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Community Corner
Riderwood residents have nine top-notch dining venues and other options just steps from their apartment homes
DGB, Community Contributor
Silver Spring, MD - Residents at Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., have nine top-notch dining venues and other options just steps from their apartment homes--all of which boast enticing menus.
"We know we will enjoy a delicious meal," says Jacinta Marshall, who serves on the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee. "And the Dining Services team does a great job meeting all of our needs."
The Signature Dining program, which focuses on cooked-to-order entrees made with the finest ingredients, empowers Riderwood's chefs to create new takes on classic dishes and innovative fare, all while accommodating dietary restrictions and catering to resident requests.
"In addition," she says, "the socialization--the opportunities to meet new people and enjoy conversations--is so special!"
"Signature Dining and the variety of menu items we offer are what really set Riderwood apart from other retirement communities," says Dining Services Director Scott Monfils. "Residents have 170 entrees to choose from each night for dinner, including at least three vegetarian options at each restaurant and a weekly vegan special."
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Something for everyone
Lakeside Market offers a quick-service option for morning lattes, breakfast, and lunch. Popular items include build-your-own breakfast sandwiches, chicken cobb salad, BLTs, and cauliflower-crust pizza.
The casual Potomac Cafe is a campus favorite for a quick lunchtime salad, wrap, or made-to-order sandwich. Also open for dinner, the cafe features weekly specials such as quinoa-stuffed peppers, spiced chicken skewers, and grilled orange roughy.
Wye Oak Bistro, another casual hangout spot, boasts outdoor dining and an open kitchen. This venue serves up cold beers, entree salads, and pub favorites like flatbreads, burgers, and subs. And each Saturday night during the summer, guests enjoy a picnic feast of hamburgers, hotdogs, ribs, chicken, and shrimp.
Riderwood's newest restaurant, Hilltop Table, offers a fast-casual dining experience featuring a wide variety of soups, salads, flatbreads, and sandwiches.
Elevated dining
The recently renovated Windsor includes a new bar offering specialty drinks. Well-loved entrees include shrimp tacos, Cajun chicken, hoisin-glazed pork ribs, and Thai crunch salad.
Seasons Restaurant serves a variety of soups, fresh salads, and sandwiches. Filet mignon, tofu and cashew stir fry, and haddock with pesto were recently on the menu. Outside the restaurant, the lounge area offers small plates and a variety of cocktails.
Riderwood's popular Fireside Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a sit-down dinner with neighbors or Sunday brunch with family. Some recent specialties include chicken piccata, shrimp scampi, grilled flat iron steak, and paneer tikka masala.
Boasting outdoor dining with a patio and firepit, Blue Heron Pub serves both lunch and dinner, including a weekly summertime barbeque. Other dishes include fish and chips, corned beef, chicken teriyaki stir-fry, and seared salmon.
With stunning views of campus, the Overlook Restaurant provides a formal meal beginning with a soup or fruit of the day. Favorite entrees include sweet-and-sour chicken, pork cutlets, New York strip steak, grilled swordfish, and kung pao cauliflower.
Making a difference
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique eateries, Monfils and his team of expert chefs work closely with the dining committee and host monthly discussion groups at each restaurant.
Residents are also encouraged to submit feedback by filling out comment cards, completing surveys via QR codes placed at each table, or speaking directly with a member of the Dining Services team.
Jacinta notes that this open communication really benefits her dining experience. "I really watch what I'm eating," she says. "I've requested changes such as light salt, no sauce, or double veggies. Because my meal is made when I place my order, it is fixed just as I like it."
Celebrating together
Dining Services also creates delicious menus for a full calendar of special events. In addition to recognizing all major holidays, the team organizes themed dinners, often inspired by a resident request or chef's passion.
"Our Dining Services team does an amazing job celebrating our diversity," says Jacinta. "I'm in the African American history club. In partnership with the team, we hosted a Juneteenth celebration featuring red for resilience. Residents enjoyed strawberries, red-velvet cupcakes, and strawberry mojitos."
She adds, "Whether it's our recent wine and cheese gathering or an all-you-can-eat seafood broil, we know we will enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by friends."
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