THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 22, 2025 Page 11 Malden Senior Living community hosts recipe competition Atria Maplewood Place Chef and resident face off, with Mayor as Judge Special to The Advocate I n July 2025, Atria Maplewood Place, a Senior Living community, hosted a Chef Showdown using competing recipes. The contenders — Atria Maplewood Place Chef Sean Herman and resident John Arinella — had their dishes judged by special guests Mayor Gary Christenson and Director of Public Works Bob Knox. Resident contestant John went head-to-head against Chef Sean from the kitchen to see who could bring the best meatball recipe to life. John’s longtime family recipe, including the controversial ingredient of pine nuts, stood on its own against Sean’s secret spice blend. While the contenders prepared their dishes cooking-show style in front of the audience, Arinella’s recipe was also be prepared by Atria’s kitchen for all attendees to taste. “This friendly competition isn’t just about crowning the best dish. Food is an integral part of our lives and our relationships,” said Atria MaAtria Maplewood Place Chef Sean Herman is shown ready to put his dish up for the Chef Showdown. strengthen their social connections. “People belong together, and there’s no better way to bring people together than food,” Fazekas said. “When our residents gather for a meal, they enjoy healthy, flavorful food and time together with friends.” The judges ended up deadlocked, and the tie-breaker cast their vote for John’s centuries-old A tie-breaker vote named John’s centuries-old recipe the winner. (Photos courtesy of Atria Senior Living) Atria Chef Sean Herman is shown graciously congratulating Chef Showdown winner John Arinella on his victory. J& Shown from left to right: Atria Maplewood Place resident John Arinella, Mayor Gary Christenson, Atria Maplewood Place Chef Sean Herman, DPW Director Bob Knox. plewood Place’s Executive Director, Nicholas Fazekas. “We want to honor the stories, memories and traditions that these recipes emerge from for both our resident and colleague.” Dining experiences with friends and neighbors are an important ingredient to a healthy lifestyle for seniors. Studies show seniors who eat together consume food with a better nutritional balance and recipe. He walked away with a gift basket, a gift card and commemorative trophy. What a wonderful culinary celebration! Atria Senior Living thanked “our chefs, panelists, and everyone who helped whisk up some fun.” For more information about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com or follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn. For career opportunities, visit AtriaCareers.com. • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Resident John Arinella is shown ready for battle. Resident John Arinella is shown creating his family’s meatball recipe for his entry in the competition.
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