Joe wins ‘MasterChef’ showdown

A talented chef from our care home in Ivybridge, Devon has cooked his way to victory in Sanctuary Care’s annual ‘MasterChef’ competition.

Joe Fower, Assistant Chef at Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home, went head-to-head with top chefs from over 100 of our care homes across England and Scotland to get to the finals, where he produced a two-course menu in under ninety minutes.  

The competition, held at Brakes Innovation Kitchen in Reading, saw a panel of judges assess the dishes for taste, culinary flair, creativity and presentation.

The winning menu showcased Joe's flare for creating vegan, plant-based dishes that are not only delicious, but rich in protein. His plant-based scallops, wrapped in plant-based bacon served on a smoky puy lentil ragu, paired with grilled asparagus and a creamy garlic reduction, were followed by a luxurious white chocolate and raspberry Crème Brûlée, accompanied by raspberry coulis and shortbread fingers.  

Joe, who scooped £1,000 prize for his win, said: “I'm really proud of the close bond I have with my residents at Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home. Every day, they motivate me to cook the best food I can. The best part of my day is seeing the dining room full of their happy, smiling faces."

Sheila O’Connor, Sanctuary Care’s Director of Operations, said: “Joe is an incredible chef and a deserving winner of our MasterChef competition. We introduced the contest 4 years ago to celebrate the talented chefs who produce delicious food to enrich the lives of the residents living in our care homes every day.  

“It’s amazing to see the creativity that the contestants bring to the table every single year. All of the chefs should feel incredibly proud."

Danny Silcock, Development Chef at Brakes, added: “It was a privilege to be asked to judge the competition. The standard of all chefs was extremely high and working in a different kitchen under competition conditions is daunting.

“Joe stayed calm and produced dishes which were very creative in his use of different products away from the norm, while being nutritious, having good eye appeal and good levels of protein.” 
 
The results of the competition, run in partnership with Brakes, were announced at Sanctuary Care’s annual Chef Conference.  Following Joe were Rowena Graham from Camilla House Care Home 2nd place, and Lisa Warrington from Westmead Residential Care Home in 3rd.

For more about life in any of Sanctuary Care's homes, our Enquiry Support Team are here to help on 0800 331 7421.