In the kitchen Nataja Nelson is most in her element.
"As I was a little kid, I always watched my mom cook," said Nelson, "and from there I just stayed in the kitchen."
After working in the restaurant industry, Nelson shifted focus and now is the dining services coordinator at Clare Bridge in Plymouth. It's an Alzheimer's and memory care home for seniors. Nelson's passion for taking care of the elderly began after her own mother fell ill.
"When my mother got sick with cancer and I was basically cooking all her food and learning how to cook in a wellness way it just made me want to get into the field of cooking wellness and cooking for elderly people," she explained.
Now that passion has put Nelson in the national spotlight. She was chosen to compete in the Ultimate Chef America competition in Denver. The event was hosted by the nationwide chain of retirement homes Nelson works for, Brookdale Senior Living.
Nelson was nominated for the competition by the executive director at the Plymouth Clare Bridge. She submitted a recipe and was one of eight chefs chosen to compete. In Denver on Thursday, Nelson created a poached pear dessert on the grill and her team of four chefs won for "best taste."
Back at Clare Bridge in Plymouth, residents have good things to say about all of Nelson's creations.
"They're all favorites," said Lil Wechsler, a resident at Clare Bridge.
"They're tasty," agreed Mary Ellen McElfish. "I have no complaints about the food here!"
Nelson says she learned a lot competing alongside so many skilled chefs. The Ultimate Chef America experience will be long lasting.
"It was just an honor to be part of a big event like that," said Nelson. "I really will be taking that with me."
Jennifer Anderson reporting
janderson@twelve.tv
May 25, 2010