Restaurants at Maris Grove Focus on Creativity, Collaboration, and Socialization

At Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, residents enjoy fresh, flavorful meals prepared by a talented culinary team at seven on-campus restaurants. Dining also plays an important role in daily life, creating regular opportunities for residents to connect with friends and neighbors.

"Dining at Maris Grove enables our residents to meet in a shared experience, turning an everyday occasion into quality time spent with friends," says Dining Director Dan Lessard.

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Resident Pete Bellavin says he and his wife, Judy, appreciate having so many options at their fingertips.

"Having our own kitchen and being able to eat in our residence when we desire and also having multiple dining venues was a factor," he says of their decision to move to Maris Grove.

Variety for every taste

Maris Grove's restaurants offer distinct dining experiences, from casual lunch spots to more traditional dinner settings, giving residents flexibility in how and where they dine each day.

Tavern 1789 and Grove Pub provide relaxed settings for casual lunches, featuring hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Pub fare, including chicken wings and pizza, is also popular.

Markham's Pub offers small plates in an intimate setting, with a bar area for happy hour and dinner, while the Millstone Restaurant is a favorite dinner spot with a cozy, casual atmosphere.

Blue Sky Restaurant and Woodside Grille offer more formal dinner service, featuring robust menus and elegant dining rooms.

Coebourn Café offers different stations serving deli-style sandwiches and salads, poke, and traditional grilled options.

Seven years after moving from Wilmington, Del., Pete says they're still excited by all the choices.

"Our favorite go-to restaurant is Millstone," he notes. "We also enjoy Markham's Pub. My wife and I call it our 'date night.' It has small plates, a nice ambiance, and a great bar."

Making memories

Dining at Maris Grove creates regular opportunities for connection, whether residents are meeting friends, joining a group, or getting to know someone new.

"We have standing get-togethers with friends many nights a week and a few times a month," Pete says.

"Having a meal together is a good way to keep up with friends."

Special events and themed dinners further enhance the sense of community. From holiday celebrations to cultural events, the dining team collaborates on everything from menus to decor to create memorable experiences.

"They are fantastic at planning special events for holidays like Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and New Year's. They plan excellent meals and decorations. It's very festive. The whole dining staff dresses for the occasion," Pete says.

Team effort

One of the defining features of dining at Maris Grove is the collaborative relationship between residents and members of the dining team.

Residents provide feedback through the Dining Advisory Committee, Town Hall meetings, and restaurant comment cards.

"The entire Dining team meets with managers and chefs every month to discuss resident feedback," explains Carol Horan, resident dining liaison. "An effort is always made to accommodate suggestions."

That feedback has led to popular additions such as "Breakfast for Dinner," expanded dessert offerings, and new concepts, including a community table experience.

For Pete, who chairs the Dining Advisory Committee, the partnership is both meaningful and effective. "It's a feedback session of what we hear when we dine with our friends and other residents," he says.

"This is our home," Carol adds. "Community living with individual power to enhance my quality of life
is important."

Made-to-order meals

At the heart of the dining program is a commitment to quality and customization.

"Making items to order allows the guest to customize the dish to their tastes," Lessard explains. "Cooking from scratch includes utilizing fresh ingredients, various techniques, and the highest quality possible."

Residents tailor their meals to their preferences and dietary needs with clearly marked "Healthier Choice" or vegetarian options, such as curried lentil soup, eggplant rollatini, and grilled salmon.

A great value

"Anyone who eats in restaurants 'outside' knows what a value we have," says Carol. "The dining managers and staff are constantly assessing quality and are good stewards of our money."

"Living here, dining is one thing that everyone has in common," Pete says. "Most residents look forward to the dining experience every night. It's a great way to end the day."

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

By Julia Collins