Elevating the Senior Living Dining Experience
The Terraces at Bonita Springs
Jul 13, 2023
Florida - Southwest
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Elevating the Senior Living Dining Experience
Thirteen years ago, Executive Chef Alan Sayles brought his years of dining management experience and culinary artistry to senior living. He wasn’t satisfied with what he found. “I didn’t think seniors were getting what they deserved.”
At that time, the norm was batch cooking and serving food from a steam table – where it sat and cooled down. In fact, the number one complaint he heard was that the food was cold.
Today, as director of culinary and dining services at The Terraces at Bonita Springs, Alan proudly shares, “I don’t hear that anymore.” The difference lies with his commitment to fresh meals cooked to order, high-quality ingredients, and respect for the residents at The Terraces.
Personalized Service, Your Way
With a commitment to serving fresh food and delivering consistent quality, The Terraces offers an unparalleled senior living dining experience. Additionally, the community offers a choice of venues for enjoying the chef’s creations – a dining room for fine dining and a bistro for casual meals.
The dining room accepts reservations and offers table service, meals cooked to order, and a true restaurant experience. The bistro offers lighter fare and grab-and-go options for those who want a quick bite. From salads to seafood to steak, there’s something for everyone.
Keeping It Fresh
A diner’s palate can actually become fatigued, the result of eating the same thing over and over, week after week. But that’s never an issue at The Terraces. According to Alan, the key to delivering an exceptional dining experience is preparing everything fresh daily and keeping the menu offerings interesting.
“Residents eat in the same venues every day,” he says. “To keep things fresh and fun, we fully change the menu each week.” A weekly changing menu is something that sets The Terraces apart from other senior living communities, and the menu offerings are as diverse as the personalities at the community. “While menus are dynamic, we do offer some favorites regularly, including lobster tail and filet,” says Alan. “And salmon is on the menu every day.”
Alan makes it a priority to listen closely to what the residents want for their meals. and he honors as many special requests as possible. Food means more than sustenance – it’s often a reminder of traditions, family or special memories, and this attention to personal preferences enhances the residents’ satisfaction at The Terraces.
Farm to Table
Over 90% of the meals prepared and served at The Terraces are made from scratch. To ensure quality and consistency, the community sources its produce, seafood, meat and more from local providers – even fresh-caught fish from the area is delivered daily. This is the best in farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining, where everything on the menu is fresh, made-to-order and served hot.
Additionally, Alan pays close attention to menu options and recipes that are healthy and delicious. The Terraces firmly believes in the importance of senior health, wellness and vitality. The community addresses this through fitness activities, wellness plans and dining options to nurture the body.
Your Senior Living Experience
A boutique Life Plan Community in Southwest Florida, The Terraces at Bonita Springs creates exceptional dining experiences for every resident. In every level of living, from independent living and assisted living to memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, dining is a delight. We invite you to come get a taste of the lifestyle we offer.
If you’d like to schedule a community tour and private lunch or dinner, give us a call at 239-208-6963 or schedule a tour online right now.
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