On July 27, Wellmore of Lexington’s Executive Chef, Julio Cera was awarded 1st place at The Battle of the Blades, a culinary competition hosted in Amelia Island, Florida.
The competition pitted Executive Chefs from fifteen retirement communities against one another, tasking them to create unique appetizers and entrees with special ingredients. Emcee for the evening, Chef Adam Sears required teams to include pork belly and a starch (white beans, rice, polenta, granola, or lentils) in the appetizer, while swordfish and stone fruit (peaches, plums, or nectarines) were required for the entrée. Cera’s team was victorious, placing 1st in the competition.
“The competition was fierce, but the thing that stood out most to me was the caliber of chefs that are working in these communities” said Cera, “they’re taking retirement dining to a whole new level and pushing culinary boundaries.”
The Wellmore Culinary Team is continually exploring new recipes, experimenting with ways to revamp classic dishes and developing new techniques both in the kitchen and on the plate.
“Sitting down for a meal with family and friends is such a heartwarming time,” said Wellmore Executive Director, Glenn Ferrere “We are proud to provide an exceptional dining program where our Member and their families can connect over food and drinks. They don’t have to eat in our restaurant, but they want to when they know that Chef Cera is continually creating new dishes and putting a spin on their favorites.”
Wellmore of Lexington is a senior living community located at 200 Wellmore Drive in Lexington. To learn more about Wellmore of Lexington, call 803-520-1200 or visit www.well-more.com/lexington
