MARK Evans, chef manager at Augustus Court Care Home in Garforth, Leeds, has been crowned the winner of HC-One’s inaugural Chef of the Year competition following the final held at The Grand Hotel in York.
Launched in February, the Chef of the Year competition was created to celebrate the skills, creativity and passion of HC-One chefs across the UK, who prepare nutritious and meals tailored to the needs of residents living in the operator’s care homes.
The competition also recognises the critical role that chefs play in enhancing residents’ dining experiences and overall wellbeing.
Mark emerged as the overall winner following a rigorous three-stage competition. In the first round, chefs submitted their signature dishes suitable for a care home setting, including options for residents with specific dietary requirements such as Mark’s level five minced and moist alternative dish.
From there, Mark was shortlisted as one of 12 semi-finalists who cooked live in Leeds, impressing judges with both technical skill and innovation.
Mark’s journey culminated in the final, where he competed alongside five other chefs for the title. His winning dish, a Greek-inspired chicken spanachi (chicken breast stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, mint, and dill, served with a rich tomato sauce and yoghurt), left a lasting impression on the judging panel.
As the winner of HC-One’s Chef of the Year competition, Mark has earned a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience to a top-secret destination known for its rich food culture and breathtaking scenery.
He will now go on to represent HC-One in an upcoming Champion of Champions event, competing against the top three finalists from HC-One and Anchor’s Chef of the Year competitions for the ultimate culinary title.