Need help from anyone with experience feeding elderly

[iggygirl35]

I run the kitchen for a group of 19 "independent" elderly. I have no special dietary guidelines, but do have to consider that the average age is 85. For their birthdays we let the residents decide that day's dinner menu. For Aug 18, the resident has chosen steak. I am more than happy to make him steak, but need to consider that many of the others may not be able to cut/chew a traditional steak. They generally like meat "fork tender" or softer. So far I am considering either a braised round steak or braised flank steak. I really need something that can be done primarily in the oven, or started on flattop and fininshed in oven. Does anyone else have any ideas? I would appreciate any feedback. I like to make their birthday meals as special as possible.

PS we are non-profit so the budget is something of a factor, so, no Porterhouse or T-Bone!

[oldschool1982]

Talk to your purveyor about a "Flat Iron Steak" They seem to be popular now so it shouldn't be too hard to find it. Invest in a Jacard and have at it. They are pretty tender to start with but the Jacard helps make them more "Fork Tender"

In regards to regular foods.... Just remember these folks like good old fashioned comfort foods. Nothing too out of the ordinary was my experience when working for Atria. You can still challenge the tastebuds but don't get too far out there.

Lucky you have only 19. I did it for 175 3 meals a day plus a ice cream parlor, happy hour and private dining 7 days a week plus we fed almost 600 extra "guests" every month and was only given $3.56pp a day to feed them. If ya send me an email or private message I might have some of my menus somewhere.

Oh yeah one last thing.... Lotsa Luck. LOL

[iggygirl35]

Thank you for your input. I sent you a private message, I hope you get it since I have not sent one before