The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has revealed the line-up of care chefs that will compete in the national final of the Care Chef of the Year 2021 competition.
Throughout July, chefs took part in regional heats in a bid to secure their spot in the final of the event.
The expert judges selected their final 12 care chefs for their nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit the needs of their clientele, plus their culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and hygiene best practice.
The national final takes place on 6 October at Manor Farm Cookery School, Grantham.
Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care, entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting.
The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced.
The menu must also feature a product from main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant portfolio.
The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021 finalists are:
• David Whistler - The Cambridgeshire Care Home, Cambridge
• Matt Knott - Fernhill House Majesticare, Worcester
• Paul Murray - Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York
• Aaron Watson - Primrose Bank Care Home, Poulton-le-Fylde
• Iain Young - Murrayside Care Home, Care UK, Edinburgh
• John Grover - Barchester Care, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen
• David Sharp - Bentley House, Signature Care Homes, Hertford
• Emilio Pascucci - Astbury Manor Care Home, Avery Healthcare, Bracknell
• Patrick Fensterseifer - St Ives House, Ringwood
• Daniel Kavanagh - Green Tree Court, Lexicon Healthcare, Exeter
• Nikki Burridge - Penpergwm House, Abergavenny
• Paul Barry - Sunrise Senior Living Cardiff
“The national final is going to be a real celebration of our sector and the exceptional standard of food that care chefs create for their residents and clientele every single day. I cannot wait to watch the action unfold at the live final – it’s going to be a thrilling and uplifting occasion. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck!,” said NACC national chairwoman Sue Cawthray.
