Sandra Leal, representing Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Tavira, has been crowned the winner of the second edition of Missão D’Chef, a cooking competition aimed at improving the quality of meals served in social welfare institutions across the Algarve.
The competition concluded on Tuesday, October 20, with a celebratory lunch at Pine Cliffs Resort in Albufeira, attended by around 60 guests, including representatives of participating institutions, trainers and hospitality professionals.
Organised by the Algarve Food Bank (Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome do Algarve), in partnership with Pine Cliffs Resort and the SOMOS MAIS social responsibility project, Missão D’Chef combines culinary training with a competition designed to develop participants’ skills.
The programme focuses on nutrition, food hygiene and safety, and practical cooking techniques, helping cooks working in social welfare institutions prepare healthier, more sustainable and nutritious meals for vulnerable people.
Throughout six training sessions, participants work alongside professional chefs, gaining knowledge and putting their skills to the test in a series of culinary challenges.
This year’s closing lunch was prepared by the contestants themselves, working alongside the chefs who had mentored them throughout the programme.
Sandra Leal took first place, receiving a leisure experience at Pine Cliffs Resort, an individual trophy and a recognition plaque for her institution.
Maria Celina Pereira, from Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Monchique, finished second, while Célia Mendes, representing Obra Nossa Senhora das Candeias, secured third place. Both received leisure experiences at the resort.
All participants were also awarded certificates recognising their commitment and achievements during the training programme.
The event concluded with an announcement by Nuno Alves, president of the Algarve Food Bank, confirming that Missão D’Chef will return for a third edition, once again hosted by Pine Cliffs Resort.
The initiative is held at MIMO Algarve and forms part of a wider effort to support social welfare institutions by sharing professional culinary knowledge, encouraging creativity and improving the meals provided to people in need.
Inês Lopes
Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident