Retired hospitality duo turn seniors into master chefs

A pair of Safety Beach retirees have combined their skills to turn their retirement village neighbours into master chefs.

Former chef Bryan and former hotel manager Bill have launched regular cooking demonstrations focusing on meals for one or two at their Bolton Clarke Martha Cove retirement village, helping fellow residents make magic in the kitchen.

The pair started ‘The Cook and The Chef’ sessions as a trial and have received an overwhelming response from their neighbours, who have asked that they become a regular part of the village social calendar.

“Bill basically had the idea that we should start helping everyone with cooking after we had heard that some people were really struggling,” Bryan said.

“For some, maybe the wife who did most of the cooking isn’t able to do as much now, or couples are wanting to find simple, quick recipes that are only two serves.”

Bill and Bryan kept the first session simple cooking scones and a tea cake while holding a Q&A session for residents to voice what they needed help with.

“The first session we thought we would only get 10 to 15 but we ended up getting 45 people and the next one we were booked out at 60,” Bryan said.

For the next three sessions, the pair put together a range of delicious but simple meals including air fryer salmon and vegetables, chicken and creamy mushroom sauce, fresh Thai curry, laced salmon strudel and no knead overnight bread.

“It’s all about sharing how to put together a good meal, how to structure yourself to plan, buy and then cook – you can’t just click your fingers and have a meal on the table,” Bryan said.

“We have previously discussed how to make sure you’re getting the most of your food in the freezer and healthy air fryer recipes – so we are focusing on what residents want to know.”

Bryan and Bill are set to recommence their monthly The Cook and The Chef sessions in the coming months as winter approaches and the season for soul foods commences.