The Heart of Riverdale Care Home – Our Kitchen Team

At Riverdale Care Home, the kitchen is the heart of daily life. It is where meals are made with care, but also where warmth and joy begin. Our team of two chefs, Andy and Chris, and two kitchen assistants, Zoe and her colleague, bring energy, creativity and dedication to every plate.

Together, they share 14 years at Riverdale and an impressive 24 years’ experience in the care sector. Their skills, teamwork and passion ensure that every meal is fresh, thoughtful and filled with love for our residents.

Cooking with Care

Every day, the team cooks meals from scratch using seasonal ingredients. Andy and Chris design menus each quarter, planning dishes that match the season and upcoming events. From St George’s Day to Indian Independence Day, and from International Chocolate Day to Mother’s Day, the kitchen works with the activities team to mark each occasion with something special. Sometimes that means a traditional dish. Other times, it is a tray of freshly baked treats.

And of course, no birthday passes without a homemade cake. This small touch means the world to residents and their families.

Teamwork that Shines

What makes the kitchen team truly special is their bond. Chefs Andy and Chris bring different cooking styles, while the assistants manage preparation and cleaning. Everything runs smoothly because of their mutual respect and balance of strengths. They are flexible, always ready to help each other, and above all, they genuinely enjoy working together.

In 2023, Zoe, one of our kitchen assistants, proudly won Catering Star of the Year at the Westgate Healthcare Awards. Fondly nicknamed “Mama” by the carers, she is known as the “real boss” of the kitchen - always caring for residents and supporting her colleagues.

Creating Memories

The kitchen’s efforts go far beyond mealtimes. In 2023, they played a key role in hosting one of Riverdale’s most memorable Christmas celebrations, serving up a festive spread of BBQ food, mulled wine and hot chocolate. It was a wonderful occasion that brought residents, staff and families together – a highlight the team still looks back on with pride.

Families can also book Riverdale’s fine dining area to enjoy a home-cooked meal with their loved ones, creating special moments together.

Going the Extra Mile

Behind the scenes, the kitchen team works closely with carers, management and head office. Daily handovers keep them updated on allergies and food preferences. They are also skilled in IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) so that every resident can eat safely and still enjoy delicious food.

Their professionalism recently helped Riverdale keep its 5-star Food Standards Agency rating for the fifth year in a row. This achievement shows their commitment to quality and safety.

Nathalie, Home Manager, said: “I’m so proud of our fantastic kitchen team – they work together brilliantly, always with a smile on their faces. The residents love their food and it’s wonderful to see the care and passion that goes into every meal. Achieving our recent 5-star rating is a real testament to their hard work and dedication.”

A Recipe for Happiness

For many residents, food is one of the highlights of the day. The team makes sure each plate feels special, whether it is their much-loved signature Bakewell tart or a simple comforting classic. Residents often share their thanks, which the team says “makes it all worthwhile.”

A Huge Thank You

At Riverdale, the kitchen team gives much more than meals. They create happiness, memories and a true sense of home. Their work fills every day with flavour and care. We are proud to celebrate their dedication and grateful for all that they bring to our community.

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