Restaurants At Cedar Crest Focus on Collaboration and Socialization

Margaret Floyd appreciates having many restaurants to choose from at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J.

"When I was looking at retirement communities, I didn't want to live in a place that had only one dining venue," she says. "I wanted variety!"

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From casual cafes to full-service restaurants with rotating menus created by professional chefs, Margaret got her wish.

But 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 life at Cedar Crest.

Variety for every taste

Each restaurant features its own distinct menu and atmosphere, and all dishes use the freshest ingredients.

Don't know what to eat for dinner? Check out the diverse menu at Fireside Restaurant. Chicken piccata, drunken noodles, and plant-based steak carnitas are just a few of the many dishes available. Nearby, Fireside Tavern offers light bites and handcrafted cocktails.

Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the casual Mountainside Café. Residents love the cooked-to-order eggs and build-your-own omelets for breakfast. Entree salads, sandwiches, and burgers are on the menu for lunch, while dishes like chicken schnitzel and beef teriyaki stir-fry are served for dinner.

Fresh-brewed specialty coffees, delectable baked goods, and snacks are available at Belmont Beans Coffee Bar and Marketplace at Belmont--perfect for busy residents on the go.

At the full-service Oak Room Restaurant, diners savor dishes such as Cajun cornmeal-crusted catfish, classic pot roast, and Thai yellow curry with tofu.

Stop by Oak Room Pizza or Tuscan Tavern for hearty soups, salads, small plates, and build-your-own pizzas. It's also a great place to catch up with neighbors over a glass of red or a cold pint.

"I go to all of the restaurants here," Margaret says. "I walk through campus, look at all the menus, and see which one I want to enjoy that particular day."

Fresh takes

The Overlook and Woodland Bistro boast inviting, modern looks, thanks to the recent Woodland Commons clubhouse refresh.

Seafood specialties, like pan-seared salmon with ginger soy glaze and bourbon-glazed shrimp, are favorites at The Overlook, ideal for a sit-down dinner with friends.

Woodland Bistro offers chili, gourmet sandwiches, and flatbreads in a fast-casual setting--perfect for a quick bite before a game of bocce.

"We're always looking to enhance the dining experience here," says Dining Director Gilles Lerch.

"The recent renovation of these two venues certainly helps keep things new and exciting."

Powerful partnership

To ensure residents continue to enjoy five-star dining experiences, Lerch and his team partner with the Resident Advisory Council's dining committee to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

"Communication with residents is essential, and the dining committee plays a huge role in that," Lerch notes. "We meet to review feedback, discuss menu ideas, and talk openly about what's working and where we can improve."

Margaret is pleased with this open communication. When she has a compliment, question, or suggestion about menus or service, she always receives a welcoming reply from Lerch. "His response is always, 'I'll look into that. Maybe there's an opportunity to change something,'" she sa To ys.

Residents are also encouraged to share input directly through online surveys, comment cards, and, of course, one-on-one conversations with chefs.

"Residents know we genuinely want their perspectives, and that partnership helps guide our decisions," says Lerch.

Time to socialize

For Margaret, what really makes mealtime shine at Cedar Crest is the vibrant, social atmosphere.

"We get menus for the entire week, so I often know in advance where I'm going to eat with friends, based on the menus," Margaret explains. "Typically, my bocce group gets together for lunch just to increase our interaction. I also eat with a group of friends on Saturday evenings. We call ourselves the 'New York Group,' because we're all from New York."

She adds, "I also get together with my floor neighbors for dinner. I wanted opportunities to socialize and meet new people," and Margaret has found plenty.

"Dining is more than food--it's central to the rhythm of life here at Cedar Crest," says Lerch. "I love seeing a dining room full of conversation, laughter, and people enjoying meals with friends."

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

By Susan Ingram