Nearly every night of the week, at a buffet-style bistro in the atrium at Meadow Ridge, dozens of residents fill their plates with chef-prepared entrees and a variety of other fresh and healthy options, including mixed greens, grilled vegetables, or a light tomato-cucumber salad and vinaigrette.
The dishes themselves aren’t unique, but their ingredients are. Thanks to a resident-run farm at the retirement community, director of culinary services Brian Limitone and his team supplement meals with organic produce grown and harvested in their own backyard.
“The farm gives the kitchen a little more creativity and flexibility in menu planning,” said Limitone. “We incorporate many of the ingredients – a lot of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, kale, and squash.”
Started in 2011 by resident Peter Hastings, the farm has flourished into a tennis court-sized plot that yields herbs, fruit and a selection of produce that would make any grocer envious. This year, grapevines and more fruit trees have been added, and plans to install a bee hive for honey are in the works.
“The last couple of years have been very productive,” said Limitone. “I remember getting a whole box of zucchini and thinking that was unbelievable!”
During summer months, Limitone receives a text message from Hastings each day, letting him know a box (or boxes) of food has been left by the kitchen. Limitone and his team then separate the ingredients, give everything a thorough cleaning, and come up with a plan to incorporate them within 24 hours.
“Our kitchen does an incredible job of trying to use local ingredients in the meals they prepare, and what’s more local than produce grown right here at Meadow Ridge?” said Michelle Bettigole, executive director of the community. “I know it’s rewarding for Peter and the other volunteers to see so many of their friends and neighbors enjoying the fruits of their labor.”
About Meadow Ridge
Meadow Ridge, a senior living community located in the Connecticut countryside, welcomed its first residents in 2001. The expansive 136-acre community offers dramatic vistas of the rolling wooded hills and meadows that completely surround it. Meadow Ridge provides the spectrum of lifestyle choices, including independent living, and its Life Care program ensures residents will receive on-site assisted living and skilled nursing services, should the need arise. Meadow Ridge is managed by Life Care Services™, a leading provider in Life Care retirement living. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 203.544.7777, emailinfo@meadowridge.com or visit www.MeadowRidge.com.