Danish Home chef receives high praise
Roger Sukhu received a standing ovation from the 270 people attending the closing event for the Danish Home's 125th anniversary, "Lillejuleaften." Known as Little Christmas Eve in Scandinavian countries, "Lillejuleaften" was held Dec. 16 at the Hyatt on McDonald's campus in Oak Brook.
For a chef from the boutique Danish Home of Chicago retirement community, such a large show of appreciation was indeed a memorable occasion.
Attendees were thrilled that Roger spent time with the four-person kitchen team at the Hyatt to assure that each item was served in exact Danish tradition. To the delight of the Danes, the menu included roasted duck and pork, Frikadeller, new parsley potatoes, red cabbage and cucumber salad, rice pudding and a favorite after dinner drink, gløgg paired with sweets. The Hyatt team enthusiastically followed Roger's instructions and his recipes to the letter. They had never had a Danish chef in their midst and they were anxious to taste the unusual fare.
Roger acted as their sous chef from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until he joined the "Lillejuleaften" celebration. He had never coached such an experienced team before, but he loved working with these professionals and appreciated that they were willing to accept new ideas.
Roger joined The Danish Home's kitchen 19 years ago where he learned from the previous chef, Ken Christensen, the nuances of Danish meal preparation.
According to Shirley Spear, resident at The Danish Home, "We all love this man because he listens to us. Roger, along with everyone who works at this community holds us in high esteem. It is just wonderful!" Roger is known to incorporate the residents' recipes and techniques into his cooking at The Danish Home in order "to keep it authentic."
Roger's reaction to the standing ovation by the 270 people who enjoyed his dinner was typically humble. "I was very touched to see that they appreciate what I do," he said.
The Danish Home, founded in 1891 in the Danish tradition of caring for its elderly, is a nonprofit organization, privately financed and endowed, providing a comfortable, dignified community for the elderly. For additional information, visit DanishHomeofChicago.org.