November 4, 2024 by Linden Ponds
Residents at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., have four top-notch restaurants just steps from their apartment homes–all of which boast enticing menus and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors over a shared meal.
“Dining at Linden Ponds is just one of the terrific things about living here,” says Connie Graham, who chairs the Resident Advisory Council’s dining committee. “Our Dining Services team is not only friendly and responsive; they are talented chefs who prepare a wonderful variety of delicious and healthy options every day.”
The Signature Dining program, which focuses on cooked-to-order entrees made with the finest ingredients, empowers Linden Ponds’ chefs to create fresh, seasonal menus; new takes on classic dishes; and innovative fare, all while accommodating dietary restrictions and catering to resident requests.
‘Something for everyone’
“We offer a range of high-quality dining options, from casual cafes and pubs to full-service restaurants,” says Herman Branco, assistant director of Dining Services. “Menus are updated frequently to stay up to date with culinary trends, while offering a selection that provides something for everyone.”
The Fireside, Linden Ponds’ flagship restaurant, features classic American cuisine. Some recent specialties include prime rib, a barbecue chicken bacon sandwich, tofu stir-fry, shrimp scampi, and grilled rack of lamb. Lighter options include a homemade soup of the day, entree salads, and sandwiches. On Wednesday nights, the Fireside treats diners to a popular ice cream sundae bar.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Harbor Cafe serves up chef-inspired meals representing a variety of cuisines. Lamb moussaka, Moroccan vegetable stew, and Mediterranean cod en papillote were recently on the menu. This fast-casual restaurant also offers fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, and flatbread pizzas.
A popular meeting spot for lunch, happy hour, and dinner is the Acorn Pub, featuring signature entree salads like the Greek salad with chicken or shrimp, Union Square chicken salad, and cobb salad with grilled chicken. In classic pub style, the restaurant also offers a wide array of burgers, soup and sandwich combos, build-your-own sandwiches, and pizzas.
At The Overlook, which boasts a formal dinner each evening, residents enjoy a wide variety of contemporary dishes, including cocoa-rubbed ribs, filet mignon, grilled bourbon pecan chicken, and New England-style haddock–in addition to soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Powerful partnership
A close partnership with the dining committee helps Branco and his team ensure they’re meeting the needs of each resident.
“The dining committee provides feedback to staff and relays dining information to residents,” says Connie. “The staff are wonderful to work with and very responsive. It’s a great partnership.”
Creating another way for residents to provide feedback, Dining Services placed QR codes at each table, enabling diners to give in-the-moment reviews of their dining experience. But nothing beats a one-on-one conversation with a chef.
“We like to make connections in the restaurants. We use resident feedback to plan all of our menus,” says Bronco. “We also work closely with residents with dietary restrictions to ensure they have a number of options that meet both their tastes and needs.”
Connie agrees. “With Signature Dining, the chefs are always able to find a way to meet your needs and create a meal you will enjoy. Whenever I ask for modifications, I am never disappointed.”
Coming together
Dining Services also creates delicious menus for a full calendar of special events. In addition to recognizing all major holidays, the team organizes themed dinners, often inspired by a resident request or chef’s passion.
“There are special dining events each month,” says Connie. “The team really goes the extra mile. One of the monthly events is usually an international celebration, providing the opportunity to try a new cuisine. In May, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with several Mexican specials. We also enjoy dining events that reflect the seasons, such as the summer luncheon grill series and the ice cream of the month.”
And, whether savoring a meal at one of the campus restaurants or attending a special event, dining at Linden Ponds provides residents the chance to socialize with neighbors.
“Dining with someone you don’t know is a great way to meet someone new,” says Connie. “It’s also a great way to get to know someone better that you meet at a club or activity. For new residents, the Dining Buddies program provides the opportunity to enjoy a meal with a new neighbor. Dining at Linden Ponds is wonderful in many ways.”
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