Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Highland Springs

For David and Nancy Smith, picking a favorite restaurant at Highland Springs, the Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., proves to be a real challenge.

"It's hard to pick a favorite," says Nancy. "Our apartment home is closest to the Reunion Grill, so we tend to go there. But we also love Table Eighty-Ninety, Fireside Grille, and White Rock Bistro. We enjoy dining everywhere on campus."

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Highland Springs residents like David and Nancy savor cooked-to-order meals made with the freshest ingredients.

And because the menus feature a variety of local staples, modern takes on classic dishes, and innovative fare, there's always something new for residents to try!

Something for everyone

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

The Pecan Stop serves hot coffee and delicious breakfast fare including bagels, fresh-baked pastries, and quiches. The cozy Fireside Grille--open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch--boasts popular favorites like the signature smash burger and Aunt Millie's meatloaf.  

The chic, fast-casual White Rock Bistro, offering lunch and dinner, has a range of burgers, pasta, flatbreads, fresh salads, and chef specialties on the menu--with a side of gorgeous courtyard views.

The lively Lone Star Pub is a go-to dinner destination featuring chili con queso, fish and chips, tenderloin tips, and buffalo chicken wings. With a large screen TV, it's a great spot for grabbing a beer with friends while watching the big game or playing billiards.

Open for dinner and Sunday brunch, the stylish Table Eighty-Ninety features a contemporary menu including a kale, bacon, and blue cheese salad; filet mignon; Dijon-glazed shrimp; quinoa stuffed peppers; and penne with sausage, asparagus, and pesto. Craft beers and cocktails are also available.

At the vibrant Chisholm's, enticing dinner entrees include lamb ragu with pappardelle, hoisin-glazed pork ribs, and Cajun cornmeal-crusted catfish. The restaurant also serves a popular Sunday brunch.

Elevated dining

Looking to elevate your dining experience? Look no further than the Reunion Grill, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. With juicy steaks, poultry, and fresh seafood--including tilapia--this restaurant is a wonderful place to catch up with neighbors or enjoy wine and signature cocktails.  

The elegant Crescent Club features a formal dinner menu with chef-inspired entrees such as herb-crusted cod, orange-sesame chicken, fettuccini alfredo, barbecue St. Louis ribs, and grilled rack of lamb. Vegetarian specialties include eggplant rollatini and vegetable risotto. The Crescent Club is also open for Sunday brunch.

David and Nancy keep an eye out for their favorite entrees on My Erickson, an app that allows residents to preview menus--updated regularly to reflect feedback and seasonal availability--and check each entree's nutritional information.

"We love lamb chops and steak, so if we see them on the menu at Crescent Club, we'll go there," Nancy says.

Powerful partnership

To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Humza Shaikh and his team of expert chefs partner with the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee.

"In addition to meeting with the dining committee, we offer lots of avenues for residents to provide feedback on our menus, and we work hard to incorporate their suggestions," Shaikh says. "Residents are encouraged to attend dining forums and fill out comment cards."

As a result of these efforts, residents can find their favorite dishes at the community's eight on-campus restaurants.  

"Recent additions include crab cakes, chicken-fried steak, barbecue ribs, and beef brisket," he says. "The ribs and brisket are prepared on our beautiful outdoor smoker."

Shaikh and his team also have fun experimenting with regional specialties. This year, Executive Chef Patrick Becquet prepared a meal with frog legs and carrot souffle.

"The Dining Services team is passionate about creating great meals and memorable experiences," Shaikh notes. "We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, maintaining high standards in every aspect of the meal, and showing our creativity."

Social atmosphere

The Smiths appreciate the community's dedication to offering delicious, cooked-to-order meals and believe the social atmosphere in each of the restaurants is the perfect accompaniment.

"You can make reservations if you'd like to eat with particular people, or just walk in and ask to sit with anyone," David says. "Dining at different restaurants is a great way to get to know people around the community. Everybody at Highland Springs is so friendly."

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