Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Oak Crest

For Diana Lohr, one of the most enjoyable experiences of living at Oak Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., has been making new friends over delectable meals at eight on-campus restaurants. 

"I eat in the restaurants every single day," says Diana. "There are so many choices. I really love the shrimp and crab dishes because, as a Midwesterner, I didn't grow up with that." 

She adds, "There is a core group of people I eat with a couple days a week. It's one of my favorite things!" 

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Oak Crest residents 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 Oak Crest range from casual cafes and pubs to full-service restaurants, where specialties are impeccably prepared and plated. 

The Fireside restaurant offers full-service dining in a cozy setting. Its menu features chef-prepared entrees like chicken marsala and comfort food classics such as homemade meatloaf.

McHenry's is a sun-filled venue offering a Chesapeake Bay- and Maryland-inspired menu with fresh seafood. Ginger soy salmon and shrimp and grits are resident favorites. 

1812, a tapas-style restaurant and bar, specializes in appetizers like arugula pear salad, figs with goat cheese, and shrimp Romesco.

Lakeside is a casual, cafeteria-style venue with views of Lake Victoria, Oak Crest's on-campus lake. It features classics like shrimp salad, a Reuben sandwich, chicken wings, and a Philly cheesesteak. 

Terrapin Cove is a smaller concept, pub-style restaurant with a full bar and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. 

The Quarry Grill--a casual, open-air grill with three-season outdoor seating--specializes in classic cuisine such as salads, sandwiches, and their ever-popular special, the lobster roll.

The Acorn Pub is a friendly neighborhood tavern with a full bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers comfort food favorites like hot paninis, cobb salad, and grilled cheese. Residents can also purchase sliced deli meats and cheeses, doughnuts, bagels, and more, from the Acorn Pub carryout section.

Recipe for success

To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Dakota Scaletta and her team of expert chefs develop relationships with diners to receive honest feedback. 

"We also have comment cards that allow residents to give direct feedback on the menus as well as monthly town halls that enable residents to ask questions and give their input on their dining experiences--what they liked and any suggestions they have," says Scaletta, who also hosts a weekly live call-in TV show called Dining With Dakota.     

As a result of this open communication, Diana, a member of the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee, feels comfortable sharing resident insight and her personal suggestions. 

"I make sure I am familiar with all the menus by eating at the restaurants and trying different things. It's important for me to be visible, so if residents have questions or concerns, they know who I am and how to reach me," says Diana. 

Healthy options

Making healthy choices and finding entrees that avoid allergens is easy, thanks to the My Erickson app. 

The app features the same nutrition information you would find on grocery items, including ingredients, calories, and fat content. You can also search for foods according to various specialty options, including allergens such as milk, wheat, shellfish, or nuts, as well as diabetic, heart-smart, and vegetarian selections. 

"We try to accommodate as many special diets as possible," says Scaletta. "We offer a gluten-free pasta, there is always a sugarless dessert option, and we recently implemented a nondairy frozen dessert for residents who are lactose intolerant. We try hard to fulfill every request."

'Fun and flavorful'

The talented, professionally trained chefs at Oak Crest pride themselves on creating a great number of regular options without sacrificing quality or taste. They also create menus and host special events that suit regional tastes, local specialties, and religious observances. Themed dinners and special events like crab feasts add to the variety.

"In addition to the crab feasts--which are a big hit--we hold an Italian-themed dinner; dinner and a movie; and Elegant Evenings, where our chefs get a chance to really show off their culinary skills," says Scaletta. "At Oak Crest, dining is fun and flavorful."

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.