Beacon Hill Names New Executive Chef

LOMBARD, Ill. - March 27, 2014 - PRLog -- Well-known local chef Gabriel Lagunas brings culinary expertise to Beacon Hill, a senior living community in Lombard. He previously owned and managed the restaurant Eggz Dujour, and has more than 21 years of experience in the culinary field. Lagunas is known throughout the west Chicago suburbs for his work at the Itasca Country Club, and he brings the upscale culinary style he mastered there to Beacon Hill.

In his new position, Lagunas oversees the dining staff, plans menus, and ensures that residents have healthy and nutritional choices.

“I enjoy Beacon Hill because it’s something completely different than what I’ve done before,” Lagunas said. “I’m able to explore new menu items, and I love getting to know residents. They’re so much fun to cook for.”

Beacon Hill welcomes Lagunas’ expertise, as today’s seniors’ dining expectations include a more resort-like experience, variety of choices and experienced chefs.

“In talking with prospective residents and their families, it’s clear that dining is one of the most important amenities they consider when looking at senior living communities,” said Mark Zullo, marketing director at Beacon Hill. “Adding Gabriel to our team gives us a dining experience that will be enjoyed by our residents now and well into the future.”

Lagunas plans to create new menu options for residents, and to add more diversity to meals. He’ll also incorporate unique specials, including international and ethnic flavors such as Spanish, Polish and Greek dishes. Beacon Hill’s menu currently rotates every five weeks and includes a salad bar, daily fish and at least two options of protein each day for residents to choose from.

Prior to owning his own restaurant, Lagunas was the executive chef at the Itasca Country Club for 19 years. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

About Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill, located at 2400 S. Finley Rd. in Lombard, Ill., is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities, Inc., a not-for-profit company with 35 years’ experience in senior living. The Life Care community provides senior adults with a unique lifestyle experience and a variety of residential options, including 395 maintenance-free apartment homes. Skilled nursing suites are also available as part of the full continuum of care. Residents enjoy a full range of services and amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, library, greenhouse and dining services. More information about Beacon Hill is available by calling (630) 691-4007 or by visiting www.BeaconHillLombard.com.

About Lifespace Communities, Inc.
Beacon Hill 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 operate12 continuing care retirement communities in seven states, serving more than 5,000 residents and employing 2,700 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.