Cedar Crest Wins Silver Spoon Award at “A Taste of Senior Living”

Pequannock, N.J. -- Executive Chef Harris Gondelman from Cedar Crest, a distinctive senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and his team won the Silver Spoon Award, the highest honor at this year’s “A Taste of Senior Living” competition sponsored by LifeSpan Network. The event, held in Clarksville, Maryland, featured the culinary creations of 28 senior living communities from around the mid-Atlantic area.

Gondelman and team members, Cedar Crest Executive Chef Josh McBee, Manager of Catering Arianne Pazmino, and Executive Chef David Connelly from Seabrook, a developed and managed Erickson Living community in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, produced a Braised Lamb Barbacoa topped with prickly pear cactus salad, pickled radishes, avocado-lime puree, and queso fresco served in a toasted hand-pressed taco. The delectable dish was the favorite of the celebrity judges and more than 250 guests in attendance.

“Congratulations to Chef Gondelman and his team for bringing home the coveted Silver Spoon Award and representing Erickson Living with delicious cuisine,” said Cedar Crest’s Director of Dining Services Paul Cimins. “I am so proud of our chefs for their dedication and commitment to providing residents with an extraordinary experience every time they dine on campus.”

Cedar Crest is a not-for-profit organization, developed and managed by Erickson Living®. The community is governed by its own board of directors affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community.

Throughout the country, Erickson Living communities are known for their signature dining program, dynamic lifestyle, state-of-the-art amenities, and superior health and wellness. It’s this commitment to innovation and excellence that makes Cedar Crest a distinct choice for retirement living in Northern New Jersey. Cedar Crest, and all of Erickson Living's developed and managed communities, offers Signature Dining, which provides fresh, made-to-order, resident-focused menu offerings, executed at the moment of service to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Chefs are empowered to cook with creativity and meet special requests of their diners.

In addition to Cedar Crest winning the Silver Spoon award, Charlestown, a managed Erickson Living community in Catonsville, Maryland, won the “Best Appetizer Award” and Oak Crest, a developed and managed Erickson Living community in Parkville, Maryland, won the “Best Dessert” award.

“As the Director of Culinary for Erickson Living, I am humbled by the talent of our chefs showcased daily in our communities as well as at events like the Taste of Senior Living. As we continue to build and cultivate our food integrity, it is exciting to have the opportunity to lead our culinary teams creating a culture where reputation matters,” said Philip Maloney, director of culinary for Erickson Living.

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Cedar Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,800 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.