A chef at a care home in Solihull has been shortlisted for ‘Chef of the Year’ at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
Matthew Burke, Head Chef at Care UK’s Blossomfield Grange on Worcester Way, cooked up a storm and impressed judges at the National Association of Care Catering Awards (NACC) with his innovative and nutritionally balanced menu. The NACC Awards celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional food and dining experiences in care settings.
Matthew’s win highlights his dedication to creating meals that are not only delicious but also tailored to the health and cultural needs of residents. He was named ‘Chef of the Year’ in his region and has now been put through to the finals for the national award.
Matthew’s recipe for success is his plant-based approach, aligning with the preferences of the home’s Halal-observant residents, who have opted for a predominantly vegetarian diet. His main course featured a flavourful lentil dahl paired with a meatless kofta, served alongside rice, spinach, onion, and cucumber.
The nutritious dish, rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients such as iron, potassium, and zinc, wowed both the judges and residents at the home, and is now set to be permanently added to the menu. Reflecting on his win, Matthew said: “It is such an honour to be shortlisted for Chef of the Year.
“I’m passionate about creating meals that are not only nutritious, but that bring real joy to residents every day and reflect their diverse cultures. It feels amazing to be recognised for my hard work, and I am grateful to the NACC for this award.”
Jag Singh, Home Manager at Blossomfield Grange, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Matthew and thrilled that his hard work has been recognised on a national stage.
“His creativity and passion for food shines through in every dish he prepares, and he plays a vital role in making mealtimes a highlight of the day for the residents. I’d like to extend my thanks to the whole catering team here at Blossomfield Grange for the amazing work they do every day to give residents the best experience.”
Blossomfield Grange provides luxury residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies.
It has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.
