Every morning at 8:15, you can find William and Mary McAllister in The Gatesworth’s Palm Court Restaurant, eating breakfast with their friends. “I enjoy the camaraderie of the people we’ve met there, plus there are so many food options to choose from,” says eightyear resident William McAllister. “You can pick what you like, as much as you like—or as little as you like.”
With a focus on choice, variety and service, The Gatesworth strives to offer its residents healthy and satisfying meals that enhance the living experience within the community. From the casual atmosphere of the Palm Court, to the elegant setting of the Colonnade and the quiet ambiance of the new West Wing Dining Room, diners have their pick of what suits their taste buds that particular day. “In general, the food is as good as a really good restaurant, and in some things, it’s even better,” says Frances Vande Kerk, who moved into The Gatesworth with her husband, John, more than three years ago.
Executive chef Brian Hardy, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, heads up the kitchen, keeping the daily menus fresh. “I think Brian tries to incorporate enough variety so everyone has something that they love,” says Vande Kerk, who can never resist when lamb chops or ribs are served up.
Fellow resident, Dr. Martin Gordon, is equally impressed with the skills of chef Hardy, from his unique salmon dish, to the elaborate Sunday buffets. “He invokes confidence in more than just the cuisine, and the staff reinforces his leadership.”
That dining staff aims to please, catering to the residents’ dietary preferences. “Although my wife’s diabetic, there are so many choices that she can pick out what she can eat, no problem,” McAllister explains.
And whether it’s extra anchovies for Stan Boudreau’s Caesar salad or key lime pie for his wife, Lois, the kitchen can fulfill most any request. “They are all so nice and they do their best to accommodate you. They try never to say no,” says Boudreau, who has lived at The Gatesworth for more than three years.
Room service provides another option for those who don’t want to leave their apartment. “Sometimes I won’t feel like cooking or changing clothes and going downstairs, so we’ll use room service,” Vande Kerk says. “Let someone else do the cooking and we’ll do the eating!”
The cuisine at The Gatesworth earns rave reviews from visitors, as well. Oliver Dulle spends at least three nights a week eating dinner in the West Wing bistro with various members of his extensive family. “The food is always good—I think my sons and daughters have tried every item on the menu, and they know the staff by name,” he says.
The Dulle family often reconvenes at the end of the week for Friday afternoon happy hours in the Lakeview Lounge, where the Boudreaus and their daughters can be found, as well, enjoying drinks and appetizers. “Once a week, the family knows we can get together here and enjoy the evening,” Dulle says.
The attention to detail that The Gatesworth puts in toward its culinary offerings does not go unnoticed by its residents. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Dulle knows he will have an enjoyable, well-prepared meal. “There’s a certain artistic attitude about the food here,” he says. “I like the looks of it, the taste of it—the whole thing is great.”
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