Restaurants At Avery Point Focus on Collaboration and Socialization

At Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., residents savor delicious dishes prepared by professional chefs using the freshest ingredients.

More importantly, each made-to-order meal provides the opportunity for social connection. Whether gathering with neighbors for dinner, celebrating a special occasion with friends, or inviting loved ones to share a meal, dining is a highlight of life at Avery Point.

"Dining here is a social outing," says resident Marge Bruning. "When I have a reservation for four, I mix different people in. We have great conversation and so much fun!"

Something for every taste

Each of Avery Point's five on-site restaurants features its own distinct menu and atmosphere.

The Creek Café is a fast-casual venue serving a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, flatbreads, and grill items for both lunch and dinner. Recent entrees have included beef bourguignon, Thai curry vegetables, and the "Blue Ribbon Burger," which Dining Director Chas Stetson entered in the burger competition at Virginia's state fair--and won!

"Other Erickson Senior Living communities are now using the recipe," says Stetson, with a smile.

The Point is a fine-dining restaurant serving refined steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. Some popular entrees are gnocchi pomodoro with an Italian red sauce, chicken schnitzel with a lemon caper sauce, and a plant-based steak kebab.

"Resident vegetarians and vegans really enjoy meals made with our plant-based ingredients, so we feature those dishes on all of our menus," explains Stetson, noting that other dietary preferences and needs can easily be met as well.

Fireside Restaurant features everything from elevated entrees, such as fricassee of orange roughy and bourbon-glazed shrimp, to homestyle dishes, such as a pulled-pork barbecue sandwich and barbecue St. Louis ribs.

The new Cork & Fork restaurant boasts a screened-in patio that residents love dining in during the warmer months. Sauteed tilapia with a garlic-herb sauce and chicken and sausage gumbo were recently on the menu.

Bites and bevs

The Cardinal, also new at Avery Point, is a walk-in restaurant offering tableside service and a full bar. Some recent favorites include a chicken bacon ranch panini, a bison burger, a Cajun cornmeal-crusted fried catfish, and a grilled portabella caprese.

During happy hour, Magnolia's Bar and The Cardinal are the places to be! Residents gather for weekly theme nights and bingo at Magnolia's, where drinks and bar snacks like pretzels and nuts are served.

Warm up your voices, as karaoke often takes over The Cardinal. Bingo, trivia, and sports watch parties on large-screen TVs are also held there. Residents love the flavorful appetizers, especially the crab dip.

At both Magnolia's and The Cardinal, cocktails and mocktails are handcrafted by friendly, professional bartenders.

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy high-quality dining experiences, Stetson and his team partner with the resident dining advisory committee to identify areas of improvement.

"We solicit feedback through dining advisory committee meetings as well as online surveys, which give us real-time reviews," says Stetson. "We can track trends and determine what's working well or areas of opportunity."

"The dining team wants everyone to enjoy what they're eating, so it's important for them to hear from residents," says Marge, committee liaison. "We also want to know what we can do to help take things up a notch."

In addition, Stetson and his team hold Food Talks during community Town Halls. "Food Talk is a conversation with residents about their questions, comments, concerns, and compliments," he says. "We thank them for their feedback, write it down, and follow up on it."

Time to socialize

For Marge, what really makes mealtime shine is the vibrant, social atmosphere. In fact, Avery Point hosts themed dinners and celebrations throughout the year to add more fun. One favorite is Breakfast for Dinner.

"We encouraged residents to wear their pajamas, and we served all different sorts of pancakes as well as eggs, bacon, and sausage," says Stetson. "In the summer, residents love our Crab Feast, which features steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crabs."

"Residents enjoy the foods, but there's more to it," says Marge. "When you see someone you don't know, it gives you an opportunity to talk with them."

She adds, "Dining is really a social time here. In the restaurants, you talk with the people you're with and even those who are at tables next to you."

Request more information today to learn more about the restaurants and social dining experiences residents enjoy.

By Michele Wojciechowski