An International Culinary Tour at New Hope Apartments

Over the course of his career Justin, New Hope Food Services Supervisor, worked as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef where he learned to cook food from all over the globe. He knows food is important in building community and that a meal can be more than food – it can be a cultural experience. “You can’t just look at food as something to eat,” Justin said. “Food can bring you to places all over the world.”

In the summer of 2015, when his colleague told him she was going to do an international food week at Rising Cedar Apartments, it inspired him to do the same for the residents at New Hope. “I thought it would be fun and a way for residents to try foods they don’t eat every day.”

He rented an outdoor wok and set up a “make your own” stir fry station on the patio, where residents could select a mix of fresh vegetables and meats for him to stir fry. It was a hit; residents have been looking forward to August 2016 International Week all year long. “They had a lot of fun and were excited to hear we were doing an International Week again,” Justin said.

Justin brought residents on a culinary tour of China, Mexico and Germany this year. He also cooked up a special American treat of steak, potatoes and stuffed mushroom caps. Justin says, “Using my skills brings new experiences and smiles to our residents – that means a lot to me. It’s a great way to bring everyone together.”