Role models
Date of news/blog: 25th September 2023Bramshott Grange Chef Frank Fatura has two very different role models when it comes to cooking – his mum and Gordon Ramsay.
“One thing I always remember from growing up in Slovakia was my mum’s cooking and it still inspires me today,” said Frank.
“With Gordon Ramsay I am a big admirer of his honesty, getting straight to the point – though I’m not as rude.”
It certainly seems a winning combination as Frank recently reached the regional final of the National Association of Care Catering Chef of the Year competition.
Dad-of-two Frank, 37, first arrived in Britain in 2007, keen to find work and to learn the language.
He worked in pubs and other care homes, gaining his National Vocational Qualification in catering before joining the team at Bramshott Grange Care Home four years ago and rising to the post of head chef.
“When I was working in a pub it was more like a production line,” said Frank. “Here the important thing is that the residents enjoy the food and that it is nutritionally well balanced.”
Frank says he enjoys the freedom of designing his own menus, trying out new ideas and chatting to the residents. He also brings a taste of his homeland to Hampshire, with his vanilla cakes, a traditional Slovakian desert, proving particularly popular.
“I’m a firm believer that you eat with your eyes so presentation is very important, food needs to be colourful and to look appetising and to be nutritious. I welcome feedback because I am a perfectionist and always looking to improve,” he said.
As well as residents, Frank also cooks for the staff at Bramshott which means up to 80 meals at a time with alternatives for those with allergies or who prefer gluten free or vegetarian.
“Whether I’m cooking for management, staff or residents I’m aiming for the same result, healthy nutritious food that people enjoy and want to try again.”