What is your favourite dish to cook at work and why?
My favourite dish is the Sunday Roast because we often get family members who join us, and the residents really enjoy the meal. The Sunday lunch seems to be a popular time for residents and families to get together.
Describe your typical day as a chef.
I start at 8.00 and begin preparing for lunch. I use the time in the morning to make my own puddings before Lunch is served. After lunch I often go to see how the residents are and make sure they are happy with their meal. I then do the menu choices for residents for the next day. For our residents who suffer with memory loss and dementia I ask them on the day so they can choose what they fancy at the time. I start in the kitchen again at 3.30 to prepare supper where we serve homemade soup every day.
What do you like about your job?
I like the staff group and the residents, it’s a family atmosphere. I have worked in the home for 9 years so I know everyone well, and it provides the home with consistency. I like the fact that we use local produce and get our fruit, vegetables and meat delivered on a daily basis.
If you had to offer one piece of advice to anyone looking to break into your industry, what would it be?
Go for it, it’s very rewarding.
How often is the menu updated and do you take feedback from the residents when changing the menu?
We have a 4 week menu so that we can offer a lot of variety. We also try to write our menu’s with the seasons, using seasonal vegetables and traditional meals. I have a day designated to paperwork and I use this time to go and see the residents to talk about the menus. I also attend the monthly resident meetings with the manager, where we talk about different meal options and if the residents would like to sample them. Recently the residents decided to try Hunters Chicken, it went down a treat and they decided they would like to see it on the menu.
What’s your regular comfort meal?
It’s got to be bangers and mash! I like it with onion gravy and peas.
What is the most essential item in your kitchen?
Me!
What is your favourite local restaurant to eat at?
It’s called the Cafe Spice, it’s an Indian restaurant in Sturminster Newton, their food is delicious!
