NACC crowns its Care Chef of the Year 2022

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has crowned its Care Chef of the Year 2022 at its Training and Development Forum.

Chris Pickard, of Four Seasons Health Care, was named winner in front of NACC members and guests at the body's gala awards dinner, which formed part of the forum at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. Brian Preston, of Lister House - Ripon, took second place, while Justina Bajorinaite, from charity Vegetarian for Life, came in third place.

The NACC also announced the winners of its NACC Awards 2022.

The national final unfolded on Wednesday 5 October at West Nottingham College. In 90 minutes, the line-up of talented finalists showcased their culinary skills and specialist knowledge to impress the panel of expert judges, led by head judge Steve Munkley.

The judges were looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods being used and how they support the needs of their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation and hygiene and waste management best practice.

Pickard excelled across the board, impressing the judges with his mouth-watering menu of chicken ballotine with pistachio and basil stuffing, swede fondant, pea and spinach purée, smoked pepper and tomato sauce, followed by a dessert of banana and pecan frangipane tart with maple syrup crème fraîche.

Head judge Munkley says: “As a newcomer to the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition, I was astounded by the incredibly high standard of cooking from all the chefs. The 10 finalists performed really well and exceeded all expectations.

“It was a closely-fought final, which is evident in the fact that out of 500 marks, only 40 marks separated first and 10th place. However, Chris is the deserved winner, excelling in both courses. He showed an amazing set of skills and pushed himself to the limit in the time he had, producing a great mixture of flavours in his dishes. He was absolutely focused on the task in hand and this, in my competition judging experience, is an important characteristic of a winner.”

Bajorinaite was also awarded Highly Commended Main for her satay tofu served with coconut rice and picked vegetables, and Graham Watson, of Lauder Lodge Care Home, scooped Highly Commended Dessert for his dark chocolate and salted caramel delice, mango whip, caramel and hazelnut garnish and tempered chocolate.

Hygiene and waste management best practice was also recognised, with Alex Millichamp, of Chandler Court, awarded the Hygiene Award and Brian Gollan, of Ivybank House Care Home, presented with the Waste Management Award.

Sue Cawthray, the NACC’s national chair, says: “Congratulations to Chris Pickard, our NACC Care Chef of the Year 2022. What an incredible final it was! All the finalists really stepped up to the challenge. They were impressive and inspiring and gave the judges a tough job in deciding the overall winner. They should all be very proud of themselves.

“This fantastic competition is so important for care catering as it is a real showcase and celebration of the exceptional talent and excellence of chefs in our sector – something that can often be overlooked by the wider foodservice and hospitality industry. Not only do care chefs provide delicious, uplifting meal experiences, but they also contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and customers and play a vital role in the provision of quality care. It’s essential that we continue to champion and spotlight this important contribution to society and give care chefs and care catering professionals the recognition they deserve.”

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 £3 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature a product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.

For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2022 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk

See our winter issue for our full coverage of the Training and Development Forum and our chef focus interview with Pickard.

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