Malden Senior Living community hosts recipe competition

Atria Maplewood Place Chef and resident face off, with Mayor as Judge

Special to The Advocate

In 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 Maplewood 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 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 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.