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The Estherville Good Samaritan Society took a big leap toward joining ultra-upscale care facilities last month when it hired Aaron Fahrmann, former executive chef at The Inn of Okoboji, as its dietary supervisor.

Fahrmann is a graduate of the Iowa Lakes Community College hospital program. He also attended Buena Vista University and is a Certified Executive chef through the Culinary Institute of America.

He began his culinary career as sous chef at The Inn where he worked for five years before moving on to Neighbors Italian Bistro in Mankato, Minn. He then returned to The Inn to take the position as executive chef.

As Good Sam director of dietary services, Fahrmann orders food, plans menus, prepares meals, attends to residents' dietary needs and supervises overall kitchen activities. He supervises a department of 27 aides, cooks and cooks helpers preparing 300-450 meals daily.

Fahrmann's experience at high-end restaurants will help him update equipment and direct dining area remodeling.

"I'd like to bring Good Samaritan from a regular institution to a fine dining experience," Fahrmann said.

Fahrmann has discovered that the residents have their favorite dishes which include such entrees as spoon tender pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon and cherry pie.

"I'm going with fewer sodium-high canned items" and moving more toward frozen and fresh items, said Fahrmann.

Fahrmann's wife, Heidi, also works at Good Sam as assistant to the director of social work. The couple lives in Milford.

Fahrmann's culinary expertise was highlighted Tuesday night at the Parade of Tables, a fundraiser to help raise money for remodeling the 100 and 300 wings at the Estherville Good Samaritan Center.

"It's a big job to keep a building of that size updated," said Jo Planting, Good Sam community relations director and assisted living complex manager in discussing the fundraising event.

Planting lauded Fahrmann's awards, noting that he won the Culinary Competition of Iowa in 2000 and 2001 and went on to place 15th in the National Culinary Competition. Fahrmann's fare at the Clay County Fair has been featured on Iowa Public Television.

"I'm most proud of winning the chocolate competition at the Okoboji Winter Games three years in a row with my chocolate roseberry truffles," Fahrmann said. "I enjoy cooking and helping others, so I thought this job would be a perfect fit. Food is so important in our residents' lives; I want to make it the best it can be for them."

Fahrmann has also started a focus group to discuss ways to improve the center's meals. Residents and families who would like to participate in the group may call Fahrmann at 362-8132 or Bruce Radtke, administrator, at 362-8114.