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Business & Tech
Residents Have the Best Dining Experience at Charlestown Restaurants
Community Contributor
If the Irish proverb "Laughter is brightest in the place where food is the best" is true, then dining at Charlestown, the Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., will surely bring a smile to your face.
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Charlestown 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.
"I always find something I like on the menus," says resident Stephanie Leddy. "The dining team makes an effort to deliver great food and a wonderful dining experience!"
'Plenty of choices'
Dining choices at Charlestown range from casual cafes to full-service restaurants, where specialties are impeccably prepared and plated. An executive chef manages the culinary program, while a sous chef oversees each kitchen.
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The Atrium is an intimate dinner venue with gallery seating that overlooks the main dining room and a new outdoor patio. Although the menu is updated regularly to reflect feedback and seasonal availability, recent specialties have included shrimp tacos, grilled ribeye steak, and sauteed lemon chicken with Broccolini.
The Chesapeake Bar & Restaurant is another full-service dining option boasting scenic views and a private dining room for parties. The attached contemporary bar pairs an exciting drink menu with tapas-style small plates such as fried green tomatoes, mussels marinara, and pierogies.
"I really like the small plates at the bar at the Chesapeake. There are plenty of choices like firecracker shrimp, stuffed shells, and lamb meatballs," says Stephanie.
Classic and casual bites
The Fireside serves classic lunch and dinner items like soups, sandwiches, and pasta. Favorite entrees include penne with sausage, vegetable lo mein, miso-glazed salmon, and pickle-brined fried chicken. Fireside is also home to an expansive bar, where residents can catch up with friends over a cocktail.
The Short Line Cafe is a casual lunch and dinner spot best known for milkshakes, pizza, and other short-order favorites. Cauliflower tacos, Thai chili salmon, chicken marsala, and pork tenderloin can be found on the menu.
The fast-casual Terrace Cafe is a popular lunch and dinner destination featuring an expansive patio for al fresco dining and a brick oven for fresh-made pizzas. The menu includes a wide range of entree salads, deli sandwiches, and burgers.
Powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Dining Services Director Ken Zahn and his team of expert chefs meet regularly with the resident dining committee--cochaired by Stephanie--to discuss menus and resident suggestions.
"Ken is very good about responding to feedback, and the chefs really care about what they are doing," notes Stephanie.
"Food is a focal point of people's lives, so we strive to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our residents, day in and day out," says Zahn. "One of the most exciting things about dining at Charlestown is the variety. On any given night, there are about 130 entrees that our residents can choose from."
But being so close to the Chesapeake Bay, there's one item that residents can't get enough of.
"We have an award-winning crab soup that is frequently on our menu," he says. "And occasionally, we offer crab cakes."
Themed dinners and special events hosted by Dining Services, like crab feasts and Chef's Table dinners, add to the variety.
Healthy eating made easy
With so many delicious, healthy dishes to choose from, it's easy for residents to get all the nutrition they need.
And with the My Erickson app, nutrition information you would find on grocery items--including ingredients, calories, and fat content--is accessible for every meal with just a few taps. Residents can also search for foods according to various specialty options, like allergies to milk, wheat, shellfish, or nuts, as well as diabetic, heart-smart, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections.
"We serve over 2,000 residents--many with dietary restrictions," says Zahn. "We partner with our dietary focus group to get suggestions on healthy meal options and then incorporate that feedback into our menu design."
Be our guest
Stephanie appreciates Charlestown's dedication to offering delectable, cooked-to-order meals--and believes the social atmosphere in each of the restaurants is the perfect accompaniment.
"When I first moved, I had residents invite me to eat with them. Now, I have different friends I eat with four nights of the week!" says Stephanie. "It's a great way to help people meet their neighbors and feel comfortable in their new home."
Invest in your future self at Charlestown. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!