Chef's Table, Other Changes a Hit at CCRC

Along with a series of other upgrades to the onsite dining operation, a new Chef's Table program has been a big hit at Lake Prince Woods Continuous Care Retirement Community in Suffolk, VA. One night each month, Chef Brian Stubbs of dining services provider Sodexo and the dietary staff prepare a special meal with a distinct culinary and cultural focus.

"So far our Chef's Night Specials have had a regional theme," Stubbs notes. The first was Italian, with veal parmesan and chicken picatta on the menu. Next was French and then Greek. The May Special, coconut shrimp and salmon stuffed with spinach and feta cheese, was an especially big hit.

Since Lake Prince Woods parent company United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) engaged Sodexo to operate dining at the community last year, residents have seen a series of innovations. For instance, new food options in the deli include a variety of panini sandwiches and freshly made pizza. The catering menu has been expanded to include entire meal options in addition to the reception items previously available.

"A chef does more than prepare the food," Stubbs explains. "Planning menus, ordering the food, and coordinating with the other cooks is part of the responsibility."