Local Retirement Chefs Battle for the Best

The first of the Pennsylvania regional Battle for the Best competitions began Sunday at ACTS Spring House Estates in Lower Gwynedd, as three local retirement village chefs battled to move on to the next round of culinary battle.

Chef Frank Fusco of Spring House Estates had the home-team advantage as he took on Chef Rich Levette from Fort Washington Estates and Chef Steve Russel from Gwynedd Estates.

The chefs had one hour and 30 minutes to prepare an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert using the secret ingredient. They had to make enough for the judges and the approximately 100 guests in attendance.

The secret ingredient for this battle: oranges.

The chefs at ACTS retirement communities come from fine restaurants and bring their talents to retirement dining. The ACTS communities, explained Michael Smith, director of public relations, serve more than 5 million meals each year.

Besides the chefs and the judges, there were approximately 100 hungry and excited guests in attendance at the event.

Charlie Smith is a six-year resident at Spring House Estates and a former buyer for Acme and Sysco. When he moved in, and word got around that he had background in food service, he was promptly placed on the residents' culinary committee, of which he is the chairman. The committee meets with Food Service and brings up any concerns and complaints, as wells as suggestions to make the dining experience at Spring House the best it can be.

He said that events like Battle for the Best are great and bring a touch of spice and gourmet dining to life at Spring House, and it “brightens up a Sunday afternoon.”

Ruth Leslie, a 12-year resident of Spring House Estates was enthusiastic about Sunday’s event, and even brought a sign that read, “Spring House Culinary is really cooking!”

Leslie said there are a lot of opportunities to volunteer and keep active.

“We have a lot of activities that keep us busy,” she said.

She added that culinary battles at the retirement community or at neighboring communities are events she tries to attend, along with many other inter-community events.

While the judges made the final decision on the winner of Sunday’s battle, the residents from all three communities also were given the opportunity to vote on their favorite appetizer, entrée, dessert and their favorite meal overall. Chef Frank from Spring House Estates won best appetizer, entrée and best overall. However, Chef Steve from Gwynedd won best dessert, with an orange chocolate torte.

Then came time for freedback from the VIP judges, which included Joe Scarpa, chef and owner of Allegro Grille in Maple Glen; Andrea Borowsky, chef and owner of Beck's Catering in Flourtown; and Dan D'Angelo, chef and current president of the American Culinary Federation Philadelphia Chapter and instructor for the culinary arts program at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

With much fanfare from the audience, the judges chose Chef Frank from Spring House Estates as the winner of the Battle for the Best competition.

All money raised from the competition benefits The Samaritan Fund, which helps seniors and residents in need. Currently, over $6,000 has been raised.

The next Battle for the Best Competition will take place at Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale April 17. Tickets are available by calling Brittany Pointe Estates at 215-855-3826.