The Cura Hospitality dining team at Providence Point, a retirement community in Pittsburgh, recently presented "Taste Sensations," an event that the Cura team created where residents have the opportunity to taste test foods of the globe or have an opportunity to experience unique ways to flavor foods in a healthful manner.
At the January Taste Sensations event, Cura Executive Chef Cameron Clegg presented different kinds of international cheeses including gorgonzola, brie and a tiramisu dessert with mascarpone cheese topped with coffee syrup to a group of more than 50 residents. According to Pat Waterman, a resident at Providence Point, "I've attended several of the Taste Sensations events that Cura has hosted. These events are a learning experience, coupled with delicious food. Chef Cameron is wonderful and will answer questions about the food and provides recipes so we can prepare his creations in our homes," said Waterman, who is also a member of the community's hospitality committee, an organization where residents will work together with Chef Cameron, voicing their suggestions and ideas to the Cura team.
CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT
Chef Cameron is also joined by Alicia Koloski, RD, who presents the nutritional values and health benefits of the foods featured. "Alicia was very helpful and pointed out the calorie counts. It was interesting, but I knew the higher calorie cheese was going to taste better than the low-cal option," laughed Waterman.
Judy Snyder is also a resident at Providence Point who enjoyed attending the Taste Sensations event. "Chef Cameron makes himself available, and works with ideas that come from the residents. During Taste Sensations, Chef Cameron exposes us to foods that we have never tasted before," said Snyder.
At a past event, Snyder learned how to flavor foods using olive, sesame, walnut and grape seed oils. "I had purchased grape seed oil at a party, but didn't know how to use it. What I learned was that grape seed oil preserves the taste of the foods that I'm eating." Snyder adds that Chef Cameron gives residents a history of the foods presented.
Residents also enjoyed cheddar soup topped with a slice of smoked cheddar and a caramelized pear crisp with gorgonzola cheese and cranberries. "All of it was delicious. I haven't met a cheese I didn't like," Waterman noted.
The Taste Sensations event demonstrates Cura's Living Life philosophy, a commitment to nourishing the body and spirits of our seniors. "We believe our responsibility to our residents and guests goes beyond serving nutritious, healthy and delicious food. Through Living Life, we offer activities and food entertainment events that increase socialization, wellness and memory support among older adults. Most importantly, these activities enhance life around great food," said Cura President Mitch Possinger.
Grace Hoyer is public relations manager, Cura Hospitality, Orefield, Pa. For more information, visit www.curahospitality.com and www.providencepoint.org.
|
|
Articles Archives |
|
|