Restaurants at Wind Crest Focus on Creativity, Collaboration, and Socialization

At Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., residents savor delicious dishes prepared by professional chefs at ten on-site restaurants.

More importantly, each made-to-order meal provides the opportunity for social connection. Whether

getting to know new neighbors over dinner, catching up with a friend over lunch, or celebrating a special occasion with loved ones, dining is a highlight of community life.

"We love the social experiences we have at dinner," says Judy Durzo, who moved to Wind Crest with her husband, Joe. "We get to talk with so many people we've come to know over the last two years."

Options for every taste

Each restaurant features its own distinct menu and atmosphere.

The Flyin' B Café is a fast-casual venue where residents can sit with friends in front of the fireplace or at the windows--with a spectacular view of the mountains--while they enjoy short-order items and daily specials like fried chicken or pulled-pork sandwiches.

You can watch your breakfast, lunch, or dinner be prepared by chefs at the Mile High Café, an exhibition-style venue. Enjoy entree salads, juicy burgers, gourmet sandwiches, or daily specials, such as chicken enchiladas, indoors or on the outdoor patio.

Looking for a laid-back spot to grab lunch with a friend? Try Colorado Café, which serves up daily specials and boasts an outdoor patio with a view of the Highlands Ranch golf course and the Front Range.

"Cafe specials reflect residents' favorite dishes," says Executive Chef Douglas Moss.

The newly remodeled Fireside Restaurant offers a range of menu items from comforting classics like barbecue St. Louis ribs to flavorful proteins like Cajun chicken and Dijon-crusted salmon. Burton's serves up traditional menu items like grilled New York strip as well as Asian-inspired dishes like miso-glazed chicken breast and Thai chili salmon.

For an intimate dining environment, Windows Restaurant is perfect. Focused on upscale Mediterranean entrees, the menu features everything from Greek chicken to falafel specials.

The menu at Carter's Restaurant spotlights seafood dishes like salmon Oscar, Mediterranean cod, and bang-bang shrimp. The venue's patio overlooks the Summit Square Courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy the community's Summer Concert Series while dining.

Bevs and bites

Residents gather around big-screen TVs for sports games at Timberline Tavern. Cold pints and tasty pub fare such as fish and chips, wings, and flatbreads are on the menu.

If you're in the mood for Italian, check out Cascades, where you'll find chicken parmesan, eggplant napoleon, and carbonara. The second-story bar and outdoor dining area are wonderful spots to enjoy a glass of red.

Fall River Bistro, which opened just last year, has offered Colorado staples such as Rocky Mountain oysters as well as comfort foods like Irish one-pot chicken and beef stroganoff. The menu changes completely every three months.

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy five-star meals, the community's dining team partners with the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee.

"The dining team listens to us. The level of communication is wonderful--that's just the culture here," says Judy, dining liaison for the Resident Advisory Council.

In fact, resident feedback led to Fall River Bistro's rotating menu. "Now, we send out a survey with three or four choices asking residents what they'd like next," says resident Suzanne Becquet, who serves as chair of the dining committee. "We get a lot of input. People know their opinions are valued."

Residents also share direct feedback through comment cards and at monthly meetings. "The feedback is amazing," says Judy.

As a result, the dining team has added many more vegan and vegetarian options.

"We want to do everything we can to elevate the dining experience at Wind Crest," says Moss.

Making connections

To create even more memorable, social meals, the dining team hosts themed events each month.

Previous events have included Valentine's Day, Fourth of July, and even a Western Stock Show, where residents dressed in Western attire.

"The themed nights are always popular. My friends and I like to attend," says Suzanne.

"On Valentine's Day, they had steak and lobster, and it was spectacular," Judy recalls.

Whether celebrating a holiday with neighbors or having dinner with a friend, it's the vibrant, social atmosphere at Wind Crest that really makes mealtime shine for Judy.

"We just love all the social experiences we have here. It's absolutely wonderful!" she says.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Michele Wojciechowski