Page 27 - Life Happens in the Kitchen

STAGE ONE: TRADITIONAL
Page 21
4.Visiting Chef
a-Local restaurant owners and chefs are grateful for the opportunity to create a meal for the residents. Generally staff and chef decide the menu together, but be certain to include the residents’ favorites. The facility provides the food, the chef provides the talent and flair. Dress up or dress down according to the menu and your residents will feel as special as at any catered special event in their lives. Some generous chefs will donate their specialty item for the meal, often a fancy dessert. Do this once a month, rotating with chefs from area restaurants, and your residents will be truly pampered, year round!
b-Slightly higher food costs than usual can be easily balanced in the rest of the day’s meals as residents eat to their fill of fancy fare. If the budget allows, include staff for a truly festive event. Remember to publicize the event, with photos if possible, as great public relations for your home and for the chef!
c-Take some time to train your visiting chef in the rules of your kitchen, provide one of your cooks or cook’s helper to guide the chef in sanitation,
safety and therapeutic diet considerations of health care dining, and enjoy!
d-The residents and staff of Spruce Lodge, a Bigfork Valley Community, in Bigfork, MN enjoyed special chicken breast with wild rice, fresh
green beans, and chocolate mousse for dessert prepared and served by Chef Paul of Timberwolf Inn, a nearby fine dining establishment. Residents who traditionally prefer to eat in their rooms came
to the table, and smiles and laughter abounded at the meal. Appetites were so good, there were NO leftovers!
Recipe for Success
a-what’s the opportunity – terms/description
b-ups and downs c-regulatory considerations d-stories/examples
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