Cooks from Highland Council care homes swap trade secrets with Albert Roux

It’s not every day a celebrity chef drops in on a training event, but for cooks in Highland Council care homes Albert Roux made a special exception. The multi-award winning chef popped in to answer a few questions at The Highland Council’s training day in the MacKenzie Centre, Inverness.

Albert Roux shared his passion and his knowledge after a lifetime in the kitchen, and particularly the importance of quality nutrition for older and more vulnerable people in the community. 

Since establishing his first Scottish restaurant in Inverness, Albert Roux is inundated with requests but this invitation was one he was keen not to miss.
Albert Roux said: “I am delighted to be invited to talk to the staff who deliver a crucial service to those within care homes.

“It’s imperative that the highest possible standard is achieved and cooks enjoy what they do. Delivering fresh and quality cooking is vital to the health and well-being of residents. This service is immensely important to morale and I fully support initiatives to improve cooking for older and vulnerable people in our communities.”

he training day, organised by Jackie Hodges, Project Manager with the Community Care Modernisation Team, was attended by over 20 cooks who work in the kitchens of the Council’s Care Homes. In a bid to ensure staff are operating cost effectively and to highest possible standards, cooks were able to refresh their skills in a one day training course. Staff from across the region were able to question Mr Roux in the morning session, before sharing their own experiences and learning new skills throughout the day.

Jackie said:  “We were delighted when renowned chef Mr Albert Roux accepted our invitation to attend our training day. We were keen to involve Mr Roux because of his immense reputation in the food industry and his connection to Inverness.

“Cooks within our care homes play a crucial role in the health and well-being of residents and other service users. Having a visit from such a prominent figure as Mr Roux is recognition of the vital role these cooks provide whilst allowing cooks from all over the Highlands to come together to share and learn best practices from one another.”
ENDS