Hydrangea Home, a contributory organization established by the Moravian-Silesian Region in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm, provides residential social services for seniors aged 65 and over with reduced self-sufficiency, whose situation requires regular assistance from another person. The home also has its own catering department, which provides meals throughout the day, 7 days a week, both for clients and the organization’s employees. The total volume is about 150 lunches per day. The Home uses all three of our combi oven series – the DA 1011 model, the first-generation Blue Vision 1011i, and the second-generation Blue Vision 1011i – which help them efficiently manage the daily kitchen operations.
What meals appear on the menu and who prepares it?
We cook regular home-style meals, mostly ready-made dishes. Clients can always choose from two options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, they receive a morning and afternoon snack. I prepare the menu taking into account the recommendations of a nutrition therapist who visits us once every two weeks, as well as the clients’ wishes. It is important that they enjoy the food. The most popular meals are fried dishes, such as schnitzels, followed by sauces and sweet dishes. When it comes to sweet dishes, they like cakes, casseroles, and porridges the most.
What do you prepare in the Retigo combi oven?
You could say almost everything – from side dishes like rice to bread puddings, casseroles, meatloaf, stewed and roasted meats. In the morning, all combi ovens are fully used, and sometimes we wait for one to become free. In the afternoon, usage depends on what we prepare for dinner. We also use the function of meal regeneration.
Which programs do you use?
Cooking, baking, and now we are also starting with overnight cooking. For example, we are trying to roast rabbit because we will soon be increasing capacity. Currently, the construction of a Home with a special regime is underway, and we expect about 40 more diners. Therefore, we are currently arranging training with Retigo focused on programs that will help us cook more portions.
Do you use preset programs or your own?
We mostly use our own because based on our experience, we know what works best.
What is the biggest benefit for your kitchen?
Because I set the combi oven, let it work, and don’t have to worry about anything, it saves time. Previously, I had to constantly monitor the preparation of meals, baking, stewing, and cooking to prevent burning.
Would you recommend Retigo to other similar facilities?
Definitely yes, mainly because it saves a lot of time and you can rely on the food being ready on time and of the desired quality.
Martina Holubová,
Head of Catering Department
