Kelly Gavriliuc, chef manager for Four Seasons Aspen Lodge, has clinches the trophy for Best Care Home Chef Mentor at the Chef Mentor Awards after setting a new standard for the training and development of staff.
Gavriliuc impressed judges with her willingness to share skills, knowledge and expertise, her ability to act as a role model and also her mastery of texture modified food. She quickly developed her skills to the same level as even Elior’s most senior development chefs.
Armed with this superior knowledge, Gavriliuc gave up her time to roll out TMF training at Four Seasons Health Care homes all over the East of England. Elior was so impressed with her high standard of cooking and teaching ability that she was honoured with their Chef Award 2017.
Sarah Wass, Elior operations director for healthcare, said, “Kelly leaves chefs inspired, confident and producing texture modified food that looks and tastes great. I can’t stress enough what a phenomenal difference she’s made to the lives of hundreds of residents. And it’s been noticed at the very top – FSHC senior management now want Kelly in the rest of the business.”
Beverley and Andrew Oldbury, whose mother is one of the residents at Four Seasons Aspen Lodge, said, “We were blown away by the dedication and care that goes into our mum’s food. Mealtimes are one of her few pleasures now. To be able to eat like she does is all down to Kelly.”
Cyrus Todiwala OBE, and chair of the judging panel, said, “There are so many chefs who, sometimes behind the scenes, work tirelessly to train and develop people in our industry. The Mentor Awards are unique in recognising these brilliant people, who are crucial to the growth and development of our industry.”
To win the award, mentors had to excel in their willingness to share skills, knowledge and expertise, act as a role model, be held in high regard by colleagues and take a personal interest in the mentoring relationship. Enthusiasm, valuing learning and giving constructive criticism were also key requirements.
Kelly was honoured along with the other category winners – including Albert Roux OBE for the Peter Hazzard award – at Celtic Manor as part of the H&C EXPO on 17 July.
