Oliver Smith has been crowned the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2015. The chef at Wetherby Manor care home, Wetherby, claimed the coveted title at the national final of the culinary competition.
Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy played host to the finale of the annual competition that spotlights the skill, talent and dedication to excellence demonstrated by chefs in the care sector on a daily basis.
11 Finalists
In front of industry colleagues, associations and media, 11 finalists pulled out all the stops to impress the judges with their specially-created menus that showcased real knowledge and understanding of the nutritional and dietary needs of those in a care environment, as well as innovation and flair.
Oliver’s winning menu of pork tenderloin, celeriac purée, crispy potatoes and apple followed by chocolate mousse with beetroot gave him the edge that clinched the top prize. Oliver impressed the judges with his well-balanced menu that tasted great and was fun to eat. He also demonstrated innovative use of beetroot in the dessert, great cooking of the pork and delivered on a nutrition front.
Matthew Dodge of Coombe Hill Manor in Kingston-upon-Thames took second place, with Samantha Smallwood of Sunrise Senior Living of Edgbaston taking third place.
Matthew Dodge was also awarded Highly Commended Main, with Paul Burch of Dukes Court Care Home, Wellingborough, receiving Highly Commended Dessert.
Vital skills needed and shown
Neel Radia, National Chair, NACC, commented:
“Catering for care environments requires specific skills, knowledge and commitment to ensure that the dietary and nutritional needs of the elderly and vulnerable are met. Important factors such as nutrition, budget restrictions, specific dietary requirements and needs, such as dementia, dysphagia and fortification, menu planning and regulations must be understood. On top of this, they must also possess the culinary ability and creativity to consistently create great-tasting and attractive food that keeps service users excited. It’s clear from every stage of the competition that these vital skills are present in abundance in care settings across the UK.”
For more information on the NACC Care Cook of the Year 2015 competition click here