Fine Dining Fit For A Mayor!

Residents at two Sanctuary Care homes were joined by special VIP guests when they hosted the ultimate fine dining experience, as part of a national culinary competition hosted by The National Activity Providers Association (NAPA). The aim of the project is to create an amazing fine dining experience that will be a unique and memorable occasion for those who attended – winners will be announced later this year.

The team and residents at Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home in Hertfordshire were dressed to impress for an evening of black tie and three-course dining, while rubbing shoulders with the Welwyn Hatfield Mayor, Councillor Lynne Sparks and her husband Ian.

Following the fine dining event Lynne said: “Ian and I always love visiting Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home, we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. The food was absolutely amazing and we really enjoyed chatting with the residents. We are looking forward to visiting again soon.”

The team at the Tamblin Way home in Hatfield ensured the evening was a night to remember with gleaming crockery, beautiful dresses, smart tuxedoes and a mouth-watering menu, which was influenced by the residents’ favourite dishes – highlights included a ballotine of chicken and a medley of seafood.

Resident Edna Errington, who is 102 years old said: “It was a very entertaining evening and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the food.”

Meanwhile fellow diner and resident Harry Dye, who is 95 years old added: “It was all so tasty and everything about the food was really nice – the sweet was my favourite and it was lovely to have the Mayor there.”

Head chef on the day Mark Ord, Sanctuary Care’s Hospitality Manager – Commissioning concluded: “The Fine Dining Experience was a great success and everyone had a lovely time, especially the residents – seeing their faces light up made all the hard work worthwhile… “The entire event was a real home effort as everyone pulled together, from the residents helping to organise the menu to three care assistants volunteering to waitress on the night, which all equated to a magical evening of fantastic company, food and a great ambiance. It was really rewarding to be a part of it!”

Meanwhile, the team and residents at Redhill Court Residential Care Home in Kings Norton, Birmingham turned back the clock by 60 years for their aviation themed fine dining event, which was inspired by the first flight of Boeing’s 707 aircraft prototype in 1954 – an historic event that many of the Nearhill Road home’s residents vividly remember.

In keeping with the retro theme, the team were dressed to impress in air hostess style costumes from the day, while serving the delicious three course menu of watermelon gazpacho, followed by a herb crusted rack of lamb and finished with a delicate champagne jelly flute.