Say goodbye to the days when senior living meant settling for bland, institutional meals. Today’s senior living communities, like Otterbein SeniorLife, are transforming dining from a necessity into a fulfilling, restaurant-quality experience among friends. Here’s how Otterbein uses mealtime to create anticipation, foster social connections, and maintain the joy that good food brings to our lives.
Professional Culinary Teams Inspire Excellence
Otterbein SeniorLife Communities invest in specially trained and dedicated culinary teams led by executive chefs with impressive credentials. Each community’s team of culinary professionals understands that great food is essential to quality of life. Many of our teams include:
- Executive chefs with restaurant and hospitality backgrounds
- Specialized dietary nutritionists
- Culinary assistants
From Seed to Supper with Hydroponics
Thanks to a partnership with Babylon Micro-Farms and the support of Entegra Culinary Consulting, Otterbein is introducing state-of-the-art indoor hydroponic systems to its communities. A hydroponic garden is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, plants get their nutrients directly from a water-based solution. The results are impressive and provide faster growth, higher yields, and less water usage than traditional gardening or farming. Residents enjoy high-quality, fresh, and sustainable ingredients in their meals with this innovation.
Dive further into hydroponics at Otterbein >>
Farm-to-Table Freshness
Otterbein prioritizes farm-to-table options in each menu to bring freshness and flavor to every meal. Many communities partner with local farms when possible or take advantage of resident and community gardens on their own campus:
- Seasonal vegetables
- Fresh herbs
- Locally-raised meats and dairy products
- Artisanal breads
Special Diets and Preferences
Otterbein strives to accommodate residents’ special diets and preferences for a personalized experience that enhances quality of life and overall well-being. Examples of special dietary programs include:
- Heart-healthy options
- Diabetic-friendly meal plans
- Gluten-free and allergen-conscious menu options
- Texture-modified foods that don’t compromise on taste
Cooking Competitions
Otterbein SeniorLife hosts a much-anticipated Taste of Otterbein competition at the annual Otterbein Olympics. Culinary teams from all Otterbein communities gather at the host campus to share their best dishes for a friendly cooking competition. Watch the video to see what Otterbein Sunset Village cooked up in the 2024 Taste of Otterbein >>
Restaurant-Style Dining
Residents look forward to restaurant-style dining options at Otterbein communities. Typical features include:
- A la carte menus with multiple daily options
- Table service with dedicated culinary servers
- Elegant dining rooms with ambient lighting
- Private dining rooms for special occasions
- Happy hours, wine, and cocktail menus
Hibachi Grills and Live Cooking Stations
Most Otterbein communities feature hibachi grills and live cooking stations to bring excitement and entertainment to meals. Residents can enjoy:
- Chef-prepared meals cooked to order
- Interactive entertainment during preparation
- Customizable dishes based on preferences
- Social dining experiences that create a sense of belonging and community
Take a look at the incredible, mouth-watering offerings at Otterbein Franklin’s Restaurant 1070 and The Blaze Bistro >>
Themed Dining Adventures
Themed and holiday dinners transport residents on an adventure without leaving home, sparking fond memories with friends and loved ones. Otterbein culinary teams deliver impressive and immersive themed dining experiences. Past events have included:
- Italian nights with live music
- Night at the Oscars with scallops, a carving station, and an ice sculpture
- Hawaiian luaus with tropical decorations
- Holiday celebrations with traditional dishes
- Wine and cheese tastings featuring different regions
- 1950s sock hop dinners with period music
Discover the amazing culinary events at Otterbein Lebanon >>
Bistro and Grab-and-Go Concepts
Many Otterbein communities feature casual bistros for lighter fare and also on-the-go options, including:
- Grab-and-go drinks, pastries, and fruit
- Coffee shops for specialty drinks
- Outdoor grills or patio seating
Explore the grab-and-go offerings at The Boulevard Bistro at Otterbein Marblehead >>
Social Engagement Opportunities
Otterbein focuses on creating opportunities for socialization, enrichment, and meaningful engagement in all aspects of daily life, including dining experiences. Mealtime encourages community and connection through:
- Family-style seating
- A variety of table sizes to accommodate couples, friends, small groups, and large gatherings
- Private dining rooms for special occasions
- Intergenerational dining events with loved ones
- Open kitchens and hibachi grills with bar seating
Experience an Active Lifestyle at Otterbein SeniorLife
Otterbein’s elevated dining experiences make senior living not only somewhere to live, but a place to truly thrive. Visit our website to explore a location near you.
