Mystery boxes, masterchefs, and mouthwatering meals: Aged care dining takes centre stage
A new kind of cooking competition is spicing up aged care dining across Victoria – and it’s not just about the food. The VMCH Dining Room Showdown is bringing fun, flavour and friendship to the table for residents, families, and staff alike.
Inspired by popular reality cooking shows, the competition sees hospitality teams from VMCH’s 14 aged care residences go head-to-head in a high-stakes, high-flavour contest. The twist? Each team receives a ‘mystery box’ of ingredients on the day and must whip up a two-course menu for 30 people – including aged care residents, staff, family members, and even industry professionals.
But it’s not just about cooking; it’s about connection. The competition is judged not only on taste and presentation but also on how well the team delivers a full dining experience – from the passion in the kitchen to the joy at the table.
“At the heart of this competition lies our commitment to providing outstanding dining experiences for our residents,” said Head Chef Sanath Wanniarachchi. “We want to ensure those we serve are happy and fulfilled by what is put in front of them.”
And it seems to be working. Since the Showdown launched in September last year, residents have been treated to fine-dining favourites like ricotta and spinach chicken with tomato medley, pan-seared rosemary lamb with mushroom risotto, and decadent mango trifle for dessert.
“The chicken I absolutely loved; it was a beauty,” said Graeme, a resident who attended the Wantirna vs. Berwick match-up in January. “And the company was great – you couldn't get any better.”
Janice, another resident, appreciated the chance to explore a new place and meet others. “It’s been fun to mingle with other people and to see another residence. Everyone has been very warm and friendly to us.”
Chef teams, too, are finding the experience inspiring. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the important work we do as chefs in aged care,” said Karen Stansfield (pictured below), Chef Manager from Berwick. “I’ve never seen something like this before in residential aged care – I hope there’ll be more events like this in the future!”
The competition is just one part of VMCH’s broader mission to reimagine food and hospitality in aged care. New initiatives also include introducing buffet breakfasts at all homes, improving the variety and quality of texture-modified foods for residents with specific dietary needs, and launching a dining room training program to upskill staff.
“Mealtimes are something residents in aged care truly look forward to,” said VMCH General Manager of Residential Aged Care Sally Bliesner. “Many of them spent their lives cooking and have a deep connection with food. We want to make their experience as enjoyable and diverse as possible.”
The competition is heating up, too. Semifinals for the VMCH Dining Room Showdown will be held throughout May, before two finalist teams battle it out in the Grand Finale in June.
One thing’s for sure – this is not your average aged care dining experience. With mystery boxes, masterful menus, and plenty of heart, the Dining Room Showdown is proving that good food really does bring people together.
