This year’s heats for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2024 competition have been concluded and the finalists for the national final announced.
NACC Care Chef of the Year 2024
Throughout June, regional heats were held across the NACC Regions – Midlands, South East, Scotland, North, South West and Wales – with care chefs demonstrating that they can compete with the best when it comes to culinary skills. The prize is to represent their region in the national final scheduled to take place on 1st October 2024.
The chefs had to demonstrate to the judges their full understanding of the meals they are providing for their residents whilst introducing their own flair through contemporary flavours. Steve Munkley was once again the Chairman of Judges.
The finalists who intend to impress the judges one more time include:
- Dawn Louise Brown, Rossendale House Care Home
- Mark Burrow, Brandon House
- Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection
- Matthew Dodds, Foodbuy Group
- Adrien Henard, Chandler Court, Care UK
- Anna Koziarska, Auchtercrag Care Home, Meallmore Ltd
- Darren Nelson, Trymview Hall, Care UK
- Maks Nikolaev Parvulav, Renaissance Care
- Robert Rofe, Roswell Court, Radish
- Samuel Sewell, Wellington Vale Care Home, Cinnamon Care Collection
- Carmine Tarquilio, Mardy Park Resource Centre, Monmouthshire County Council
- Paul Wright, Prospect House, Mysing
Regional Heats
The ninety-minute regional heats focused 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 £4.50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.
Chairman of Judges, Steve Munkley said: “Once again, I have been impressed with the skills that I have seen and the total dedication these chefs demonstrate. The care sector is incredibly important and it is encouraging to see so many skilled chefs wanting to do their best for others.”
Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, said: “Many congratulations to the finalists of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition 2024. I agree with Steve, the calibre of entries for this competition remains incredibly high, and I would have been more than happy to eat any of the dishes that have been created across the regional heats.
“The Care Chef of the Year competition is a high point in the NACC year and is always an exciting event. It highlights and celebrates the care catering sector and the exceptional talent of our chefs. Last year’s winner, Brian Preston has been a marvellous ambassador for the sector throughout the year, appearing at a number of catering shows. Delicious, nutritious food and positive dining experiences are vital to quality care. I wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
NACC Care Chef of the Year Sponsors
The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is supported by main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and long-standing event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks.
