Care Cook of the Year Crowned

Jennie-May Smith, a chef at Berkeley House Care Home, Hull, is officially the UK’s best care cook. Jennie-May earned the accolade when she secured victory at the National Final of the National Association of Care Catering’s (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2014 competition.

The exciting live action unfolded at the Barking & Dagenham Technical Skills Academy when 12 chefs from the care sector showcased an abundance of culinary talent, knowledge and pure dedication in front of industry colleagues, associations and representatives.

Over 90 minutes of intense competition, the finalists pushed themselves to the limit in a final bid to impress the judges with their specially-created care menus, nutritional knowledge and culinary prowess, and claim the top prize.

Jennie-May emerged triumphant against first-class competition thanks to her winning menu of smoked mackerel frittata, followed by lemon posset with hemp thins and berries.  The judges particularly praised Jennie-May for the thought that had clearly gone into her dishes and her consistency of presentation.

Giles Conroy of Sunrise Senior Living of Bramhall, Stockport, claimed second place and Highly Commended Main, with Gareth O’Hara of Sunrise Senior Living of Cardiff taking third place, and Becky Allcorn from Catering Academy Ltd at Rotary Lodge, Worthing, securing Highly Commended Dessert.

Neel Radia, National Chair, NACC, commented: “This competition really is fantastic.  It raises the profile of care catering as a rewarding and viable career choice, but most importantly it gives chefs working in the care sector a rare opportunity to shine and showcase the outstanding talents they possess.  All the finalists truly shone and left the judges and audience with no doubt that care catering requires real skill, knowledge, culinary expertise and passion. They are genuine ambassadors for the sector and their colleagues who deliver excellence on a daily basis.”