What’s the recipe for happiness in the workplace? Just ask Nicky Roumpos!
Nicky is a cook at the social support program at Uniting AgeWell Linlithgow Centre in Ivanhoe and takes such pride in her role she even brings in herbs from her garden to add to the delicious soups and home cooked meals she creates. Along with a whole lot of love, of course!
Nicky has been cooking up a storm for clients at the centre, as well as the staff and volunteers, for four days a week for over 12 years now. Her Italian coffee enjoys legendary status.
“I love it when the clients say I have done a great job. It makes my heart sing!” she says. Nicky especially likes making soups from scratch and trying out new flavour combinations. “I’m always talking to the clients to find out what they like, so I can experiment with new recipes and ideas.”
Nicky says over the years she has “reviewed and improved the menu a million times.” And in particular, she loves the Italian Thursdays where she takes great joy in seeing clients have second and even third helpings.
“The clients just love a freshly cooked home-style meal and I really enjoy making it,” Nicky explains. “I try to make a variety of foods that are reminiscent of their cultures and trigger memories for the clients who are from diverse and varied backgrounds.”
Nicky, who is from a Greek background, developed a passion for cooking as a young girl when her two aunts taught her how to cook.