Karen Martini heads up gourmet dining for emerging aged care group

High profile Melbourne chef, restaurateur and food writer Karen Martini has entered the aged care space in the role of food ambassador for fast growing Australian operator, Aurrum.

Martini assumed her new position at a cocktail party last Thursday to launch Aurrum’s newest flagship facility in Brunswick.

In a panel joined by Spotless CEO Bruce Dixon and Aurrum group dietician Melissa Ruffa, Martini shared her approach to food with an audience of over 100 industry delegates.

“My food philosophy and passion is to use great food as a way to bring families together to create memorable experiences,” Martini said.

“I am really excited to be working with Aurrum and am particularly attracted to the organisation’s vision and values, which are built around a family focused care culture,” she said.

Martini has designed a number of meal options to complement Aurrum’s base menu set out by Epicure, a subsidiary of catering company Spotless that specialises in five star hotel-style dining.

Bruce Dixon commented that Spotless was looking forward to bringing the Epicure standard of quality to aged care, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Aurrum CEO David Di Pilla said residents will also have the opportunity to celebrate important events with their families at the facilities with a special private dining menu designed by Martini.

He said a lot of the Aurrum sites attract a high proportion of residents from a Mediterranean background, but most residents, regardless of their ethnicity, are looking for nutritious, tasty food.

“We thought Karen and her cooking style would resonate with the largest portfolio of people,” Mr Di Pilla said.

Dietician Melissa Ruffa reminded audiences that an important part of making sure residents meet their nutritional requirements is providing delicious, attractive meals that they can enjoy eating.

Mr Di Pilla said aged care residents look forward to their breakfast lunch and dinner. The partnerships with Martini and Epicure will make sure these meals are true highlights.

“The objective here is to create food that looks great, tastes great and at the end of the day, will improve the health of residents,” he said.

Image: Karen Martini, centre, joined by Spotless CEO Bruce Dixon, right, and Aurrum group dietician Melissa Ruffa, left. CONTRIBUTED.