The way to a person’s heart is often through food, and senior living communities aren’t playing around these days. Gone are what were once thought to be unappetizing meals! No, they’ve been replaced by chef-prepared meals that rival some of the finest dining establishments around.
How are communities like Peter Becker Community keeping up to speed on the trends while elevating the experience of senior living dining? To put it simply, culinary teams are turning up the heat and adding a little sizzle.
Redefining Senior Living Dining
Seniors expect more from their dining experiences. They want to enjoy meals that aren’t just good for them, but taste good, too. Today more than ever before, dining plays a big role in the senior living experience.
This is why it’s so important for those searching for senior living to visit and sample the culinary creations senior living dining programs have to offer.
At Peter Becker Community, we host lunch and learn events, progressive food tours, and more to give potential residents and their families a sampling of what they can look forward to. Not only this, but we strive to hire new talent and add more fun to our dining experience.
Most recently, we hired a new executive chef at Maplewood Estates, Megan Burns, to complete our talented culinary team.
She shares that “from the start, everyone has been so helpful and kind,” and that her favorite part has been the family she came into. “The staff, especially the culinary team here, are rock stars,” she says.
Megan – along with our senior director of dining services, Jim Wheeler, and George Thompson, our director of dining services – is proud and excited to redefine the senior living dining experience.
Discover just a few of the ways we’re making a difference by reading more below!
Serving Up Flexible Dining Programs
One of the biggest perks of senior living dining is that there are often multiple venues to choose from. Some communities, like Peter Becker Community, offer flexible, anytime dining in all our on-campus restaurants.
Get a glimpse of the good taste residents enjoy at our dining venues:
Garden View Dining
This sit-down, restaurant-style venue offers dinner, brunch and specialty buffets. Located in Maplewood Estates, residents enjoy themed meals, chef-prepared food, and fine ingredients and flavors.
Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table offers creatively prepared fine dining. Complete with farm-to-table attitude; fresh, seasonal fare; and six-course menus, this elegant option seats only 24 guests per month and is highly sought after.
Courtyard at the Ridge
When residents are looking for something more casual, they enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Courtyard at the Ridge. Offering bistro-style dining, an unhurried atmosphere and tableside service, this is the perfect spot for family-style dining.
Seasons Café
A laid-back atmosphere with upscale American cuisine, residents can enjoy counter service or get what they need with ready-made, self-serve items. With made-to-order meals, soups and salads, stir-fry specials, and grab and go options, it’s the perfect choice for those on the go.
Outdoor Dining
Pavilion dining will be opening every Wednesday night until early October, weather permitting, according to Megan. This will allow residents to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful seasonal weather we love at Peter Becker Community.
A Focus on Flavor with the Freshest Ingredients
There’s nothing better than fresh-picked favorites when fruits and vegetables are in season! Executive chefs at senior living communities like Peter Becker Community make these great-tasting ingredients shine in nutritious meals, decadent desserts, and delicious happy hour drinks that are sure to please the palate.
Savoring Variety with New Options and Seasonal Menus
At Peter Becker Community, meals are always changing. With menus featuring a variety of options from heart-healthy lean meats to fresh pasta, steak and seafood – and even salads – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
According to Megan, a few new menu options will be added soon. “The addition of entrée-size salads with the ability to add a choice of protein – including chicken, shrimp, salmon or steak – is the most prominent.” She adds that “This allows us to offer healthier, lighter options heading into the summer season.”
Adding Spice with Events and Specials
Dining is becoming less structured and more of a social activity. From birthday celebrations and club meetings to social hours and dinners with family and friends in the private dining room, Peter Becker Community offers plenty of ways to engage, delight in meals, and make dining an experience to be enjoyed.
Megan also gave a heads-up about some of the new events that have been coming to the culinary program every other Saturday, including a prime rib special and a lobster tail special.
If residents are looking to host a private event complete with catering, we do that, too.
Experience a Brand-New Lifestyle
Are you or a loved one ready to sample some of the delicious meals residents enjoy each day at Peter Becker Community? Schedule a visit to get a taste, and see why residents love living here.
Offering Compassionate Care and Extraordinary Caring
Peter Becker Community is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, specializing in Residential Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Memory Care and Hospice Care. Come meet our team and see why Peter Becker Community is right for you.