Yes, you read that correctly. Last week we served a 3 course, 8 dish meal to over 1000 people. One of the hospital traditions that I've participated in year after year is the annual holiday meal. At all the organizations I've worked, the hospital administration has generously sponsored a meal for the employees and physicians as a gesture of appreciation. As the director of Food & Nutrition services, it has been my job to execute their wishes. Of course I couldn't do it without my fabulous team of chefs, cooks, servers, and managers. We pick a theme (this year it was Christmas after Dark - past themes include Winter Wonderland, CandyLand, A Natural Christmas), create a menu, decorate, cook, serve, clean up and along the way we have a lot of fun.
The Food Service Department isn't always appreciated for the vital contributions we make, but when our co-workers see and taste the feast that we put on, it is our moment to shine. We get a chance to showcase the incredible talent and culinary skills of our team, and are recognized as the heroes of the day. They say you are only as good as your last meal, but I think this one should keep us in the good books for a while. At least until New Years...
Our color scheme was red, gold and black.
Everything was made from scratch. These potatoes are getting ready for mashing.
Vegetable Risotto
Whole wheat penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and spinach.
Chicken prep
It is nothing till you add the sauce...
This is the star of the meal. Prime Rib, rubbed down with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic & herb seasoning, and the all popular Montreal steak spice.
The conference room gets transformed into a banquet hall.
Ready for the masses...
Winter Salad- Mixed field greens with cranberries, candied walnuts, Gorgonzola cheese, apple smoked bacon and tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette.
Aji de Gallina- a traditional Peruvian dish, Spanish for chili pepper chicken.
Carved to order.
The final product. Bon Apetit!
Don't forget dessert! Individual French parfaits. We had Tiramisu, Pistachio Apricot, Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Trio and White Chocolate Raspberry.
Happy Holidays everyone!
I can't believe this dinner was all prepared in the hospital kitchen! Very impressive! Great job, CAL & the team!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lot of work to put out a Christmas dinner for 1000!! The look was quite sophisticated. All those prime ribs and chicken look so yummy. It just doesn't look like a hospital dinner. What a delicious looking plate. Just perusing those desserts makes me want to pluck one off my computer. Bravo for a job well done!
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