“I just love food!” – meet head chef Ali

Meet Ali, head chef at The Beeches Residential Care Home in Northfield, who exudes a passion for creating delicious, hearty cuisine cooked straight from the heart.

And winning second place in Sanctuary Care’s Masterchef 2021 has been the icing on the cake for Ali, who joined the home a year ago.

He says: “I just love food! I’ve been brought up in the culture where food is central to everything.

“The feedback I get when the residents are really happy with the food - the textures, the tastes and flavours that you cook for them - it’s just amazing and I can’t describe how good it feels.”

Ali has just scooped second place in our annual culinary contest after going head to head with fellow chefs from across our care homes in England and Scotland, winning £500.

His menu of pomegranate and walnut chicken stew, with saffron rice, almonds and orange, followed by a chocolate lava cake, wowed the judges.

He says: “It was amazing to come second! It was a great, great feeling and I’m really proud.”

Originally from Iran, Ali came to England 13 years ago and worked as a chef in the hospitality industry. He says: “My wife is Spanish so we love to cook Tapas and Mediterranean food. My son is eight and we love to cook Paella together!”

Ali is a great baker and creates sweets and his famous scones for afternoon tea, as well as getting involved in ‘foody’ activities with the residents, like making bread.

If residents fancy something that isn’t on the menu, he’s always happy to create something different. He’s recently made jerk chicken and Chinese dishes following special requests.

“I love working here - I never imagined working in a care home could be so pleasant, it’s everything - the staff, the residents and the management it’s all of them,” he adds. “Michelle our manager has been so supportive and has helped me every step of the way and encouraged me.”

Ali is so excited to be preparing Christmas dinner at The Beeches this year, and will be enlisting the help of the residents to create a very special Christmas cake.

For more about life at The Beeches of any of our other care homes, our Enquiry Support Team advisors are here to talk on 0800 917 0478.