Care home's 'Master Chef' crowned winner at innovative culinary competition

A chef from a Salford care home as recently been crowned ‘Akari Care Master Chef 2015’ after competing in an innovative competition designed to promote British produce and nutrition in the care industry.

Michael Byrne, an experienced chef at Beech House Care Home was one of five finalists in the national competition, which included chefs from across Akari Care’s 39 homes throughout the UK, including professional chef Will Devlin.

Celebrity chef Richard Phillips, a regular on The Lorraine Show and Saturday Kitchen, endorsed the competition which took place at Catton Hall Estate, Walton upon Trent.

Commenting on his success, Mr Byrne said: “I am delighted to have won this competition and it is an honour to have had my culinary skills recognised by a professional chef of Mr Devlin’s calibre.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time from the regional heats all the way through to the final and it has been great to meet fellow chefs from Akari and draw on their menus that are served at their care homes.”

The initiative was a collaboration between Akari Care and food service provider Brakes, with the finalists preparing two meals - a main course and a dessert - using only ingredients and produce from Brakes.

Lynn Fearn, deputy chief executive officer at Akari Care, commented: “It was a tough decision to make as all five finalists prepared some fantastic dishes and impressed Will, but as with all these things, there can only be one winner and I would like to congratulate Mr Byrne on an excellent job.

“Our catering staff across all of our care homes throughout the country work extremely hard to provide our residents with a variety of different meals, which satisfy their dietary and nutritional needs.

“Akari Care Master Chef 2015 has proved to be a massive success and was received well by everyone at the company. It has been great to team up with Brakes for the initiative and we are looking forward to working with them moving forward.”

Brakes is a leading food service provider with an extensive network and product range in the UK. It is a member of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), possessing more than 50 years’ experience in the sector.

Tim Pepper, Brakes key account manager for Akari Care added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Akari Care as their food service provider offering them ongoing support in the way of the Akari Care Master Chef competition.

“All of the finalists produced some excellent dishes and it was a very close decision, our congratulations go to Mr Byrne on producing a winning menu combination. Congratulations to all the finalists and a great day was had by all.”