WHERE TRADITIONS, QUALITY CARE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD MEET

Established in 1968, Scalabrini is a not-for-profit aged care provider with 7 residential villages across metropolitan and rural NSW. Their mission is to provide outstanding care to residents from many cultures and backgrounds.

Winner of the prestigious Aged Care Industry Better Practice Commendation Award in 2017, Scalabrini Chipping Norton has proven that it is ahead of the game offering residents wonderful living and socialising spaces, including spacious single bedrooms, each with private ensuite, light filled living and dining areas, lush landscaped outdoor spaces, an onsite café and quality delicious nutritious meals prepared fresh on site every day by Chef Bhupendragiri Vijaygiri and his team.

In keeping with the Scalabrini philosophy of personhood, everything they do at Chipping Norton is guided by the needs of the residents including serving a delicious and varied menu.

We met with Scalabrini Chipping Norton Chef Bupendragiri Vijaygiri to discuss all things nutrition and efficiency in the kitchen.

What equipment do you use in the kitchen?

Our kitchen are equipped with RATIONAL ovens, Frymaster deep fryers and Cambro heated carts. We find them easy to use, which keeps the staff happy – we love them.

What are some of the challenges that you face in the kitchen?

We found the equipment we used previously to be quite unreliable, potentially effecting the food quality. Since introducing RATIONAL ovens, we believe the quality of our food has improved immensely in that food is cooked evenly. We also believe that nutrients are being retained, which is very important to our residents’ well-being.

Food and nutrition can have a significant impact on the health of our residents. It’s very important that we offer variety and flavour, so people enjoy their food. Texture modified foods can make it difficult sometimes, but at Scalabrini we pride ourselves in making the eating experience enjoyable even in these situations.

What advice would you give other Chefs who are seeking to improve their foodservice operation?

Take the time to explore the options and equipment available. Foodservice can be difficult in aged care because we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year; we never close. Having the right equipment that helps you through the day definitely makes our jobs easier and more enjoyable. Equipment like RATIONAL and Frymaster are very beneficial.

“Since introducing RATIONAL ovens, we believe the quality of our food has improved immensely in that food is cooked evenly. We also believe that nutrients are being retained, which is very important to our residents’ well-being.”