Chef’s Connection
Operator Interviews
Chef Bernard Russ
Chef Matt Kline
Chef Todd Foutty
Steve Hammel
Chef Jonathan Dye
Chef Todd Foutty
Chef Todd FouttyDirector, Foodservice Operations
The MetroHealth System
Cleveland, OH
Dish: Pierogi Lasagna
Interview:Talk about fusion. Serving a community with a penchant for both traditional ethnic fare and new flavors, Todd Foutty, Director of Foodservice Operations for the MetroHealth System in Cleveland, combines the best of both worlds with his recipe for Pierogi Lasagna. Reminiscent of Italian lasagna with the layers of noodles, cheese, sauce and meat, Foutty throws in a twist by swapping the tomato sauce and mozzarella for pierogi ingredients. “Pierogies are extremely popular in this neck of the woods, and this is a new way of serving them," states Foutty. This unique entrée layers lasagna noodles, mashed potatoes, kielbasa sausage, sauerkraut and cheddar cheese and is served golden brown and bubbling. Typically served as a special in MetroHealth’s dining facilities for staff and visitors, the Pierogi Lasagna is as popular among consumers as it is easy for the foodservice team to prepare. “We use the Nature’s Own® Potato Pearls® Premium Mashed Potatoes from Basic American Foods and they work beautifully. It’s a versatile, consistent product with no moisture variations to it,” remarks Foutty, who also uses the Nature’s Own® Potato Pearls® Premium Mashed Potatoes in other layered dishes served in MetroHealth’s retail operations, including his signature Tall Meatloaf Stackers and Chicken Parmesan Stackers.