Amy Weiss | Apr 25, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to share uplifting, heartwarming stories about the amazing residents and team members at Walker Methodist. Team members like Ken are working tirelessly to serve residents. If you want to send them an encouraging note or give financially, please visit www.walkermethodist.org/well-wishes.
Ken Goff’s resume is impressive. He’s worked at fine dining and upscale restaurants including The Dakota, Sunfish Cellars Wine and Spirits, and Heartland. For nine years, he taught at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, educating students in areas such as French cuisine, restaurant rotation, wine, nutrition, and more. But Ken, culinary instructor at Walker Methodist, wasn’t always part of the culinary world.
“I didn’t know it when I was young, but it’s in my DNA,” said Ken. “I can’t help it.” Ken’s mother, who had a degree in home economics and worked for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was an amazing cook. Looking back, Ken’s path into his current role makes sense.
Decades ago, Ken worked as a bookkeeper for a small, local nonprofit but didn’t find fulfillment or joy in his work. He did enjoy cooking dinners for friends, though, describing himself as “incompetent but fearless and authentic.” These friends kept suggesting Ken should think about becoming a chef, and soon he obliged. With no experience yet eager to learn, he enrolled in the culinary program at the Saint Paul College. “It was one of the best years of my life,” said Ken, “and I became even more interested in the field.” He continued his education at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
In February of 2018, Ken joined the culinary team at Walker Methodist. After years of teaching at Le Cordon Bleu and working at prestigious restaurants, Ken’s longtime friend Mary Ryan, corporate director of culinary services, asked Ken to consider working at Walker Methodist. Eventually, Ken made the leap from education to serving older adults.
In his current role, Ken helps build structure in the culinary department by training staff, developing delicious standardized recipes, making menu changes, and helping open new communities.
“For seniors, mealtimes take on added importance. Many are living their lives in a world that gets a little smaller,” said Ken. “So, I try to contribute something good in what is a big part of that world.”
Ken is considered one of the primary developers of the modern upper Midwest cuisine. He’s built a network of local producers and food suppliers, working with organizations such as the Minnesota Wild Rice Council and Slow Food Minnesota.
As culinary instructor, Ken has a knack for creating menus and recipes that serve the needs and wants of residents. He’s passionate about investing in others by making the professional more professional and contributing to the growing field of senior healthcare.
When he’s not working, Ken spends time golfing, watching foreign and independent movies, and traveling. Ken is a member and frequent visitor at the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art. He loves cooking for family and friends and has been a wine collector since 1977.
Interested in joining our culinary team? Browse open positions.