At Suncoast Rehabilitation Center we believe it is very important to ensure there are nutritious, healthy, and delicious meals while going through rehabilitation.
We brought on Diane, an incredible chef as well as an incredible person.
Diane Grilling Dinner
“It has made my life complete to be doing something to help people and to feel so appreciated for doing it. I felt like there was something missing in my life and now it is filled.”
When Diane Baker was 5 years old she had already learned from her mother what life was really all about. Like her mother, Diane felt that helping others was just the right thing to do and the right way to live her life. At the age of 5, Diane went door to door in her neighborhood with a pad and pencil taking sandwich orders for all that were hungry. The menu included B.L.T.’s, Grilled Cheese, or any other sandwich meat her mom had bought that week. These sandwiches were made to order down to the choice of crispy or soft bacon with chips and pickle on the side. I asked Diane how her mother felt about her giving all their food away to the neighbors and she replied,” My mom was always very supportive of what I did, I would give away clothes and food, like her I was always a giver.”
Diane also remembered several things her father always told her, “If you are going to do something, do it well” and “I’ve always had faith in you and I always will.” The love and support her father gave her no matter what she wanted to do in her life is a large part of why she does what she does and why she does it so VERY well.
I am not sure if Diane knew exactly how much she would change the people who sit down at her dinner table each day to enjoy her fabulous meals. “It’s like sitting down to eat at a different gourmet restaurant every night,” one client said. Diane remembers her first week at Suncoast Rehab when after making an amazing Sunday brunch; she came out of the kitchen into the dining room. “I walked out and the entire group was clapping and cheering for me; where else do you get a standing ovation for cooking breakfast?” She said she quickly turned and ran back in to the kitchen because she began to cry.
I asked Diane why she chose to work at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center instead of a 5 star restaurant making a 6 figure salary. She answered as those who know her would expect her to, “It has made my life complete to do something to help people, to do something with meaning. I feel that at Suncoast Rehab and I have never felt so complete and appreciated.”
After interviewing Diane I spoke with a few clients and staff members to get their feelings for the amazing Chef that makes meals a reason for celebration. These are some of the things they had to say…
“Not only amazing in the kitchen, the love and care she puts into her food is the same love and care she displays for all of us.” R.R.
“Great asset to Suncoast Rehab, it’s not just her cooking, she genuinely cares about us and her amazing food is the least of her contributions, and that is saying a lot.” S.G.
“When you are away from your family, the food Diane cooks reminds you of the food your mom and grandmother makes its comfort food.” T.D.
There are so many more amazing things I could write about Diane Baker, but a dinner of Egg Plant Rolatini Parmagiana, Meatloaf stuffed with Ham and Cheese, Pasta Carbonara, Caesar Salad and Herb Crusted Garlic Bread is being served in the dining room. I hope you understand that I have to get in there before it’s gone!
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