Mildenhall chef cooks up a storm in national care home competition

Home news

Sep 18, 2015

Residents and colleagues at Mildenhall Lodge care home are celebrating after the home’s chef, Alan Cash, reached the semi-finals of Care UK’s Chef of the Year competition.

Alan Cash, who is head chef at Mildenhall Lodge, competed against the culinary talents of other Care UK chefs from across the country and was one of 12 to reach the semi-finals. Four semi-finalists were also from Care UK homes in Suffolk, including chef Javier Mendez at Ixworth Court in Ixworth. The semi-finals took place in early September and only four chefs will progress onto the finals.
 
Commenting on his success in the competition, Alan said: “I am delighted to have made it to the semi-finals against tough competition from chefs across the country. I’m pleased to have this opportunity to showcase my knowledge and cookery skills, as well as pick up inspiration and creativity for new menus at the home.”
 
To secure his place in the semi-finals, Alan had to prepare a two-course lunch in 90 minutes with judges looking at the originality, presentation, taste, nutritional content and menu design.
 
Alan prepared a herb-basted chicken breast with a mushroom and spring onion risotto and roasted vine tomatoes. Dessert was a homemade brandy snap basket filled with Chantilly cream, fresh strawberries and a strawberry coulis.
 
The meal was tasted by four judges including a regional director, a hotel services manager and two of Care UK care home residents.