“The demand is incredible,”
Quality dining tops the list among services and amenities that older adults expect at retirement communities. The trend has led to recent enhancements at The Waterford, including remodeling of the dining room, the addition of a new bar and grill, as well as new fine dining options and events.
VanMarter recently started a unique experience called “Chef’s Table.” Every month, residents enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings. The special menu is determined a week before the event and designed around the availability of local products, unusual foods and other cooking and dining trends.
“Chef’s Table gives me a chance to flex my culinary muscles and create new and interesting menus and dishes for our residents,” VanMarter said. “We go all out for these experiences with elegant music, candlelight at the tables, fresh cut flowers and other things you’d find at any five-star restaurant in town.”
VanMarter also holds private demonstration events for residents using seasonal ingredients and turning them in to something spectacular. Demonstrations have included chocolate truffles, puréed root vegetable soup, gazpacho, hot chocolate and chicken mole, and residents have the opportunity to sample each item.
“The Waterford is lucky to have such a talented chef like Matt who brings innovative ideas to the table every day,” said Bonnie Walker, Director of Culinary at The Waterford. “Not only does he care about residents and provide them with the best dining experience, he also gives back to the greater community.”
Over the past seven years, VanMarter has been actively involved in the American Culinary Federation. He also shares his culinary talents at charity dinner events benefitting organizations including the Quantum House (a home for families whose children are receiving treatments for serious medical conditions), Children’s Home Society of Florida (a program that helps find homes for foster children and teens), American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
It’s really touching to see the difference you can make in people’s lives through food and culinary arts,” said VanMarter. “And at The Waterford, it’s exciting to see the hunger residents have for new and different dining experiences, and I’m glad I get to share my passion with them.”
About The Waterford
The Waterford, located at 601 Universe Blvd., in Juno Beach, is a Life Care community that provides seniors a unique lifestyle experience and a variety of residential options, including maintenance-
About Lifespace Communities
The Waterford is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities, Inc. Founded in 1976, Lifespace Communities, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a not-for-profit corporation that has grown to operate 12 continuing care retirement communities in seven states, serving more than 5,000 residents and employing 2,500 team members. Communities are located in Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Florida. The organization is recognized by the LeadingAge Ziegler Top 100 as the seventh largest not-for-profit senior living provider system in the country. For more information about Lifespace and its communities, visit www.LifespaceCommunities.com.
