Chef's Table Article

Hello Friends,

Welcome to this edition of the Chef's Table. Most of the cookout season is now behind us. We do have one more before the season draws to an end. It is the 50"s cookout. The main feature as always is clam cakes and chowder. We make one of the best chowders in New England. Our very own chef Mr. Serbst is a 3 time award winner for his white chowda recipe at the Newport Rhode Island Chowder Festival. Gerry Serbst has developed this recipe many years back, and as always it is simply outstanding. Lots of cream, clams, onions, stock, and potatoes mixed with quite a bit of TLC (tender loving care). Chef Serbst will also be responsible for the clam cakes. We know you will enjoy this festive event.

After this, dare I say, it is apple pie time. Where did the year go? Hundreds of apple pies, all with fresh apples. This is, as always, a favorite time of the year. You can't help but smell the cinnamon, spices, and apples as they are baked off, boxed up, and shipped to the orchard for sale. I want to take this time to thank Maureen Harrop for all of her hard work in making these pies. It is really quite a production. Maureen starts that say at about 4:00 am. She has been the key person for over 20 years of our apple pie festivals. Every year I say to Maureen, "how do we manage to produce these pies every year". Well the answer is quite simple, we have a tremendous support staff for this event. Every one in the kitchen has a hand in this production. Tony keeps up with the sheet pans. This is a monumental task. Elaine keeps the line going making sure that all of the residents receive their food while the pies are being baked. Stephanie takes care of the activities in the 2nd floor dining room. Amanda directs the traffic on the tray line and continues to support anyone that needs help. Rob controls the continental breakfast, and lunch in the first floor dining room. And somehow, Harry manages to put out another great meal throughout all of this commotion. It is really quite amazing to see all of this take place.

Hope you had a great summer. Thank you for all of your support. See you at the festival.

John Ladish
Director of Food Service