Alex Morte >>
Alex Morte named NACC Care Cook of the Year 2016 >>
Oliver Smith named NACC Care Cook of the Year 2015 >>
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