Devon Chef Takes Home Gold in ‘MasterChef’ Showdown

A talented care home chef from Devon has cooked his way to victory in not-for-profit Sanctuary Care’s annual ‘MasterChef’ competition.

Joe Fower, Assistant Chef at Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home in Ivybridge, wowed judges with his culinary skills and took home the coveted gold medal among sixteen finalists.

Going head-to-head with top chefs from over 100 care homes across England and Scotland, Joe battled through the final round of the competition, which mirrors the format of the popular BBC show, producing a two-course menu including a main and dessert in under ninety minutes.

The competition, which was held at Brakes Innovation Kitchen in Reading, saw a panel of judges assess the dishes for taste, culinary flair, creativity and presentation. These were Sanctuary’s Chief Operating Officer – Commercial, Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Louise Palmer, Deputy Director of Operations at Sanctuary Care and Danny Silcock, Development Chef at Brakes. 

The Devon-chef’s winning menu left a lasting impression and showcased his 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 a hit for the judges.

For dessert, Joe served up 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. They mean a lot to me, and it makes my day when I get positive feedback. They were all super excited for me before the awards evening, and I got loads of good luck wishes!

“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.

“I was very surprised to have won! The standard set by everyone was so high - I am very pleased.”

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.

“Mealtimes play a really important role in our homes, which is why we are proud to invest in fantastic chefs who go above and beyond to create enjoyable dining experiences for our residents.”

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, which is run in partnership with Brakes, were announced at Sanctuary Care’s recent annual Chef Conference. Following Joe in the MasterChef competition were Rowena Graham from Camilla House Care Home at 2nd, and Lisa Warrington from Westmead Residential Care Home at 3rd.

 For more information visit www.sanctuary-care.co.uk