Chef: Angela McIntosh
Position: Food Service Director at St. Ann’s Home (Grand Rapids, MI)

With her megawatt smile and a gift for gab, Chef Angela McIntosh connects easily with the residents at St. Ann’s Home in Grand Rapids, MI. “Working in a senior living community is like living with 87 of your grandmas,” she laughs. “I am fascinated by all of their stories.”

Chef Angela started her career in special education, working for Head Start. She later became a line cook, then a baker, and then a dietary aide. In 2009, she found her passion as a Food Service Director.

She says that it’s a misconception that food in a senior living community is boring. “We pride ourselves on restaurant-style, scratch cooking for our residents. It’s comfort food that is fresh and delicious.”

Chef Angela is passionate about creating artisan, made-from-scratch breads, bagels and muffins. “My food philosophy is that everything is better with gluten,” she laughed. She insists that even the most novice cook can create a beautiful baked good if they use a simple recipe like this one.

Angela is a member of the Creative Dining Services Culinary Innovation Council. She enjoys being a part of keeping Creative Dining on top of culinary trends and best practices. “It’s my chance to get super creative and exchange ideas with other culinarians.”