Innovative High Protein Menu

Owned by the Archer Memorial Baptist Home Trust, Archer Group has three lifestyle boutique retirement villages and two care homes in Christchurch.

rcher Group’s residents enjoy a personable dining experience created by hospitality manager Russell Lowe. Lowe grew up on the West Coast, and spent his childhood helping his family forage from the sea, garden and countryside.

“Lots of days were spent collecting mussels, mushrooms and fresh fruit.

“My mum, nana and aunties were incredible cooks and growing up learning from them was an amazing pleasure.

“I think that’s what inspired me to become a chef, but it took the big OE to London for me to train and learn my craft properly.”

The love and pleasure of sharing and enjoying food are also what drew Lowe to the aged care sector.

“Food is an emotional experience and bringing that to our elderly when they need it most is a highlight of my career.

“When you work in a busy kitchen, customers come and go. One place I worked at in London would usually do 450 covers at lunch service, which wasn’t very inspiring. “In an aged care village, our customers are here every day and the challenge of exceeding their expectations is, in my opinion, the best.” Because Lowe trained

in London, he described his style as mostly European based but emphasised the foundations of his cooking are fresh, tasty, and sustainable. “I would describe my style of cooking as traditional dishes that most residents in an aged care facility would have grown up on, mixed with my cooking at the ground roots of gathering and foraging over a fire.” Lowe uses ingredients with high-protein in his menu and considers this an innovation. “We have smoothies, Acai desserts and complete high-protein menus available. Watching the residents enjoy this, knowing the protein is helping them, is an awesome feeling.” Not only rich in protein, Lowe also uses highquality produce from local suppliers, and meat from a renowned, local butcher. “I think people’s perception of aged care hospitality is outdated. “The days of boiled cabbage and soggy, fatty meat are well and truly gone. “Our residents enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, fusion foods and traditional dishes cooked with fresh, local produce and ingredients.” Sustainability is also at the forefront of the village’s dining experience. “All of our BBQ’s use recyclable plates and cutlery, as well as reusable, wooden platters and serving wear for events. “We’re constantly replacing plastic with better options.” As the Christmas season approaches, Lowe is planning numerous events in the lead up to the big day. “We have BBQ’s, Christmas parties and special morning and afternoon teas planned. “We make all of our Christmas mince tarts and Russell Lowe cake in-house from old family recipes, which the residents always look forward to enjoying.”

EGGSQUISITE EGGS FOR ALL

Looking for nourishing, homestyle options, straight from farm to table? Impress your guests with the Sunny Queen Meal Solutions range. Packed with the goodness of real eggs, each delicious option is natural, nutritious, and high in protein.

FREE RANGE SCRAMBLED EGG

Take the Free Range Scrambled Egg Mix for example, an everpopular choice for room-service menus due to its versatility, taste and ease of use. Whether you’re creating light and fluffy scrambled eggs, frittatas or quiches.

Prepared to certified SQF & HACCP standards, health and safety is the upmost priority while a long shelf-life means you can have supply on hand without worrying about waste!

CORN FRITTERS

Full of chunky quality ingredients, packed with flavour, and made with real, farm fresh eggs, our rustic Fritters are a fast and delicious meal for any time of the day. ◆ Beautiful golden, rustic appearance ◆ Delicate egg texture with real, chunky ingredients ◆ Perfect for breakfast, lunch or light dinner ◆ Quick and easy to prepare ◆ No artificial colours or flavours

CRUSTLESS QUICHE

Packed with protein, the Crustless Quiche Range combines egg and hash brown, for a full and tasty start to the day!

The Crustless Quiche Range comes in two flavours, Bacon and Hash Brown or Veggie and Hash Brown, which is sure to delight your customers.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Speak to Sunny Queen’s local egg-spert Ann-Marie Smith on 022 029 5738 or ann-marie.smith@sunnyqueen.co.nz. For more information visit, www.sunnyqueenmealsolutions.com.au.