Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Cedar Crest

If anyone knows a thing or two about the nine restaurants on campus at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., it's residents Joanne Rudolph and Stu Lisbe.

"Each restaurant has its own flavor and flair," says Joanne, vice chair of the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee. "The Oak Room has a lovely Sunday buffet and Fireside has a friendly bar with special events."

Stu, chair of the committee, is a big fan of The Overlook. "They do a terrific job with beef and offer steak most of the time. I also like Aunt Millie's meatloaf and have broadened my horizons with the salmon," he says. 

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, these two foodies and their Cedar Crest neighbors 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.

Something for everyone

Dining choices at Cedar Crest range from casual cafes and pubs to full-service restaurants, where specialties are impeccably prepared and plated.

Start your morning right with a coffee and breakfast sandwich from Mountainside Cafe, drop by later for a fresh salad and juicy burger for lunch, or enjoy dinner from their full menu.

You will always find a hot cup of freshly brewed Starbucks coffee at Belmont Beans Coffee Bar. Or order your joe iced or frothed, along with a sweet treat! Grab-and-go eats are also available at the Marketplace at Belmont.

Stop by the Fireside Restaurant for an upscale dining experience with chef-prepared entrees like flounder Francaise and Creole steak medallions as well as weekly specials and theme nights. Looking for a light bite instead? Sample a small plate from Fireside Tavern.

The Oak Room, a full-service yet casual venue, offers standouts like Thai salmon, chicken saltimbocca, and kung pao cauliflower--plus your favorite desserts. 

Craving an authentic Italian meal or a slice of New York-style pizza? Check out Tuscan Tavern or Oak Room Pizza, where a special sauce tops every made-to-order pie. 

Piri-Piri chicken, steak Diane, and tofu sesame are a few of the enticing items available at The Overlook--not to mention many hearty pasta, seafood, and beef dishes. Next door, the Woodland Bistro offers a fast-casual experience in a bakery-cafe setting. 

Carryout meals are available at the Fireside, Oak Room, Mountainside Cafe, and The Overlook.

Powerful partnership

To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Gilles Lerch and his team of expert chefs work closely with the dining committee. 

"We meet with the dining committee several times each month. We share what's planned for the horizon and then listen to their suggestions," Lerch says. "The collaboration is great--a win-win. It's all about sharing information."

Stu, who boasts an impressive background in food operations and service, is proud to represent his neighbors.

"Our main function is to convey the dining issues that are important to residents to Dining Services," explains Stu. "We're kind of the middleman in the process."

Joanne, who is very knowledgeable about health and nutrition, notes that the collaboration has led to dishes that both taste good and are good for you. "One of my favorite dishes is shrimp and grits. And the salmon is always good!" she says. 

Residents are also encouraged to share feedback through one-on-one conversations with chefs and by completing surveys. 

A social atmosphere

To help keep menus fresh and exciting, chefs are encouraged to bring new recipes to the cutting board. 

"Recently, as part of our Grande Cuisine culinary events, we did an all-vegetarian menu that was very well-received," Lerch says. "Meanwhile, our regular restaurant menus change every week, and I meet with our chefs to make sure there are no duplications. That way, the choices are always different."

This variety, as well as the opportunities for socialization, are what keep residents coming back to Cedar Crest's top-notch restaurants. 

"I can sum up the dining experience in a sentence," Stu says. "Most of the people that I've met here and become friendly with are people I met at the restaurants."

"Cedar Crest's restaurants give residents so many terrific opportunities to meet new people!" agrees Joanne, pointing to the fact that many diners ask to sit with neighbors and new residents. "If you want to be totally social, it's wonderful."

Invest in your future self at Cedar Crest. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!