The Runwood Homes group Chef of the Year competition took a flavorful leap with a variety of rich culinary dishes. The emphasis wasn’t just on skill but on chefs who wove compelling stories through their dishes.
The day began with Jamie Clews MCGC of Robot Coupe UK, who started an enlightening workshop on combatting food waste. His insights, staggering statistics, and thought-provoking information set the stage for a remarkable day.
Adding a dash of challenge, a mere minute before the competition began, chefs were tasked with creating an extra dish using food waste from their planned preparations. Each chef not only rose to the challenge but unleashed their creativity. The chef’s additional courses were not just imaginative but showcased flavors that could grace any care home’s menu.
The judging panels comprised esteemed professionals. Chris Williams, James Cotton, and Jasmine Purwaha formed one team; Gary Edson, Andrew Nichols, and last year’s winner, Jamie Clews, and Sara Driver comprised the others. Andy North and James Proctor of EF-group evaluated the food waste courses.
While every contestant shone, special congratulations are in order:
- Thomas of Park View Warwick care home, who seized the winner’s spot with a menu featuring Potato and Parmesan croquettes and Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast with Pesto Risotto.
- Joyce Obeng of Windle Court, who claimed second place with Chicken Goujons and “Joyces Jerk Chicken” alongside a Ghanaian side salad.
- Richard Ashmead of The Belmont, who secured third place with Pan-Fried Cod Loin in Lemon Butter and Winter Spiced Poached Pear with Caramel Sauce.
The Food Waste Course, sponsored by EF-group, saw Andras Papp, Head Chef of Blackthorns, triumph with his delectable creation of Bolognese Soup with Tempura Vegetables.
Chris Williams, Group Hospitality Director at the Runwood Homes group, said: “For our Chef of the year competition this year we wanted to create an inclusive platform with varied abilities, but importantly we wanted Chefs who all had a story to tell with their dishes. We extend immense gratitude to Gordon and Sarah Sanders for their unwavering support and to our COO, Jasmine Purwaha, who graced us as a chief judge. We also want to thank all of our chefs for their hard work and dedication in this year’s competition; we were very impressed by all of your entries.”
For more information, please visit: www.runwoodhomes.co.uk
