Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Greenspring

"I've had a lifelong interest in nutrition," says Carolyn McDonald, who is always on the lookout for meals that taste good and are good for you. "Since my move to Greenspring three years ago, I've enjoyed an abundance of fruits and vegetables served at each meal."

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, residents at Greenspring, the Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., savor cooked-to-order meals that are both delicious and nutritious. 

And because restaurant menus feature a variety of local favorites, modern takes on classic dishes, and innovative fare, there's always something new to try.

"Greenspring provides us delicious meals and a wide variety of options!" she adds. 

Something for everyone

Dining choices at Greenspring range from casual cafes to full-service restaurants.

Cork and Fork--Town Center's newest dining venue--boasts an open, exhibition-style kitchen where residents can watch chefs prepare their meals. Although the internationally inspired menu is updated to reflect resident feedback and seasonal availability, recent specialties have included grilled pork chops with bacon and blue cheese, chicken cacciatore, orange-sesame chicken, and hoisin-glazed salmon. Residents also frequent Cork and Fork's bustling bar area. 

Village Eatery, also new to the Greenspring restaurant scene, is quickly becoming a popular place for a casual breakfast or lunch. Here, residents can choose from pancakes, breakfast burritos, fresh salads, homemade soups, pizzas, burgers, and subs. 

Offering fast-casual options for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, the Potomac Cafe serves a variety of sandwiches and salads--in addition to the pizza station. Brew Bar, located inside the cafe, is a go-to spot for residents to grab a great cup of coffee, a balanced breakfast, and grain bowls for lunch. 

In addition to the always-available Signature Burger for dinner and omelets for Sunday brunch, the newly renovated Jefferson offers weekly specials. Recently, residents enjoyed tamale pie, manicotti, and vegetable chili. 

Delicious dishes

Looking for a formal dinner experience to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family? Look no further than the recently renovated Fireside. Fresh entree salads, homemade soups, and vegetarian options are available, as well as Sunday brunch. 

The Woodland Skies restaurant also features a formal dinner each night. Serving a monthly prime entree, such as blackened scallops and New York strip steak, residents have also enjoyed grilled flank steak, chicken pad Thai, blackened Cajun chicken, and tofu and cashew stir fry. 

The newest restaurant on campus, Seasons, serves Greenspring's only formal lunch. Located just outside of Seasons, the new The Tavern is the perfect place to grab a cold pint of beer, signature cocktail, or light appetizers prior to dinner. 

Powerful partnership

To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Cory Young and his team of expert chefs partner with a resident-led dining committee. 

"Greenspring dining is special because of the strong relationship between staff and the committee," says Young. "With over 30 members, the committee is very involved, offering suggestions on what they'd like to see in our restaurants and on our menus. We strive to make these suggestions a reality."

"We are a wonderful team," agrees Avie Lewis, who serves as the resident liaison to the dining committee. 

Residents are also encouraged to fill out comment cards, complete a survey via QR codes placed at each table, or speak with a member of the Dining Services team.

Last year, the dining committee conducted a communitywide nutrition survey, which identified a desire for more vegetarian options and leafy green vegetables. As a result, a new vegetarian section is now included on every menu and more leafy greens have been incorporated into recipes. 

Making a difference

And if a resident has certain dietary restrictions or allergies, Greenspring's chefs have no problem swapping out or removing ingredients. 

"I really appreciate the way in which the Dining Services team works with you to make substitutions, big or small," says Avie. "If there are items or ingredients that you don't like or can't have, the dish will always be modified to your liking--you just have to ask."

Above all, Avie appreciates the community's dedication to quality dining, which allows her neighbors to enjoy delectable dishes with friends and family. 

"Our community has great trust in Cory and his team," says Avie. "We appreciate all their hard work and dedication to serving us well." 

Carolyn adds, "Dining is a wonderful way to socialize--a key component to a healthy lifestyle."

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