By james art 
By Daniel Rexrod
If the Irish saying, “Laughter is brightest where the food is best” is true, then dining at Charlestown, the Erickson senior living community in Catonsville, Maryland, is sure to put a smile on your face.
Thanks to the Signature Dining program, Charlestown residents enjoy made-to-order meals made with the freshest ingredients. And with the restaurant’s menus featuring a variety of local favorites, modern takes on classic dishes and innovative dishes, there’s always something new to experience.
“I always find something I like on the menus,” says resident Stephanie Leddy. “The dining team strives to deliver great food and a wonderful dining experience!”
“Lots of Choices”
Dining options in Charlestown range from casual coffee shops to full-service restaurants where specialties are impeccably prepared and served. An executive chef manages the culinary program, while a sous chef oversees each kitchen.
The Atrium is an intimate dining space with gallery seating that overlooks the main dining room and new outdoor patio. Although the menu is updated regularly to reflect feedback and seasonal availability, recent specials include shrimp tacos, grilled rib eye steak, and lemon broccoli sauteed chicken.
Chesapeake Bar and Restaurant is another full-service dining option, offering scenic views and a private dining room for parties. The attached contemporary bar pairs an exciting drink menu with tapas-style small plates such as fried green tomatoes, scallop marinara and pierogi.
“I really like the small plates at the Chesapeake bar. There are plenty of options to choose from such as prawns, stuffed shells and lamb meatballs,” says Stephanie.
Classic and everyday bites
Fireside serves lunch and dinner classics like soups, sandwiches and pasta. Favorite entrees include penne with sausage, vegetable lo mein, miso-glazed salmon and fried chicken in brine. Fireside is also home to an expansive bar where residents can meet friends for a cocktail.
Short Line Cafe is a casual lunch and dinner spot best known for milkshakes, pizza, and other short-order favorites. Cauliflower tacos, Thai chili salmon, chicken marsala and pork tenderloin can be found on the menu.
The fast-casual Terrace Cafe is a popular lunch and dinner destination, featuring an expansive patio for alfresco dining and a brick oven for freshly made pizzas. The menu includes a wide range of appetizers, sandwiches and burgers.
A powerful partnership
To ensure resident satisfaction at each of these unique dining venues, Dining Director Ken Zahn and his team of expert chefs meet regularly with the local dining committee—co-chaired by Stephanie—to discuss menus and resident suggestions.
“Ken is very good at responding to feedback and the chefs really care about what they do,” notes Stephanie.
“Food is central to people’s lives, so we strive to provide an exceptional dining experience for our residents, day in and day out,” says Zahn. “One of the most exciting things about dining in Charlestown is the variety. Each night there are approximately 130 entrees for our residents to choose from.”
But because it’s so close to the Chesapeake Bay, there’s one element residents can’t get enough of.
“We have an award-winning crawfish soup that is often on our menu,” he says. “And sometimes we offer crab cakes.”
Themed dinners and special events hosted by Dining Services, such as crab feasts and Chef’s Table dinners, add to the variety.
Easy healthy eating
With so many delicious, healthy meals to choose from, it’s easy for residents to get all the nutrients they need.
And with the My Erickson app, the nutritional information you’d find on groceries—including ingredients, calories, and fat content—is available for every meal with just a few taps. Residents can also search for foods according to a variety of special options, such as milk, wheat, shellfish or nut allergies, as well as diabetic, heart-smart, vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
“We serve over 2,000 residents—many with dietary restrictions,” Zahn says. “We partner with our dietary focus group to get suggestions for healthy eating options and then incorporate that feedback into our menu design.”
Be our guests
Stephanie appreciates Charlestown’s dedication to offering fine, made-to-order cuisine and believes the social atmosphere in each of the restaurants is the perfect accompaniment.
“When I first moved in, the residents invited me to eat with them. Now I have different friends that I eat with four nights a week!” says Stephanie. “It’s a great way to help people meet their neighbors and get comfortable in their new home.”
Invest in your future in Charlestown. From premium amenities to affordable, maintenance-free condo homes, you’re sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!