Mom’s Molecular Meatloaf with French Pressed Potato is one of the dishes served at Palmview. PROVIDED

Part art, part science, part cooking.

That’s how Adrianne Gerard describes the Practical Magic Kitchen, a new innovative culinary concept aimed at improving resident quality of life and access to tasty, and inclusive, culinary options. The concept won the grand prize of $15,000 at the Volunteers of America Annual Futures Fund Pitch Competition to bring the idea of incorporating special cooking techniques like molecular gastronomy to life, transforming weekly resident cooking classes and introducing exciting flavors.

Gerard is the memory support manager at Palmview at Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral. She and her colleagues came up with the idea for the Practical Magic Kitchen last Valentine’s Day when some residents couldn’t participate in tasting chocolate covered strawberries due to dietary restrictions, including those who require a mechanical soft texture and those on puree diets.

“We wanted to find alternatives that went beyond milkshakes and ice cream…options that were visually appealing and impactful,” said Gerard.

That’s when they discovered molecular gastronomy, which incorporates science and art to transform the presentation and function of a dish. “Since one of our residents is a former rocket scientist, and we have several amazing cooks and artists, we thought this would be a great opportunity to increase resident engagement in our weekly cooking classes,” said Gerard.

Carbonated Watermelon with Feta and Balsamic Glaze is one of the dishes served at Palmview. PROVIDED

Thanks to a partnership with local restauranteur Greg Gebhard of Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral, and Cindy Halvorson, owner of One Call Catering, an impressive menu of molecularly modified foods were presented to residents, including: Mom’s Molecular Meatloaf with French Pressed Potato, “Carbonated” Watermelon with Whipped Feta and Balsamic, Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with “Caviar” and a selection of beverages, like a “Suspended” Sangria.

Each of these dishes featured a unique twist, or as Gerard says, a little magic. The meatloaf was vegetarian, the “caviar” was made of small balls of dill and basil, and the Golden Girls Passionfruit Margarita actively billowed with smoke.

“We’ve added a little bit of the elements of science to the food dishes. It makes it a little more interesting! A lot of times it makes the food better,” said Gebhard.

During the event, Gebhard carbonated each piece of watermelon as it was presented to the residents. If you listened close enough, you could actually hear the watermelon fizzing with tiny bubbles trapped inside.

“He’s the best of the best,” said Cindy Halvorson of Gebhard. “I knew we needed someone who could think outside the box and create something special.” The event itself was a special combination of local creatives who worked together to make a true difference in the lives of Palmview residents.

The Practical Magic Kitchen crew at Palmview. PROVIDED

Gerard said moving forward, they hope to host more tasting events for residents and families to experience the magic of the Practical Magic Kitchen.

Palmview at Gulf Coast Village is at 1433 Santa Barbara Blvd. in Cape Coral.