A KNOWLE chef proved he was a cut above the rest for the second year running in top competition.
Nigel Cooke, the head chef at Eastcote Park care home has earned himself a spot in the final of the Care Chef of the Year competition after he was crowned winner of the Midlands regional heat.
The competition, organised by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), tasks chefs to create a delicious and nutritious menu appropriate for people in a care setting.
During the regional heats, competitors were given 90 minutes to create a two-course menu at a total cost of no more than £3.50 per head based on three portions.
Nigel wowed judges with him main course of pan-fried hake with potato scales and a spicy coconut sauce, crispy kale, pickled cucumber and cherry tomatoes followed by a beetroot bakewell tart with ginger crème fraiche for dessert.
Nigel said: “I never thought I would win the regional heat.
“There was such a high calibre of chefs, all producing some amazing dishes.
“I am incredibly proud to have been selected as a finalist and to represent Cinnamon Care Collection and its Eastcote Park care home.
“My friends, family, colleagues and all the residents at Eastcote Park have given me so much support and are all rooting for me for the final which is taking place in October.”
