What an amazing week it has been!
I was absolutely delighted when Phil and Tim invited me to join them in judging the NHS Chef of the Year 2024 competition. Now in its fourth year, the competition has gone from strength to strength, and this year was no exception. The passion and talent on display were phenomenal, making it an unforgettable experience.
Congratulations to the Winners
A huge congratulations to Alejandro Hernandez and Manuela Miccoli from the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, who have been crowned the winners of NHS Chef 2024.
Their winning menu was nothing short of spectacular:
- Starter: Venison bao bun served with blackberry BBQ sauce and a celeriac and apple slaw.
- Main Courses: Gnocchi with hake, granola, and cherry tomato sauce and a plant based Lentil patty with roast potato, celeriac fondant, and mushroom gravy.
- Dessert: A classic tiramisu.
Their dishes not only met the NHS budget constraints but were executed to restaurant standards, reflecting the daily efforts of our NHS chefs to cater to diverse dietary needs.
A Week of Challenges and Triumphs
The competition was packed with over 14 challenges over the week; a true test of the chefs’ technical skills, creativity, and knowledge. From recreating delicious recipes, to making sponges from their own recipes, the chefs showcased their understanding of the diverse culinary needs within the NHS—including special diets for children, patient feeding, and hospitality services.
One of my personal favorites was the Children’s Challenge. I loved seeing the teams design dishes specifically to appeal to children; an area that’s close to my heart. Their passion and creativity shone through, making it a memorable part of the competition.
The Wildcard Challenge was another highlight. It pushed both chefs and mentors out of their comfort zones as they worked together to scale, gut, and fillet fish. For many, this was a new experience, but they all rose to the occasion, embodying the spirit of the competition—learning new skills and growing as professionals.
The Vital Role of Mentors
The mentors played an essential role in elevating the skills of the competitors. Each team was matched with a mentor who provided guidance, support, and advice, helping the mentees grow both personally and professionally. They offered expert advice based on their experience and knowledge, encouraged skill development, and helped build the chefs’ confidence throughout the week. Their emotional support and encouragement were invaluable, especially when chefs stepped out of their comfort zones.
A Celebration of Culinary Excellence
All of the dishes presented were created on an NHS budget but delivered to restaurant standards, showcasing that delicious and healthy food is achievable in our healthcare settings. The chefs demonstrated a deep respect for seasonal ingredients, effective food waste management, and exemplary teamwork.
Thank You to Everyone Involved
A heartfelt thank you to all our competitors, partners, and fellow judges for making NHS Chef 2024 such a success. The incredible team at NHS England and their partners delivered the event flawlessly. This week has truly highlighted the dedication and talent of our NHS chefs, who work tirelessly to provide nutritious and appetizing meals for patients and staff alike.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s competition and can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces await!
~ Louise
