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News / 21.10.2024
Medirest chefs secure coveted NHS Chef of the Year Award
Two Medirest chefs, from the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, are celebrating after their team has secured the coveted NHS Chef of the year award, having competed in the final. Chefs Manuela Miccoli and Alejandro Bedoya Hernandez competed against 7 other finalists during the five-day event.
The Medirest team cooked a starter of Venison Bao Buns with Blackberry BBQ Sauce, Celeriac & Apple Slaw; followed by a main of Gnocchi with Hake, Granola and Tomato Sauce; with a vegetarian option of Lentil Patty, Roast Potato, Celeriac Fondant and Mushroom Gravy; completed with a Tiramisu dessert. The dishes secured high praise from the judges.
The team were supported throughout by Chef Mentor Keith Turrell, Chef Academy Lead Tutor at HIT Training. Keith played a pivotal role, coaching the team through their creative execution and helping them refine their culinary concepts for the awards. His guidance was instrumental in ensuring that the chefs not only honed their technical skills but also delivered exceptional, innovative dishes that impressed the judges.
Manuela Miccoli said: “Winning the NHS Chef of the Year award is a dream come true. We worked so hard to achieve this. It was really tough, but I was so glad to be a in team with Alejandro. We have a joint passion for food and I am so pleased that we were able to show this.”
Alejandro Bedoya Hernandez added: “It’s incredible to have won the NHS Chef of the Year. We were so excited to have made the final and to have now won is something else. I am really proud of what we have achieved. We have practiced our dishes a lot and really glad it all came together on the day.”
Commenting on the win Russell Blake, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland - Healthcare said: “I am absolutely thrilled for Manuela and Alejandro that they have won NHS Chef of the Year. They are the most fantastic example of great teamwork and people who care passionately about what they do, providing great food day in day out at the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. I am so proud of them and delighted that they have received this wonderful recognition.”
Phil Shelley, Senior Operational Manager at NHS England concluded: "As winners of NHS Chef 2024, Alejandro and Manuela have produced exceptional, nutritious food, which has raised the bar to a new level. Their focus and calmness throughout, will help develop them into NHS culinary ambassadors."