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

Whether it's a lively lunchtime conversation or a festive dinner with neighbors, dining at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., is as much about friendship and connection as it is about delicious food.

For Carol Ann Ruth, sharing meals with friends is a cherished part of her daily routine. Since moving to the community thirteen years ago, she has appreciated the freedom from cooking and the companionship of dining with friends.

"I have developed many lasting friendships that started over dinner," says Carol Ann. "Some of those relationships have grown into small dinner groups, where we start with a happy hour at one of our residences and then go to dinner afterward. We always begin with a toast to something and then turn the dinner into a mini celebration."

Endless options

At Oak Crest, residents enjoy an exceptional culinary experience, with professional chefs crafting dishes from the freshest ingredients across eight restaurants. Residents can choose from options to suit a variety of tastes and preferences.

The Oak Room offers an upscale, traditional dining experience, serving favorites such as pasta, steak, and seafood in an elegant setting with views of the garden.

The Fireside Restaurant offers full-service dining in a cozy setting, featuring entrees like chicken marsala and comfort food classics like homemade meatloaf.

For those craving seafood, McHenry's offers a sun-filled space with a menu inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. Resident favorites include ginger-soy salmon and shrimp and grits.

Offering a variety of small plates, 1812 is a tapas-style restaurant and bar specializing in dishes like arugula-pear salad, figs with goat cheese, and shrimp Romesco.

Lakeside Restaurant is a casual, self-serve-style venue overlooking Lake Victoria, Oak Crest's lake. Here, residents enjoy classics like shrimp salad, Reuben sandwiches, and chicken wings.

Terrapin Cove is a smaller, pub-like restaurant with a full bar and an outdoor patio, perfect for al fresco dining.

The Quarry Grill is a casual, open-air grill with three-season outdoor seating, specializing in classic fare like salads, sandwiches, and the popular lobster roll.

Finally, the Acorn Pub is a friendly neighborhood tavern with a full bar, serving lunch and dinner. Comfort food favorites like hot paninis, Cobb salad, and grilled cheese are always available.

"Each of our restaurants offers a unique atmosphere and menu. Our chefs take pride in their creativity, giving each venue its own personality," says Dining Director Carlos Rimolo. "We want our residents to have the best experience they can have."

He adds, "We welcome feedback and suggestions from all residents. Whether speaking in person, utilizing the QR codes located on each table, or sharing comments through the My Erickson app, we encourage residents to share reviews of their dining experience."

Savory seafood

Resident Diana Lohr appreciates the variety of menu options, including the different seafood choices.

"I eat in the restaurants every single day, and it's nice to have so many choices," says Diana. "Growing up in the Midwest, I didn't have seafood, so I love having shrimp and crab. They offer different kinds of fish, and crab soup. One of my favorite dishes is the salmon. It's delicious!"

But for Diana, the dining experience at Oak Crest is more than just delicious meals--it has opened the door to new friendships and opportunities. Soon after her 2019 move to Oak Crest, she was invited to sit with a group of residents at dinner, which, as a newcomer, made all the difference.

"We instantly became friends, which turned into lasting friendships," says Diana. "I started playing bridge with them, which I love. And I learned how to play mah-jongg."

Celebrating together

This sense of community continues beyond everyday meals.

"Every month we have at least two or three events," says Rimolo. "In February, we celebrate the Chinese New Year. In March, there is a St. Patrick's Day buffet and a Greek Heritage dinner. During the summer, we hold bull roasts, cookouts, and crab feasts. Throughout the year, we also host elegant dinners with a three or four-course meal. We always strive to be creative and fun, which our residents love."

All these efforts culminate in an experience that residents like Diana and Carol Ann truly treasure.

"Dining is my passion. I don't eat to live; I live to eat. And there's no better place to do that than at Oak Crest!" says Carol Ann. "I wake up every morning feeling blessed to be here."

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

By Danielle Rexrode