On Monday, June 8th, Chef Bal Arnseson joined the Breton Wood Campus at the Holland Home in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of the Celebrity Chef Series!! The Breton Woods Team started preparing for her visit throughout the month of May featuring Cooking Demos across campus including Curry Chicken, Lentil Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Almonds, Sweet Raspberry Cinnamon Yogurt Smoothie, and Hot Chai Tea for refreshments. The residents also viewed the movie Hundred Foot Journey, which Chef Bal served as a Culinary Consultant for. During the movie the residents enjoyed popcorn lightly dusted with Chef Bal’s specialty spice blends.
For Chef Bal’s visit she appeared on the local stations with Director of Dining Services, Ann Marie Villarreal on WXMI, “Morning Mix” and WZZM Noon “Take Five” sharing her Lentil Cookie recipe and speaking on the health benefits of spices and how Morrison is partnering with our Community to share new flavors and spices with our residents! In the afternoon, Chef Bal shared her energy and passion with our residents, families, and staff members sharing her story and knowledge of spices. During the presentation Chef Bal’s No Butter Chicken recipe was prepared by Chef Melinda Slane for sampling in addition to the Lentil Cookies, Mint Cardamom Lemonade, and Chai Tea. Following the event Chef Bal spoke individual with the residents, signed cookbooks to the four raffle winners, and joined in several photos with staff and residents!
Before catching her flight for the evening, Chef Bal attended a VIP meet and greet for those attending the Special Dinner Event of Chef Bal’s Recipes at the Breton Terrace Woods Cafe! During the meet greet guests were served Thai Pizza and Sweet Raspberry Cinnamon Yogurt Smoothies samples. The dinner featured, Lentil Soup with Spinach, Shrimp with Coconut Sauce, No Butter Chicken with Coconut Rice, Garlic Broccoli, and Lentil Cookies for dessert.
The buzz of Chef Bal continues on the Breton Woods Campus with the excitement of new flavors and recipes waiting! Following the presentation all four of Chef Bal’s spice blends were featured for sale and sold out with a waiting list!! We are looking forward to carrying the excitement forward with Chef Bal’s recipes on campus in all of our dining rooms! Thank you to the great team of culinary which helped make the day a success; Chef Nicole Hassen, Chef Melinda Slane, Chef Scott, Chef Bill Bennett, and Melissa.
Ann Marie Villarreal | Director of Dining Services