Chef Charlie Heineke’s love of food and community has led him to an array of positions around San Diego County, his latest being catering meals for seniors at Mickey Cafagna Community Center in Poway.
Since they have been at the Community Center, seniors have said they would like to see an enhanced nutrition program. Now they will be able to order what Heineke describes as unique, nostalgic and hearty weekly meals.
“I want to bring them interesting meals, and I would say half of these meals you can’t go to a restaurant and buy,” Heineke said. “I want to make a variety of foods that people recognize.”
On Jan. 17, the Poway City Council approved an agreement for Charlie’s Classic Cooking to provide catering for the senior meal program.
Beginning Feb. 1, meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oak Hall West.
There will be a tiered pricing structure for the meals, starting at $5 for adults 50 and up; staff, caretakers, and special needs individuals will pay $8; guests outside of the center will pay $16. Reservations are required.
Friends of Poway Seniors, a nonprofit aimed at assisting local seniors, will be helping with the program.
“Friends of Poway Seniors is looking forward to providing an opportunity for our seniors to get together and socialize over a delicious shared meal,” Executive Director Liz Papineau said in an email. “Community lunch programs such as these can stave off isolation and loneliness and foster better mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
“These social opportunities not only reinforce relationships that are made in the various community center classes, but create new relationships from a gathering of people who may not meet and forge relationships otherwise.”
Heineke will be cooking out of his commercial kitchen in Escondido, with the help of other caterers. Since Heineke rents his space to a number of skilled chefs, it was not difficult to find others willing to assist in weekly tasks for the program, he said.
“They will be helping me with everything. They are qualified to do anything, since they know all the techniques,” said Heineke, a teacher at Poway Adult School.
Guests will receive a start-to-finish “restaurant experience,” he said. Table linens, servers and high-quality meals are all part of the plan for Heineke and the team working to serve the center.
Cashew chicken, stuffed shells with marinara sauce, barbecued pulled pork, enchiladas and baked cod are just some of the meals Heineke has in mind. Those wishing to receive a meal will have the chance to preview the week’s menu and sign up for certain days.
The chef of 42 years is no stranger to serving big crowds, having worked at a hospital and other community venues such as the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, where he served 200 to 300 seniors during their weekly senior activities.
Heineke said he is thrilled that this new opportunity will again allow him to bring individuals from all walks of life together. And he said he is hopeful that those who he has cooked for in the past will dine with him once again.
“I am hoping for a lot of them come over here, since they already know I make good food,” he said. “If they come for the food, they will stay for the friendship.”
In addition to seniors and caretakers, Heineke said anyone interested can and dine. Heineke said he intends to make extra food each day to for those who might swing by for a meal.
A sweet touch will also be added to every meal, Heineke said.
“Every meal will have dessert, we will have room for dessert every time,” he said.
Those interested in learning more can visit https://poway.org/1073/Meal-Program to find a full menu for February as well information about pricing, location and hours.
