If anyone knows good food, it's Howard "Sandy" Brown. With years of experience in the industry as the owner of a food company, Sandy appreciates a high-quality dish when he tastes one.
Time and time again, the six restaurants at Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., have earned his praise.
"The food at Brooksby is out of this world!" he says. "It's fantastic."
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Brooksby residents like Sandy savor cooked-to-order meals made with the freshest ingredients. And because the restaurant menus feature a variety of local favorites, modern takes on classic dishes, and innovative fare, there's always something new to try.
Lots of choices
Dining choices at Brooksby range from casual cafes and pubs to full-service restaurants, where specialties are impeccably prepared and plated.
"A couple of my favorites are the lobster roll for sure, and of course the filet mignon," Sandy says.
At the Windsor Restaurant, blackened salmon, bourbon steak tips, and fresh local New England haddock are just a few of the delectable chef-prepared offerings. The Overlook Restaurant boasts an open, exhibition-style kitchen, where diners can watch dishes like bourbon-glazed shrimp and sauteed lemon chicken with Broccolini be prepared. The menu also features hearty house-made soups and savory salads.
The Harvest restaurant, which was recently renovated, has a menu full of intriguing choices like five-spiced tuna, mushroom ravioli with cream sauce, and vegetable jambalaya.
The Tannery, another new addition to the community, has an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere--perfect for grabbing a cocktail with friends. The bourbon-glazed wings and savory beef chili are among residents' best-loved options.
For a casual cafe experience, you'll find Greentree Cafe fits the bill perfectly with an all-day grill and deli service, featuring pizza, salads, and homestyle favorites.
For a pub-like atmosphere and great a la carte bites, like pastrami and Swiss on rye and locally inspired Union Square salad, check out Cider House Pub.
"Cider House is one of my favorites. I'm a pub kind of guy!" Sandy says. "So is The Tannery, which is attached to Windsor."
And nutritional information for every meal is right at residents' fingertips, via the My Erickson app.
Powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Kimberly Kielbasa and her team of expert chefs partner with the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee--cochaired by Sandy for the last two years.
"Since I know a little bit about food," Sandy says, with a chuckle, "I thought that the dining committee would be a good choice for me."
By keeping an open line of communication, committee members are able to learn more about the community's ever-evolving restaurants and culinary offerings--and then share that information with their neighbors.
Feedback matters
In addition, Dining Services recently launched a monthly discussion called Food Chats, which rotates to each restaurant in the community.
"Food Chats helps us check in with residents on what dishes they like and if they have menu suggestions," Kielbasa says. "It ensures we keep up with what people are looking for."
Brooksby also hosts Friday Night Test Nights, where sous chefs, executive chefs, and line cooks can submit a recipe.
"The residents really love it because it allows the chefs and line cooks to express themselves creatively through food. It also allows them to show their experience and showcase recipes that have been successful in other settings," she explains. "The partnership between the Dining Services staff and residents has been rewarding and inspiring."
Exceptional experiences
Sandy appreciates Brooksby's dedication to offering delicious, cooked-to-order meals and believes the social atmosphere in each of the restaurants is the perfect accompaniment.
"The restaurants--especially the pubs--are a great way to meet people and gather with friends," Sandy says. "You walk in and many of the same people are there every night. So, you get to talk to people and find out about them. It's a really pleasant atmosphere."
From flavorful dishes to meaningful conversations, there are so many benefits to dining at Brooksby's restaurants. Even better, you don't have to grocery shop, cook, or do the dishes--our professional chefs and friendly servers do the work, while you relax and enjoy!
Invest in your future self at Brooksby Village. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!