Care residents across the West Midlands have been getting stuck into a wholesome competition inspired by the hit Channel 4 show 'Come Dine With Me'. The event took place over two weeks, with two representatives from the Cinnamon Care Collection travelling to four care homes in Solihull, Hagley, Stourbridge, and Sutton Park Grange to critique three-course menus prepared by each home's catering team.
Residents Take the Lead in Menu Creation
Residents at Eastcote Park Retirement Village, The Gables Care Home, Parkfield Grange Care Home, and Sutton Park Grange Care Home were actively involved in creating the menus, ensuring their tastes were reflected. The tour began at the Solihull branch, with each home's catering team preparing a bespoke three-course menu.
Peter Ronan, a resident at Sutton Park Grange, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition, stating how much he looked forward to sharing experiences and meeting people from other communities.
Building Friendships Through Food
Su Edmonds, general manager at Sutton Park Grange, said: “This is a fun and engaging way for our residents to meet others from across Cinnamon Care Collection, building new friendships while also enjoying the wonderful meals prepared by all our talented chefs.”
To capture the fun, a mini video series was created across social media, mirroring the TV episodes. Residents have enjoyed rewatching these clips and sharing them with others in their homes.
Winner Announced
Olivia Cameron, head of customer experience, presented the winner with a commemorative plate, which was taken back to The Gables Care Home. Dwight Clayton, head chef at The Gables, said: “It was great to do something a little different and showcase our food to residents from other homes. I really enjoyed working with our own residents to create a menu that truly reflected their tastes and choices here at The Gables. I thought the highlight would be showing what we can achieve in care-home dining, but honestly, the real cherry on the cake was helping The Gables secure the win!”
Future Plans
Plans are already being discussed for the next cross-home culinary showcase, as residents across the region look forward to keeping their newfound friendships flourishing.
