When you think about your dream retirement, does “eat delicious meals I don’t have to cook” ever come to your mind? If you ask our residents, many will say that the fantastic food is their absolute favorite part about life at The Chateau. We recently chatted with Director of Dining Services, Laura Vollink, about what makes dining at The Chateau so special and about some fun upcoming events.

DELICIOUS CHOICES FOR EVERY PALATE

The high-quality menu at The Chateau is put together by our Executive Chef, Walter Lents, who has been with us for the last six years. After so many years, Walter has a really great idea of what our residents like, so he curates the menu based off those tastes and a few dashes of his own creativity. Along with Laura’s insights as a Registered Dietitian, the two put together a menu that’s not only delicious but healthy and balanced.

With a standard menu as well as a rotating menu that switches up every four weeks, there’s something for everyone’s preferences available. From home-style comfort foods to ribs and grilled chicken to crisp salads and warm soups, you’ll have an option for every mood and there is always something new to give a try.

FANTASTIC, FRIENDLY SERVICE

Serving three delicious meals a day to all of our residents across four dining rooms is a big task, but our wonderful staff make it look easy. Laura says the dining services staff is dedicated to outstanding service and making every resident feel comfortable and at home. Our staff takes the time to get to really know our residents and their story. And of course, they can name many a favorite drink and entree order! Just this month our very own “dynamic duo” of dining services, Aubrey and Jan, won employee of the month for February.

For Laura and her staff, providing such great meals to our residents is a gratifying experience. Laura says, “It’s very rewarding to know that you’re taking care of people” and that their work leads to happy and satisfied residents.

SPECIAL THEME EVENTS

If serving wonderful food wasn’t enough, dining services also hosts several popular events throughout the year. In addition to special holiday-themed events, Sunday Brunches have been met with raving reviews—crispy fried chicken anyone? But perhaps the most popular event thus far has been farm-to-table meals. During the spring and summer, Chef Walter picks up locally grown, seasonal ingredients from the farmers market for the menu, which is complete with recommended wine pairings. Be sure to keep an ear out for the next farm-to-table dinner and check it out for yourself!

Earlier this month, Dining Services hosted another edition of Chateau Chef Wars. Similar to the popular show Iron Chef, two chefs went head-to-head to prepare a dish using secret ingredients unknown prior to the competition. This time the secret ingredients were mint, pistachio, and dark chocolate. Up against a timer, they prepared a dish in front of an audience of residents, who then sampled each dish and voted on the winner. Chef Walter and our Hospitality Manager Katherine reigned supreme over Sous Chef Mike and Laura, but Laura and Mike are ready to retake their title next time!

ENJOY A MEAL TOGETHER

As Laura says, the act of eating a meal is a special one, where you can gather with the important people in your life, get the fuel your body needs, and enjoy each other’s company in the process. So grab a friend, bring a family member (or a few!), and relish in some quality time over a meal together.

And stay tuned for more fun events—you can keep up with us on Facebook by giving our page a like!