Serving Up Delicious Dishes at Siena Lakes

Hoping never to cook again, Judith Mulholland was looking for a continuing care retirement community that offered multiple restaurants serving up tasty meals and a chance to socialize. When she visited Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., she knew her search was over. The community's restaurants provide fresh, cooked to order meals and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors. "There was no need to say any more!" Judith recalls.

Thanks to the Signature Dining program, she and her neighbors savor entrees made with the finest ingredients at each of Siena Lakes' four unique restaurants. The program empowers the talented team of chefs to create fresh, seasonal menus; new takes on classic dishes; and innovative fare, all while accommodating dietary restrictions and satisfying food preferences. 

Something for everyone

Menus are updated frequently, while offering options that provide something for everyone.

At Chianti's, Siena Lakes' largest restaurant, residents enjoy fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. In addition to fresh salads and homemade soups, some recent specialties at Chianti's include a wide variety of entree selections including filet mignon, jumbo scallops, black grouper, seared duck breast, and barbequed ribs. Vegetarian favorites include vegetable gnocchi, eggplant rollatini, and Indian potato masala.

The Gulf, an intimate dinner venue, offers residents the opportunity to dine al fresco overlooking the butterfly garden. Popular entrees include Kung Pao cauliflower, coffee-crusted cowboy steak, orange-sesame chicken, and the build-your-own-pasta. The Gulf also offers brunch featuring a smoked salmon sandwich, chocolate chip pancakes, and omelets.

Stoney's, a traditional sports bar that opens up to the outdoor pool, features a variety of pub favorites including hand-tossed pizza and wings. The restaurant also offers a full bar menu as well as signature cocktails including martinis and Manhattans.

Cafe 88, Siena Lakes' fast-casual restaurant, is the perfect place to grab a quick and delicious meal. Open for lunch and dinner, residents enjoy a wide variety of deli favorites including the Siena Lakes signature burger, Philly cheesesteak, Caesar salad, grilled Reuben, and egg salad croissant sandwich.

Using the My Erickson app, residents can make reservations and access the menus, including daily specials, at each restaurant.  MyNutrition, an area of the app, offers nutritional information for each dish, an invaluable resource for those with food sensitivities or allergies. 

Powerful partnership

In order to meet the unique needs and tastes of the Siena Lakes community, Executive Chef Stephanie Missar and her team welcome feedback and suggestions. 

"I touch base with our residents on a regular basis," she says. "I design our menus based on their suggestions. Siena Lakes is their home. As a result, we want to make sure that we're providing the food they love, something that they grew up with like meatloaf, or a new recipe I want to share with them. And because we are located on the Gulf, it's expected that we'll offer fresh seafood, which we can get every day." 

As a member of the Resident Advisory Council and dining committee chair, Judith is impressed with how well the Dining Services team obtains feedback from residents and responds with action.

"I give the management huge applause for being attentive and listening to us," she says. "They've been responsive to our suggestions." 

Celebrating together

In addition to preparing delicious, well-balanced meals each day, the dining team also develops menus for a full calendar of special events, including holidays and themed dinners.

"In one month, we might offer 15 different events, everything from an employee-resident breakfast to our monthly pasta night," says Missar. "We also host a prime rib night and a Speakeasy-themed night with decorations and specialty drinks and food. During our Florida winters, we take full advantage of al fresco dining--we provide outside food stations and cook the food right there. They then enjoy dining outside, overlooking Lake Siena."

Each meal offers residents opportunities to socialize with their neighbors and meet new friends.

"If the hosts see someone eating alone, they will always ask if they would like someone to join them," says Judith. "If you want to meet other people, it's easy to do."

In addition, all Siena Lakes restaurants and dining events welcome family and friends. Recently, Judith hosted a family gathering at Chianti's.

"Whenever I've brought guests here, they have been so impressed with the service, the food selections, the menus, and the choices," she says. "Nobody else offers this much variety."

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