Sale of 'absolutely delicious' lobster bisque may raise $35,000

by Christine Fennessy
Staff Writer - Democrat and Chronicle

(Thursday, September 15, 2005) It's so creamy, so thick and rich that maybe it should be offered intravenously.

"I could inject it straight into my veins," said Duane Girdner, vice president of marketing and public relations at Seniorsfirst Communities and Services of Rochester.

Seniorsfirst is hosting a one-day sale today of canned Valley Manor Lobster Bisque — Dickens' Style. The event will raise money for its services for those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Seniorsfirst held the event last year and sold nearly 4,000 cans, raising about $23,000, said Girdner.

This year, 8,000 cans will be offered at three locations: Valley Manor's west parking lot at 1530 East Ave.; Perinton Presbyterian Church at 6511 Pittsford-Palmyra Road; and Gates Presbyterian Church at 1049 Wegman Road.

The cans are 15 ounces and cost $10 each or $25 for three. Girdner hopes to raise $35,000.

The money will go to support services like the Seniorsfirst Day and Respite Program. The program provides day or overnight care for those suffering from dementia so that family members can continue working.

"Basically, we're partnering with you to keep your loved ones at home," said Girdner.

The recipe for the bisque comes from the old Dickens Restaurant which closed in 1994. The bisque was a popular item, and when Seniorsfirst bought the building after the restaurant closed, it bought the recipe, too. They had heard that if they made it, people would buy it, said Girdner.

The canned version of the recipe includes 25 percent more lobster.

As it cooks, said Girdner, the lobster breaks down and blends with the creamy base, creating a rapturous culinary experience.

"It's absolutely delicious," he said.