“Dinner with the Chef” at Schulman and Schachne

Being a resident of an institute for nursing and rehabilitation doesn't mean that one loses his/her desire for fine dining in an elegant restaurant. The staff of the Schulman and Schachne Institute is always looking for ways of making life better for its residents, and so, Food and Nutrition’s Chief Clinical Manager, Laurel Esty and Executive Chef, Jeffrey Rogers, created the “Dinner with the Chef” Program to bring the thrill of “going out to dinner” back to those who are not able to do so on their own.

“Each month this dining event tempts an intimate group of residents selected by lottery with a gourmet repast, served in an elegant formal dining setting, complete with color coordinated table linen, fine china, champagne flutes, fresh flowers and a strolling musician. A professional photographer is also present to add a dinner cruise flair to the event”, explains Executive Chef, Jeffrey Rogers. 

A delectable menu is presented by the chef, with necessary accommodations for those residents with special needs.  At the June dinner, Gladys, one of the residents said, “I feel like I am in the Waldorf Astoria. I feel like I am alive again.”  This award winning event, which is intended enhance the patient and resident experience seems to have achieved its goal. 

“This program is impacting everyone at the Institute”, stated Gigi Sorensen, Associate Administrator.  “The staff is just as enthusiastic about it as the residents; everyone wants to be part of it, and they are.”