RESIDENTS are taking centre stage in Advinia Health Care’s first Chef of the Year competition, a new initiative that is putting care home dining firmly in the spotlight – and in the hands of those who matter most.
The competition, which has just launched with its inaugural north round, is the first time Advinia Health Care has brought together its in-house chefs to compete in a structured, multi-heat culinary challenge.
Regional heats are now underway, with further rounds, including the Scottish heat in Glasgow next week, building momentum ahead of a grand final in Manchester this April.
Uniquely, this is not only a chef-led judging panel. Instead, residents are the primary judges, sampling, scoring and providing direct feedback on each dish.
The overall winning dish from the Manchester final will earn a place on menus across Advinia homes, ensuring residents directly influence what is served in their communities.
Mark Dale, head of hospitality for Advinia Health Care, said: “Food is fundamental to wellbeing in our homes. This competition not only celebrates the skill and dedication of our chefs, but most importantly empowers residents to shape their dining experience.
“Being our first Chef of the Year competition makes this especially exciting; it marks the beginning of something we hope will become a highlight in our calendar each year.” menus across Advinia homes, ensuring residents directly influence what is served in their communities.
The north round saw Mark McGuffie from Stonedale claimed first place with his smoked haddock fishcake served with minted mushy peas, buttered carrots, homemade chips and tartare sauce.
Second place went to Claudine Walker from Roberttown, whose southern fried chicken with broccoli, carrots and creamed potatoes proved a firm favourite.