Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Chefs Claim National Culinary Award

Manuela Miccoli, 50, and Alejandro Bedoya Hernandez, 27, chefs affiliated with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, have been named the victors of the NHS Chef of the Year award. The duo triumphed over seven other finalists during a five-day culinary contest held in York. Mr. Hernandez expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am really proud of what we have achieved.” Ms. Miccoli described their team’s success as the realization of a dream. Their competition menu included a starter of venison bao buns served with blackberry barbecue sauce and celeriac and apple slaw. The main course featured hake gnocchi accompanied by a granola and tomato sauce. An alternative offering consisted of a lentil patty with roast potatoes, celeriac fondant, and mushroom gravy. For dessert, they prepared a tiramisu. “We have a joint passion for food and I am so pleased that we were able to show this on the day,” Ms. Miccoli commented. Phil Shelley, senior operational manager of NHS England, remarked that the cuisine had “raised the bar to a new level.” He further stated, “Their focus and calmness throughout the competition will help them develop into NHS culinary ambassadors.” Both culinary professionals are employed by Medirest, a company that supplies food services to NHS trusts.