Fresh and Festive at BaptistCare: Chamara’s Christmas Cracker

It was a coup when BaptistCare secured the talents of Chamara Pathiranage as Head Chef across its Macquarie Park aged care services in 2009.

Chamara soon started making special appearances at The Gracewood Restaurant, located at BaptistCare’s independent living site in Kellyville, cooking for over 100 residents, their family and friends with seasonal menus each month.

When he’s not hosting his monthly restaurant, Chamara cooks for the residents of BaptistCare’s Macquarie Park-based aged care centres, and it is here that the magic really happens.

Known for his themed events and festivities, Chamara has recently starred in a video talking about his approach to special events for residents.  

“Every three months we do candlelight dinners. This month we’re doing a Great Gatsby theme. The menu is going to be a prawn cocktail, with nice micro herbs, lots of colour, and the main course will be chicken breast and kingfish…and the dessert will be mango panna cotta.”

With Christmas just around the corner, preparations are also in full swing at Macquarie Park for the resident’s Christmas lunch.

“This year, we’re hosting lunch in the middle of December, for our residents and their families to enjoy.”

“All the trimmings are involved. Table decorations, Christmas crackers, and beautiful music.”

“The food will be really special. Our menu will be fresh and festive. Our meat will include turkey ballotine and glazed ham. The vegetables will be roasted and caramelized; pumpkin, sweet potato and the usual veges.”

“And you can’t do Christmas without a Christmas Cake. It’s a family tradition, and it’s our tradition at Macquarie Park too.”

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