A true Parisienne experience awaited residents of Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) on 21 October, when the recreation centre was transformed into a pop-up French Café.
Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes, says the signage was erected at the recreation centre’s entrance; black, white and hot pink French décor was put in place; and the tables were set with crisp white tablecloths, with black and white table runners, hot pink roses, black paper French poodles and replicas of the Eiffel Tower.
French music from Midnight in Paris, Yves Montand and his Songs of Paris and Édith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose album all added to the ambience, leaving residents feeling like they were in Paris in the 1950s and 60s.
Residents were presented with a French Café menu and could order various beverages, including coffee and Five Roses, Rooibos and Chai tea; as well as a variety of delicious food, including croissants with butter and cheese; mini quiches; chocolate éclairs and lemon sponge cake. The delicious cake and French pastries were displayed on cake stands and three-tier dessert stands.
The recreation team stepped up as waitresses, taking each resident’s order on an old-fashioned guest check and promptly serving them their refreshments.
“The residents were delighted with their outing to the French Café! They felt like they were in a real restaurant and were so happy to order what they wanted. They were also very pleased when presented with their guest check, and told that their French refreshments were complimentary,” says Debbie
“When leaving the café, the residents said how much they enjoyed their French experience and thanked the waitresses for the food and service. Merci beaucoup et au revoir!”
