Felixstowe chef top in country

A FELIXSTOWE chef has once again been named one of the best in the country after reaching the finals of a national catering competition for care home cooks.

Jim Lait, who works at The Firs in Grange Road, Felixstowe, reached the finals of Anchor Homes' annual Chef of the Year competition for the second year running.

Mr Lait, 48, was up against five other finalists as they took part in a two-hour cook-off at Huddersfield University - before submitting his dishes to the critical eye and taste buds of Anchor residents, managers and catering colleagues.

The finalists were judged on the presentation, flavour and nutrition of their meals, which all had to be prepared from fresh ingredients within a budget.

All the dishes also had to be examples of food the chefs would serve to the residents of their care homes.

The finalists were the cream of Anchor Homes' catering talent, which has hundreds of chefs cooking for residents in more than 100 of its homes across England.

Mr Lait said: “I entered the competition again because I had such a good experience last year.

“I was pleased with my entry this year and feel it went even better then last time.

“The menu I prepared is a variation on one I already serve to residents, so it really is an example of what people can expect to enjoy at The Firs.”

His menu was poached pears with tarragon cream sauce and walnuts, followed by fillet of pork with cheddar and fresh herbs. Dessert was a baked egg custard tart with cinnamon and cream.

Anchor Trust managing director of care services Jane Ashcroft said: “We pride ourselves on the quality of our catering service and the chefs today have shown that we have every right to be proud. The dishes were all delicious and show just how good care home catering can be when there are passionate, skilled people in the kitchen.”

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