By Tim Keith, Culinary Director, Meadows at Mercy Creek & Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community
For many people, the best part of the season in now coming upon us! From September through the holidays is a great time of year, especially when it comes to entertaining and preparing various food items. I have the great pleasure of coordinating dining services for Meadows’ two campuses: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. I am truly blessed with a great staff that each day does a tremendous job in creating new and exciting dishes for our residents to enjoy.
It was not long ago that the stereotypical meal in a senior living community might have included a basic meat, non-descript vegetables from a can, and bright colored Jell-O in a dreary and mundane setting, but times have changed! As the culinary scene has grown to be more creative, so has the palate of our residents become more sophisticated. As the senior population grows (especially the “baby boomer” era), people are becoming more knowledgeable about foods that are healthier (organic, natural) and more focused on food presentation and quality. Trained dietitians and experienced chefs partner to design menu options that are nutritious and meet the dietary needs of residents, while keeping the menu exciting and flavorful.
Residents’ expectations of the dining experience have developed through the years. There has been a real shift from cafeteria-style dining to a more elegant, fine-dining experience that can even include great wines paired with each meal. Some residents look forward to the “comfort foods” they once enjoyed serving their own families such as meat loaf, au gratin potatoes, and locally grown vegetables. Others embrace new and exciting dishes such as salmon delmonico (with an Amaretto cream sauce reduction), Caprese salad, and crème brûlée for dessert.
Another way to add fun to the culinary experience is to have special culinary events that “spice up” the day-to-day meal routine. We take advantage of special holiday meals or special events to introduce new and exciting food items that many residents have never experienced. For example, when the Summer Olympics was finishing, the Meadows Culinary Team paired with Life Enrichment to offer a foods-from-around the-world-themed lunch. Each food item was tied to a country that participated in the Olympics, and many residents truly enjoyed the food. We strive for a high quality, well-balanced dining experience at each and every meal. Residents eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the community, so it is important to add a “wow” factor every now and then.
A culinary liaison meets regularly with a resident culinary committee to share ideas and provide opportunity for feedback. At times, residents have special recipes they would like to share, which we test prepare and taste test. These recipes can often be added to the menu with the resident’s name (such as “Bonnie’s Potato Salad”). Featuring family recipes is a great way to honor those that choose to call their senior living community home.
The dining experience also includes the opportunity for socialization. Many residents look forward to the opportunity to dine with others and enjoy good conversation at mealtimes. We strive to look for ways to add fun and excitement to this experience, such as a social hour with hors d’oeuvres, an outdoor barbecue, or an ice cream social. It is our mission and standard to provide an exceptional dining experience each day at Meadows Communities. Bon appétit!
Meadows offers a full range of senior living options — Independent Living, Independent Living — Plus!, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care, and Achieve! Wellness and Rehab Therapy — with two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. To learn more about senior living options at Meadows, visit www.meadowscommunities.org, or contact Holly Hall at 309-268-1501.