Alex Morte, chef de partie at Signatures Coombe Hill Manor in Kingston-upon- Thames, is officially the best care cook in the UK.
He was crowned the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2016 and, at the age of 21, he is also the youngest champion in the competition’s history.
His winning menu of grilled hake, charred asparagus, pea purée, crispy dill potatoes, crispy bacon and grilled vine cherry tomatoes followed by dark chocolate and salted caramel delice with a chocolate tuile claimed the title after 90 minutes of intense competition.
He said: “I am absolutely blown away to have won! This is my first ever competition so to be the winner is amazing and unbelievable. The final was a great experience. It was nerve-wracking at first but once I started cooking I relaxed and I actually enjoyed it. For the judges to say there was a ‘clear winner’ is a great feeling and I am very proud.”
Martin McKee from The Hawthorns care home in Aldridge took second place, with Alan Cash, of Mildenhall Lodge care home in Mildenhall, taking third place.
Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, commented: “Every year this fantastic competition just gets better and better. That was an exciting and closely-fought final and Alex should be incredibly proud of his title. I am thrilled to see the NACC Care Cook of the Year competition grow year on year. It is testament to the high standards and genuine talent within our sector and to the dedication of care chefs to continuously deliver excellence on behalf of those entrusted to their care. All of the competitors are great ambassadors for the exciting and rewarding care catering sector.”
