Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Lantern Hill

After Taka Ishii finishes dinner at Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., he likes to make his way through all the community's restaurants and chat with his neighbors. 

"If I see someone eating alone or a new couple who I do not know," he says, "I approach them and introduce myself. They are very receptive and happy to make a new friend."

This friendly gesture is just one of the many ways he goes above and beyond as chair of the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee. "My goal is to help make residents happy, and dining is a big part of that!" he says. 

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Lantern Hill's restaurants are social places where residents can enjoy cooked-to-order meals made with the finest ingredients. 

Something for everyone

Whether residents are in the mood for a casual meal with friends or a more formal experience, Lantern Hill has it all. And to keep things fresh, menus are updated regularly. 

Tall Oaks Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant, offers a savory selection of filet mignon, lamb, and veal dishes. Some popular recent specialties include lobster and crab mac and cheese, braised short ribs, and a crispy Asian chicken salad.

At Chef's Table, residents can choose from light bites such as salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. But entrees like grilled rack of lamb and chicken a la king are also on the menu.

Bistro 1720 serves dishes such as chicken marsala, shrimp scampi, and seared scallops, as well as some more casual fare.

"Both Tall Oaks and Bistro 1720 have open kitchens, allowing residents to watch their food being prepared," notes Dining Services Director Kate Stewart.

Order up!

Because every meal is made to order, chefs can incorporate seasonal ingredients where applicable and meet a variety of dietary needs. 

"We follow the seasons here, so in the summer, we add ripe New Jersey corn, tomatoes, and berries to the menus," explains Stewart. "We bring in fresh fruit and vegetables from the farmer's markets--to cook with and for residents to purchase and enjoy in their apartment homes." 

And with the My Erickson app, nutritional information--including ingredients, calories, and fat content--is accessible with just a few taps. Residents can also search for heart-smart and vegetarian meals, as well as dishes that avoid allergens. 

"If a resident needs to modify their meal for any reason," notes Stewart, "they can simply inform their server."

Collaboration is key

To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, the community's expert chefs plan menus according to feedback and suggestions. 

"Our chefs consult regularly with their teams to discuss feedback from residents," says Stewart. "The dining committee--and its subcommittees--are an invaluable resource when it comes to helping the Dining Services team stay in close contact with residents."

Taka, always lending a listening ear, is happy to relay any suggestions. 

"People stop me all the time on campus to talk about dining," he says, with a laugh. "Dining is an important part of the vibrant lifestyle here at Lantern Hill."

He adds, "The dining staff here works so hard and are always looking to improve the dining experience."

Residents are also encouraged to complete surveys, via QR codes placed at every table, to provide feedback. 

A meal with friends

For many residents, dining at Lantern Hill's restaurants is an opportunity to savor good food and good conversation. 

"Dining here is a social occasion!" says Taka.

In fact, Meet and Eat--a program to help new residents meet their neighbors over a meal--was launched earlier this year. Taka is a huge fan. 

"It's a great way to make new friends, even if you've lived here for a while. We have a private dining room where we invite about six residents to dine with me and Kate," he says. "Residents can ask about life here at Lantern Hill and share their backgrounds and life experiences."

Themed events, such as holiday celebrations and Murder Mystery Dinners, prove to be social events as well. And restaurant servers, many of whom are high school and college students, add to the welcoming environment, as they take the time to form relationships with diners. 

A welcoming environment

All these efforts result in a convivial, comforting atmosphere. "We are like a family here at Lantern Hill," says Taka. 

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