Green Tree Court Head Chef, Tim Ware, who previously won the National Care Awards ‘Chef of the Year’ 2016, has qualified for the finals of the National Association of Care Catering Chef of the Year competition.

Thousands apply and Tim was crowned one of the two winners from the south-west region after stiff competition in the regional finals cook-off last week.

Tim cooked a sous-vide pork tenderloin, toasted hazelnut crust, Hasselback potato, roast cauliflower puree and honey glazed heritage carrots and rum-roast banana espuma, candied pecan nuts and dark chocolate.

About the NACC competiton

Now in its twentieth year, the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition, which is proudly supported by the main sponsor Premier Foods and the Worshipful Company of Cooks, recognises the excellence of chefs working in the care sector.

The competition is specially designed to showcase the talent, innovation, specialist skills and specific knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements required by care chefs, whilst challenging them and encouraging them to push the boundaries. It also raises the profile of the care sector as a rewarding, dynamic career choice. Entrants must create new, exciting menus, following the competition rules, that adhere to a strict budget and meet the nutritional and dietary needs of their clientele.

As people age their dietary needs change and a wide variety of special diets must be recognised and catered for safely. From food intolerances to dysphagia and dementia, it is vital that care chefs can confidently deliver the right nutrition and hydration to ensure quality of life and prevent unnecessary malnutrition-related illnesses. They also need creativity and flair, as older people often experience a reduced appetite or decreased sense of taste, which can also undermine their intake of essential nutrients. It’s therefore vital that the food presented to them is attractive to the eye and full of flavour.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “We’re thrilled to launch NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019. The competition has a strong reputation for showcasing the culinary excellence that the care sector exudes, so we’re very excited to see what this year’s talented entrants produce in their mission to join the exclusive club of NACC Care Chef of the Year title holders.”

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) is a progressive organisation representing professionals providing catering to the care industry. They are recognised by Local Authorities, independent providers, the charitable sector and Government departments as a prime source of information and opinion on all aspects of catering within the care sector and whose primary aim is to improve standards.

We wish Tim the very best of luck for the final, which will take place in Stratford on Avon on June 5th.