Restaurants at Seabrook Focus on Creativity, Collaboration, and Socialization

Self-described foodie Neal Grolnic is thrilled with the many dining options available at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J.

Neal and his wife, Ann Oppenlander, moved to Seabrook in 2019 and remain impressed by the expansive menus at the community's five restaurants.

"One of the reasons that compelled us to make the move to Seabrook was that we love to eat, and I got tired of cooking. Coming here was the perfect solution," Ann says. "I don't need to figure out what to prepare for dinner each night!"

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 the couple's life at Seabrook.

Pleasing all palates

Each dining venue features its own distinct menu and atmosphere.

Two of Seabrook's restaurants offer a pub-like feel, both with a fully stocked bar and bartenders ready to craft signature cocktails. At The Cove, diners enjoy starters and appetizers--available a la carte--as well as lunch and dinner options. The oven-baked individual pizzas are a big hit. The Essex Pub features a combination of hand-held favorites and tasty entrees for lunch and dinner. Weekly around-the-world theme nights always draw a crowd.

It's always nice to dine in style, and at Seabrook, there are two options for an elegant, fine-dining experience. The Fireside Restaurant offers a wide selection of dinner entrees, as well as hearty soups, fresh salads, and desserts, in an upscale setting. The Princeton Restaurant is a popular spot for sit-down dinners and an exceptional Sunday brunch.

Busy residents usually turn to the casual Tide's Café, as the range of menu items, including cold and hot gourmet sandwiches, are easy to grab and go.

Fresh, flavorful takes

Members of the dining team delight in offering residents as much variety as possible.

"We're always adding new items," says Sous Chef Juliet Monticollo. "Our chefs have the freedom to create new dishes for restaurant menus. We offer nearly 115 different entrees each night, including regional favorites, international fare, and gluten-free and vegan options."

The chefs also include comfort food dishes like meatloaf, carved turkey, chicken pot pies, and tuna casserole.

"Some of our most popular items are more nostalgic. Residents tell us that the dishes bring back special memories from their childhood," Monticello notes.

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy five-star meals, the dining team meets regularly with the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee to identify strengths and areas of improvement.

"It's all about the residents," says Adam Van Slooten, assistant manager at the Princeton Restaurant. "We always want them to get the best food, prepared the way they prefer, and the best service we can deliver."

During every meal, chefs and restaurant managers visit each table to gather feedback. Residents can also share input through comment cards and online surveys, which are reviewed daily.

"Our chefs are really willing to talk to residents about everything," Neal says. "Ann had chicken shawarma for lunch today, and she loved it. I'm a huge fish eater, and they really excel at cooking all types of fish. The food is the best it's ever been, and it keeps getting better!"

Connecting the community

To create even more memorable, social meals, the dining team hosts themed events throughout the year. This could be a Thanksgiving dinner, a summer barbecue, or an elegant evening celebration with music, decorations, and a special menu.

"Having communal dinners that are served in a lovely setting has been one of the most beneficial parts of our move to Seabrook," notes Ann.

"Residents get dressed up, the atmosphere is more festive, and everyone has fun," Monticollo adds. "It also gives us a chance to make the experience even more special."

"We want to make the dining experience at Seabrook the best it can be. Newly acquainted residents start to develop friendships by the end of the meal," adds Van Slooten.

Time to socialize

For Neal and Ann, what really makes mealtime shine at Seabrook is the vibrant, social atmosphere. They have a regular schedule of dinner dates with friends and family who live in the community.

"The meals here are very social," Ann says. "We have a lovely dinner, we have great conversation. We don't socialize in our homes; we socialize in the dining rooms."

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

By Linda Esterson