Oliver Smith has been crowned the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2015. The chef at Wetherby Manor care home, Wetherby, claimed the coveted title at the national final of the culinary competition.
Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy played host to the finale of the annual competition that spotlights the skill, talent and dedication to excellence demonstrated by chefs in the care sector on a daily basis. In front of industry colleagues, associations and media, 11 worthy finalists pulled out all the stops to impress the judges with their specially-created menus that showcased real knowledge and understanding of the nutritional and dietary needs of those in a care environment, as well as innovation and flair.
Oliver’s winning menu of pork tenderloin, celeriac purée, crispy potatoes and apple followed by chocolate mousse with beetroot gave him the edge that clinched the top prize. Oliver impressed the judges with his well-balanced menu that tasted great and was fun to eat. He also demonstrated innovative use of beetroot in the dessert, great cooking of the pork and delivered on a nutrition front.