Manuela and Alejandro are chefs supreme! | News

Congratulations to our fantastic Medirest chefs, Manuela Miccoli, and Alejandro Bedoya Hernandez, who have been crowned winners of the NHS Chef of the Year Award.

The talented chefs beat seven other finalists and kept their cool during a gruelling five-day cookery competition held in York.

Manuela and Alejandro cooked a starter of Venison Bao Buns with Blackberry BBQ Sauce, Celeriac and Apple Slaw, followed by a main of Gnocchi with Hake, Granola and Tomato Sauce. They also created 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.

Phil Shelley, Senior Operational Manager at NHS England described the team’s food as exceptional. He said: "Alejandro and Manuela’s food has raised the bar to a new level. Their focus and calmness throughout the competition will help them develop them into NHS culinary ambassadors."

Manuela said: “Winning this award is a dream come true. We worked so hard to achieve this. It was really tough on the day, 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 on the day.”

Alejandro added: “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 practised our dishes a lot and I’m really glad it all came together on the day.”