Algonquin chef wins national culinary showcase competition

Chef Mike Prager was crowned the winner of the Culinary Showcase at the 2023 Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference held in New Orleans, May 8-10.

Prager is an executive chef at Clarendale of Algonquin, a senior living community located in Algonquin.

After winning the 2022 LCS Chef of the Year competition against culinary experts across fellow Life Care Services communities, Prager was invited to compete on a national stage against other top chefs in the senior living industry in front of more than 400 conference attendees.

The competition featured four executive chefs representing different senior living companies. Each had the opportunity to compose a dish in 30 minutes or less, focusing on producing traditional New Orleans flavors while injecting their own personal flare. Prager's take on Cajun Crawfish Mac & Cheese was a hit with the panel of judges as well as attendees at the conference, who had the opportunity to sample dishes and vote for their favorite.

At Clarendale of Algonquin, Chef Prager is known for ensuring menus are thoughtfully designed and catered to his residents' diverse tastes and dietary preferences, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.