"I firmly believe that dining with neighbors is the most popular activity at Ashby Ponds," says Janet Gordon, a resident of the Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va. "Getting together for a meal or cup of coffee is happening everywhere on campus every day. It's a wonderful way to meet new people."
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Ashby Ponds' nine bustling restaurants are always serving up cooked-to-order meals made with the finest ingredients.
"Because we make things fresh, our chefs have the freedom to add items to the menu whenever they wish," notes Kevin Kilhefner, director of Dining Services, who helps his team of culinary professionals prepare over 1,700 entrees each weeknight.
As a result, residents like Janet get to enjoy a variety of local favorites, modern takes on classic dishes, and innovative fare with newfound and longtime friends!
Something for everyone
The Robin's Nest Cafe--serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner--boasts an expansive list of entrees including soups, salads, a bacon bleu burger, tuna melt, and Philly steak sandwich. Meatloaf, "Taco Tuesday," and blackened salmon are popular dinner specials.
The Skyline Grill offers fresh salads, a variety of sandwiches and burgers, and savory entrees including veal Milanese, shrimp scampi, barbeque St. Louis ribs, and seared salmon for lunch and dinner.
The Acorn Deli is a grab-and-go spot for those looking for a light bite at lunch, including soups, salads, and sandwiches.
The Asian-inspired menu at 1912 features an array of international dishes such as Korean fried rice, sweet chili lime tempura nuggets, grilled flat iron steak with blackberry sauce, and Thai curry and shrimp soup.
Windows' seated bar area is the perfect place for meeting friends for a hand-crafted cocktail before dinner. Restaurant favorites include cornmeal-crusted catfish, chicken carbonara, and sauerbraten (marinated and braised roast beef).
The Dogwood Pub, complete with a full dining bar, is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Serving up fish and chips, pepperoni flatbreads, and chicken bacon ranch paninis, you're sure to find pub fare you love.
New and formal venues
The Blue Sky offers a fine dining experience and an impressive menu with items like chicken Francaise, Dijon-glazed shrimp, and New York strip steak served with a port-wine demi-glace. Vegetarian favorites include spaghetti with plant-based meatballs and Asian marinated tofu. The Blue Sky also serves Sunday brunch, featuring French toast casserole, smoked salmon sandwiches, and chocolate chip pancakes.
Residents enjoy Sunday brunch and dinner at the Potomac Restaurant, where internationally inspired entrees like Thai yellow curry with tofu, Genovese rigatoni, sweet and sour pork, and miso-glazed cod are always on the menu.
This summer, Black Rock Bistro --Ashby Ponds' ninth restaurant--opened to rave reviews. Boasting a pizza oven and a design-your-own pizza bar (including a cauliflower crust option), this Mediterranean-Italian inspired eatery is a resident favorite. You can also order fresh baked focaccia, lasagna with meat sauce, and sundried tomato risotto.
Powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Kilhefner and his team maintain an open-door policy and eagerly welcome feedback. This year, Dining Services placed QR codes at tables, enabling diners to provide in-the-moment reviews of their dining experience.
"But the one-on-one interactions we have with residents are most important," he says. "At any point during any meal, residents are encouraged to talk with me or the general manager."
"We appreciate the open-door policy," says Janet, who serves as chair of the residents' dining services committee. "We feel comfortable knocking on the kitchen door, talking with the chefs, and discussing food issues. For me, I can't eat garlic or onions. In speaking with the chefs, who are making meals as they are ordered, they are able to accommodate my needs. And they do it so well!"
Coming together
The Dining Services team also creates delicious menus for a full calendar of special events at the community. In addition to recognizing all major holidays, the team schedules themed dinners, often inspired by a chef's passion or a resident request.
"Our Thanksgiving celebration is my favorite. It's very traditional," says Janet. "It's exactly what I had growing up and what I cooked for my family."
Regardless of whether residents are coming together for Thanksgiving, a birthday dinner, or a casual meal with friends, Ashby Ponds' restaurants are--without a doubt--some of the most social places on campus.
"Our meals are what bring everyone together. That's the most important thing," says Janet. "Dining together is a wonderful way to meet new friends!"
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