Atlantic Shores Redefines Retirement Dining to Reflect Today's Sophisticated Senior Palates

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's retirees are looking for a taste of the good life, in more ways than one. With the baby boomer generation, a lot of "senior foodies" are migrating their tastes along with their furniture when they move to retirement communities. Whether based on traditions from their own kitchens, or favorite dishes at restaurants, this generation is demanding inventive, quality cuisine as part of their second-half-of-life-experience.

Upscale retirement communities are responding with a new-generation range of culinary offerings, inventive chefs and unique dining experiences to reinvent retirement cuisine.

On the forefront of this permanent trend is Atlantic Shores Retirement Community - - a 100-acre cooperative in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which emphasizes cuisine for its 650 residents. With three dining outlets, 25 chefs, and a staff of 100 food professionals that create high-quality dishes, culinary trends in the restaurant world are mirrored at Atlantic Shores.

Just like fine dining restaurants, Atlantic Shores is known for their specialty dishes, including: Lobster/Tarragon Bisque with Aged Sherry Foam; Boursin-Crusted Filet Mignon with Fire-Roasted Prawns and Andoulle; Honey-Lacquered Salmon with Asian Citrus Slaw; and Braised Duck Breast with Candied Sweet Potato in a Kirshwasser/Cherry Reduction.

Pride is taken in using superior, locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables and herbs from Atlantic Shores' own gardens. Care is also taken in creating daily and specialty menus, chef's specials, and offering a selection of fine international wines paired with select entrees. Low-gluten, sugar-free and vegetarian items are offered for all types of dietary needs. Even heart healthy dishes take on a delicious spin, with entrees like Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans, Quinoa Risotto with Arugula and Parmesan, and Chicken Cutlets with Grape-Shallot Sauce.

Unlike a restaurant, culinary offerings at Atlantic Shores also accommodate health conditions and medicines. Two of Atlantic Shores' dining outlets have strict nutritional guidelines, and offer specialty therapeutic entrees.

Think celebrity chefs only prepare for famous clients? With a following of loyal fans, culinary awards, and regular appearances to showcase his cuisine on a local NBC-TV lifestyle show, Atlantic Shores Executive Chef Eric Doarnberger has left the world of upscale restaurants to express his creativity for Atlantic Shores' foodie community.

Working alongside Food and Beverage Director Richie Cuocco, this powerhouse pair leads their culinary team without restriction, as food-services at Atlantic Shores aren't contracted by an outside food management company as many other retirement communities are - - even offering such extras as private chef services, and Chef's Table events, with wines paired for each course by a Sommelier.

The true test of their nouveau-senior cuisine is putting it up in competition against acclaimed regional restaurants, and winning. Atlantic Shores was awarded the People's Choice and Chef's Choice awards at the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Event, where their dishes were selected for technique and artistry most appreciated by other culinary professionals. Their recipes have also been selected for inclusion in premier cookbooks, including the Taste of Hampton Roads.

But more than their string of awards, compliments from Atlantic Shores' residents best express how this new concept in senior cuisine is something they look forward to daily. According to resident Elaine Mooney, "Top-notch dining was one of the things we were looking for in selecting a retirement community. At Atlantic Shores, we were impressed with the inventive, flavorful dishes, served to us just like in a high-end restaurant. No need to try to stay ahead of the latest food trends on our own -- they do it for us!"

SOURCE Atlantic Shores Retirement Community