The head cook at Paisley Lodge care home in Leeds has been crowned Orchard Care Homes’ Chef of the Year in May, in the second competition the Group has run, with this year’s in partnership with Nestlé Professional.
The competition was open to all chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants across the group, and began in regional heats, before four cooks were invited to the finals, held in the professional training kitchen at The Manchester College, Wythenshawe.
Finalists presented a two-course menu to a panel of judges that included Business Development Chef for Nestlé Professional Justin Clarke, Catering Tutor for The Manchester College Philip Deville, and Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Orchard Care Homes, Tracey Tomlinson.
The cooks were competing to win the coveted title of Orchard Care Homes’ Chef of the Year. In addition to this, the winner also received a set of Victorinox kitchen knives, and was invited to the 30th anniversary of Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or Awards, at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
Winner Jason Hunter prepared a menu that focused on being nutritionally packed and full of flavour, and was praised for his presentation, technique, and innovation, with the use of gnocchi as a substitute for traditional mash.
The cooks came from homes across the north to compete in a MasterChef-style final, where one stipulation was to create a dish suitable for those on a Texture C modified diet. Dysphagia is a common condition which many residents live with, resulting in difficulty swallowing.
Dianne Lilley, Orchard Care Homes Food & Beverage Manager said, “This was a great opportunity for our kitchen staff to show off their creative flair and technical skills, in a pressurised environment, for the chance to win a money-can’t-buy prize.
“I am really impressed with the level of talent on display, and in particular the innovative ways in which contestants handled the presentation of the Texture C modified diet course, ensuring they looked as similar to the standard dish as possible, which is key in enhancing the mealtime experience for those with dysphagia.”
Winner Jason Hunter said: “I couldn’t believe it when they said I had won, I am absolutely delighted.
“The kitchen was fantastic to work in and very professional, and there was a very good standard of food on show from the other guys, so a huge well done to them as well. I am looking forward to sharing the news with the home.”
https://orchardcarehomes.com/
