The line-up of finalists for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2015 competition has been announced.

The shortlist of 11 cooks all impressed the judges in the regional heats to secure their place in the national final in June 2015.  

The challenge was to produce a delicious and nutritionally-balanced two-course menu, main and dessert, created specifically for the competition in just 90 minutes.  The menu had to be suitable for service users in a care setting and have the combined food cost for both courses of no more than £1.50 per head based on four portions.

The competitors had to demonstrate innovation, costing, suitability for the environment, adherence to nutrition guidelines, taste and overall menu balance.

On Wednesday 10th June 2015, the finalists will compete in a live cook-off at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy.

Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, commented: “Catering within the care sector requires specific skills and knowledge to ensure that the dietary and nutritional needs of the elderly and vulnerable are met.”

He added: “The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition enables care cooks and chefs to showcase this knowledge and talent that the sector holds in abundance, while also raising the profile of this incredible and valuable sector of the industry. I congratulate all of this year’s finalists for their fantastic achievement so far in the competition.”

The finalists will be assessed by a panel of expert judges including Bev Puxley, Past Master, Worshipful Company of Cooks; Lynden Davies, Chef/Assessor and Professional Catering Lecturer, Barking & Dagenham College; Caroline Lecko, Patient Safety Lead, NHS England; Janie Manzoori-Stamford, Contract Catering Editor, The Caterer; and Andrew Archer, Managing Director, Dewberry Redpoint.

The Finalists

Scotland:
Paul Burton, Parklands Care Home, Meallmore Ltd, Alloa, Clackmannanshire
Margaret Stewart, Methilhaven Care Home, Fife Council

North:
Matt Gomersall, Donisthorpe Hall, Leeds
Oliver Smith, Wetherby Manor, Wetherby

Midlands:
Paul Burch, Dukes Court Care Home, Wellingborough
Samantha Smallwood, Sunrise Senior Living of Edgbaston

Wales:
Gareth O’Hara, Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff

South West:
Gary Ford, St Monica Trust, Bristol
William Marsh, Brandon Care Ltd, Exmouth

South East:
Becky Allcorn, Hanover Housing Rotary Lodge, Worthing
Matthew Dodge, Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey