Delivering ‘the world on a plate’ to shipmates on Devonport’s HMS Northumberland at mealtimes has earned Leading Caterer Carl Tester the title ‘Royal Navy Chef of the Year’.
No matter where the ship has been – chiefly on patrol in the North Atlantic – Carl has endeavoured to bring the world to dinner plates, drawing upon his skill, imagination and what’s in the frigate’s pantry – although he modestly attributes the success to the team spirit and collective skills of HMS Northumberland’s catering department.
Carl, who lives in Plymouth with his wife Marianne and daughter Eowyn, said:
“Being recognised with this award is a huge honour, but it really belongs to the whole galley, We always aim to make every meal feel like a piece of home, with mealtimes a highlight of the day, making the lived experience on board a little better. It has been a genuine pleasure to share my passion for cooking with everyone who visits the counter.”
The 31-year-old joined the Royal Navy nine years ago, cooked for the Queen when she paid her final visit to HMS Ocean and represented the service against the Army and RAF in the culinary arts team.
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His passion and skill in the galley particularly came to the fore last year, when Northumberland was heavily engaged on patrols in the North Atlantic – an unforgiving environment and not the easiest place to take on board fresh supplies.
According to his citation:
“His global menus bring excitement to mealtimes, turning them into culinary adventures and breaking the monotony of life at sea. His efforts have not just showcased his culinary talents but have also connected the diverse ship’s company through their love of great food.”
His boss aboard Northumberland, Chief Caterer Chief Petty Officer Tim Rowe, said Carl
“expertly creates a sense of adventure in his menus, delighting the taste buds of his shipmates with global flavours served in the middle of the ocean.”
Northumberland’s Commanding Officer Commander Will Edwards-Bannon added:
“Leading Chef Tester’s contribution has been so much more than the outstanding food he has prepared; his dynamic and engaging leadership within the galley, across the ship and on the rugby pitch as the ship’s team captain has been critical to sustaining morale on board over the course of a particularly demanding series of operations in the North Atlantic and High North.”
