NACC National Catering Awards 2024 Nigel Cooke Named Runner-Up In National Care Chef of the Year Competition
Nigel Cooke, Head Chef at Eastcote Park care home near Solihull, was selected as the runner-up in the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year competition – the most prestigious competition for chefs in the care industry. He also received a highly commended award for his outstanding main course.
Nigel Cooke earned his place in the final having won the Midlands regional heat for the third consecutive year. He was one of 12 chefs nationwide – all winners of their regional heats – to compete for the national title. The chefs were given 90 minutes to create an appealing, delicious and nutritious two-course menu appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses had to be no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions.
The judges were looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods being used and how they support the needs of residents, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution and presentation as well as hygiene and waste management best practice.
Nigel’s main course was streaky bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, served with black pudding cottage pie, celeriac puree, ep sauce, broccoli, celery, walnuts, radish and apple. His desert was called ‘Sweet Memories of Black Forest Gateau’, which he served with mascarpone. He created this to celebrate 200 years of Cadbury’s chocolate and their partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Nigel Cooke, Head Chef at Eastcote Park, part of the Cinnamon Care Collection said, “The standard of the competition and flavours gets better every year and this competition is an incredible showcase of the highest quality care food. I’ve been awarded second place for two years in the row, which I’m very proud of. Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Samuel Sewell from Wellington Vale Care home, also part of the Cinnamon Care Collection, who was crowned the winner. We both received incredible support from our care homes and the senior team at the Cinnamon Care Collection.”
Mark Shockledge, Senior General Manager, Eastcote Park added, “The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is by far the biggest competition for chefs in our industry. Nigel is a very talented chef and our residents love the food that he serves. We are very proud of his achievements.”
Richard Pearshouse, Executive Chef, Cinnamon Care Collection added, “It is an unbelievable success for one company to have chefs winning first and second place at such a prestigious national competition – a real testament to their culinary skills and knowledge. Nigel goes above and beyond for his residents. He is always looking to push himself to ensure we are at the forefront of excellent hospitality. Coming second in the NACC Care Chef of the Year is a huge achievement. I am incredibly proud to have Nigel as a member of the Cinnamon team.”
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