Restaurants at Riderwood Focus on Creativity, Collaboration, and Socialization

At Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., residents savor delicious dishes prepared by professional chefs at eight on-site restaurants.

More important, 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.

"It is truly amazing to enjoy a meal at Riderwood," says resident Sharon Hill.

Entrees for every taste

The recently renovated Fireside Restaurant, with a new bar and lounge, is the perfect place to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail with neighbors. Similarly, the Windsor Restaurant is known for its diverse menu and expansive bar with signature drinks.

Looking for a relaxed environment to watch a sports game with fellow fans? Check out the Blue Heron Pub, which offers casual pub fare and cold pints.

The Potomac Café, boasting deli, grill, and "market creations" stations as well as a soup and salad bar, offers a range of options for both lunch and dinner. The Hilltop Table Restaurant also offers a cafe-style setting, where on-the-go residents can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Seasons Restaurant serves up homestyle comfort food favorites in a welcoming dining room. Outside the restaurant, the lounge area offers small plates and a variety of cocktails. Nearby, the Wye Oak Bistro features an exhibition kitchen, allowing residents to watch chefs prepare their entrees.

The Overlook Restaurant features stunning views of campus and a menu that combines resident favorites with international cuisine.

Variety matters

"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 Carl Taylor. "We want our residents to have the best experience possible at each one."

Sharon appreciates that she and her husband, Doug, have a variety of restaurants to choose from-- something not typical at every retirement community.

"We enjoy each of the restaurants," says Sharon. "Our decision for where to go often depends on what is on the menu on a particular day. I'm a pescatarian; I often find as many as six entrees that sound appealing to me."

"And, for the times that we are in a hurry, we will choose one of the more casual cafes, which allows us to dine more quickly," she adds, pointing to their busy schedules.

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy five-star dining experiences, Taylor and his team partner with the resident dining advisory committee to identify strengths and ways to improve. Sharon, a member of the committee, is honored to represent and speak on behalf of her neighbors.

"Our focus is on creating an environment where residents feel heard and excited about dining," says Taylor. "By working closely with the committee and listening to feedback, we're able to provide meals that are not only high quality and delicious but also meaningful to the people we serve."

Residents are also encouraged to share suggestions through online surveys, comment cards, and, of course, speaking with chefs directly.

Celebrating together

Throughout the year, the dining team also creates special menus for events and holidays such as Valentine's Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving--just to name a few.

"It brings a smile to our faces when we sit down to our holiday meals," says Sharon. "Thanksgiving is one of my favorites, but we love celebrating all the holidays. The more celebrations, the better."

Residents also enjoy special programs such as Sunday Supper Club, complete with elegant table settings and live piano music. "The environment is beautiful," notes Sharon.

Dining with friends

For Sharon and Doug, what really makes mealtime shine at Riderwood is the vibrant, social atmosphere--evident even on their first day as residents.

"To meet others, all we had to do was go to one of the restaurants for dinner," Sharon recalls. "The dining staff would seat us with others, and by the time the meal was over, we had made new friends."

Now that Sharon and Doug have settled in, they enjoy dining with all the neighbors on their floor each month. "The meals have brought us closer together, not just as neighbors, but as friends," she says.

"Dining plays an important role in daily life at Riderwood," says Taylor. "It allows residents to come together, share experiences, and build meaningful connections."

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

By Kelly K. Shue