DEARBORN, Michigan – Residents of Oakwood Common in Dearborn were recently treated to a cooking demonstration and sampling of Puerto Rican delicacies by celebrity Chef Jose Santaella, restaurant owner and author of a new cookbook “Cocina Tropical: The Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Puerto Rico” to be released on October 21, 2014.
Chef Santaella was invited to Oakwood Common as part of a regional conference for Morrison Senior Living, hosted by Oakwood Common’s Dining Services General Manager Steve Berry and staff.
Chef Santaella and Chef Nicole Hassen prepare tostones in the Oakwood Common Dining Room for residents.
“We were extremely honored to be selected to serve as the venue for this event which featured celebrity Chef Santaella along with other outstanding chefs,” said Berry. “The event also gave our residents and staff the opportunity to experience a live-cooking demonstration by a celebrity chef—just like on TV.”
Chef Santaella has trained under some of the most renowned chefs internationally including Parisian native Eric Ripert, who is chef of Le Bernardin, New York City’s only four-star seafood restaurant.
Residents Sylvia and Bob Rock enjoyed the live presentation and the fresh taste of tostones.
Residents expressed their delight with tasty samplings of tostones, which are made from plantains, a Puerto Rican favorite recipe that is featured in Chef Santaella’s new book.
Elizabeth Goch, division president of Oakwood post acute care, congratulated Steve Berry and his staff for all their preparations for the conference which attracted more than 100 participants from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and to give residents an up close and personal introduction to a celebrity chef.
Chef Santaella, center, and the Morrison chefs and staff, share a playful moment before doors opened for the residents.
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About Oakwood Common
Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom senior living apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.