The Residence at Vinnin Square got a taste of a different culture for lunch on Tuesday, as the seniors learned how to make and about masala dosa, a southern Indian staple similar to a crepe with a potato and onion based filling.

Logan Ferraro, the resident engagement director, led the way, offering expertise he learned from his wife, who is Indian.

“It’s always great to offer something different that they don’t see elsewhere,” said Ferraro. “It’s part of what we strive for, continuous learning.”

Seniors watched along – hungrily but patiently – as Ferraro took them through the dish step by step. Along with explaining the physical dish, he told residents about the masala dosa, the time of day it is eaten in India and how it is typically enjoyed.

Ferraro, donning an apron and chef’s hat, joked that because his wife taught him how to make Indian dishes, the residents always tell him that she is a good cook, rather than giving the credit to Ferraro.

“They luck out that they have an engagement director that spends time in India and cooks Indian food,” said Ferraro. “We try every couple of months to learn about and cook food from a different culture.”

Along with the masala dosa, residents enjoyed vegetable stew as well as mango lassi, a smoothie-like refreshing beverage.

It didn’t take long for savory aromas to start filling the air, and it took even less time for everyone to finish their plates after receiving their masala dosa.

“It’s fantastic because I’ve always liked to cook, and I get to share something from my wife’s culture,” said Ferraro.