Residents at Windsor Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., have seven top-notch restaurants just steps from their apartment homes–all of which boast enticing menus.
“Windsor Run restaurants offer an abundance of menu items to choose from,” says Dennis Roberts, the ex officio chair of the Resident Advisory Council’s dining committee.
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, which focuses on cooked-to-order entrees made with the finest ingredients, Windsor Run’s expert chefs are empowered to create new takes on classic dishes and innovative fare, all while accommodating dietary restrictions and catering to resident requests.
“All of the chefs are very creative with their menus, focused on making every experience positive for residents,” adds Dennis.
“We make everything we serve in house, so each dish is made from scratch,” says Rob Hagan IV, executive chef. “It is our goal to provide residents with the perfect meal each time they sit down to eat.”
Something for everyone
Dining options at Windsor Run range from casual cafes and pubs to full-service restaurants, where dishes are impeccably prepared and plated.
The Grove offers a fine dining dinner experience and diverse dishes. Although the menu is updated regularly to reflect feedback and seasonal availability, recent specialties have included beef bourguignon; Cajun chicken; and seafood Thermidor with basa, shrimp, and lobster. Mediterranean bowls and egg shakshuka with feta are a couple vegetarian favorites.
The Grove also serves Sunday brunch featuring design-your-own omelets, French toast casserole, and tomato and mushroom frittata.
At the Woodside Cafe, residents enjoy juicy burgers, fresh salads, deli-style wraps, and daily dinner specials, including an open-faced meatloaf sandwich, arugula salad with farro and chicken, and bang bang shrimp tacos. The cafe also serves a homemade soup of the day and Sunday breakfast.
Tavern 1879, a casual dining experience, is the perfect place for watching a game or catching up with neighbors. Favorite dishes include “tavern teasers” like grilled rack of lamb, baba ghanoush, and scallops with spicy jam.
The Seaboard Grille, which serves lunch and dinner, offers soups and entree salads, including the popular Union Square Salad with mixed greens, oranges, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans. Residents also enjoy sandwiches and burgers, as well as entrees like filet mignon, bourbon-pecan chicken, shrimp and grits, and blackened catfish.
The Willows restaurant offers small plate options in addition to items like herb-baked salmon, steak medallions, and barbequed St. Louis ribs. Weekly specials include the popular fish and chips and stuffed portabella mushroom.
With the recent opening of Fincher Station, Windsor Run debuted two new restaurants: The Cardinal, offering an elevated fine dining experience and the Midtown Pub, boasting a sports pub ambiance.
Powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Hagan and his team welcome feedback and suggestions and host quarterly focus groups with residents.
Hagan takes careful notes at each meeting and keeps a copy taped to his desk. “That way, as I’m building menus, I can refer to the notes. It is important to me that what goes on the menus is carefully aligned with what residents want.”
Hagan and his team also work closely with the resident dining committee.
“We consider our relationship a partnership,” says Bill Allen, dining committee chair. “We meet twice a month to identify areas for improvement while finding out how we, as a committee, can help with upcoming events.”
“The dining committee views itself as a community builder and helper,” adds Dennis. “The Dining Services team is passionate about what they do and it is an honor to work with them. They respond to our suggestions and we have formed an exceptional working relationship.”
Special events
Dining Services, with support from the dining committee, also hosts events and celebrations throughout the year to bring the community together. “Events are a great way to celebrate together, and that’s important at Windsor Run,” Hagan says.
“Our most popular celebration is New Year’s Eve,” says Bill. “Working together with Dining Services, Resident Life, and the resident dining and activities committees, we developed a great menu with entertainment and decorations.”
Dennis adds, “We also enjoy carnival days, football tailgates, a Mardi Gras party, cookouts, and barbeques. Our sense of community thrives with all the social interaction. Whether a large event or small celebration, there is always something special to celebrate at Windsor Run.”
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.
By Kelly Shue
