Leeds care home chef makes national finals

A Leeds care home chef has got through to the finals of Anchor’s – England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people – Chef of the Year competition.

Chefs from across Anchor’s 120 care home portfolio took part in the competition by submitting a three-course menu - starter, main course, and dessert. Hamid Bentarif, Deputy Chef Manager at Anchor’s Berkeley Court care home, entered with a starter of Roasted tomato and basil soup, a main of Spring chicken tagine, and Orange blossom honey semolina cake for dessert.

The judges looked at the nutritional value of the meals and how residents had been involved in choosing the menu.

Hamid now joins the other finalists to see who will be crowned this year’s Anchor Chef of the Year. The finalists will face the heat in the kitchens of The School of Artisan Food on Thursday 3 September when they prepare their menus for the judges. 

Micheala Jessop, Home Manager at Anchor’s Berkeley Court care home, said: “We’re all so happy for Hamid, it’s honestly the least he deserves. His recipes are truly delightful and a big hit with our residents too. Everyone here at Berkeley Court loves his cooking and I bet the judges did too!”

Hamid is delighted to be in the final, saying: "Being named a finalist in Anchor’s Chef of the Year competition is a real honour, and something I’m incredibly proud of. I take great pride in the meals I prepare every day for the residents at Berkeley Court. To have that recognised at a national level feels amazing, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way."