The 2012 Top ALF Chef Event
Four head chefs from different Assisted Living Facilities around Central Florida went head to head in a competition to earn the title of “Top Chef” this past Thursday, October 18th at Arden Courts Memory Care Facility.
Designed to mimic the popular TV show on Bravo, Top Chef, the competing ALF communities set up their equipment in four separate kitchens to cook up their Mediterranean masterpieces, which was the theme of this year's event. On the grounds at Arden Courts, a memory care facility, four houses, each with a fully equipped commercial grade kitchens, were the chefs' workspaces. Our very own Chef Christopher Murray, here at Orlando Lutheran Towers, in addition to Chef Matthew Keunnen of Atria Senior Living Group, Chef Susan Harman at Village on the Green and Emeritus’ Chef, Tony Gonzales, all competed.
No Wolfgang Puck or the Bravo Channel film crew, but some of Orlando’s own local celebrities came out to guest judge the event. Johnny Magic of XL 106.7, AJ and Ashley of 92.3 and The Executive Chef of Capital Grille, Matthew Price, took on the coveted job of judging all of the delicious culinary concoctions.
After a limited amount of prep time each Executive Chef shared their menu items with the judges as well as each of the nearly 300 attendees. After the tasting, everyone was given the chance to vote on their favorite Chef’s preparations. All attendees’ votes counted as one vote, which was combined with the celebrity judges’ votes to come up with the winner. This year Chef Matthew Keunnen of Atria Senior Living Group was declaredthe winner.
All proceeds collected from donations and ticket sales were donated to Senior Intervention Group, which provides assistance and services to help seniors in the Central Florida community. They provide anything from wheel chair ramps to hot meals or transportation to doctor appointments. Senior Intervention Group is a partnership between local faith-based organizations and local fire and police departments as well as city and county governments.
This event cooked up not only delicious food and fun for those involved, but went toward a greater cause, that of helping our aging community right here in Central Florida. Bon appetit!
Sponsors who helped make this event possible include:
