Adviser LeadingAge New York Summer 2015 July 2015 | Page 17

Quotes from residents:

The Melting Pot... (continued from page 15)

“This is like being at a five-star
restaurant”

behind a screened off part of the main dining area and is complete
with a maître d’ and reservation book.

“We loved it! Where are we going next?
Sign me up”

The overall theme is A Taste of America and brings diners the dishes
and customs of regions, states and cities within the United States.
Each sub-theme lasts from about 4-6 weeks, offering the same
dining experience 2-3 times within that period for up to 30 people at
each session. Prospective diners must sign up in advance to secure
their reservation.

“The food was exceptional!”
Talking to another resident “It was nice
to meet you, see you next time”
“Wow all of this for us”

As seating is limited, if a residents has already attended and wants
to sign up for the next session that month they are put on a wait list.
Staff ensures that the goal of mixing up the contact among residents
is achieved by looking at the mix of reservations and working to fill
space with a new mix of people. Sometimes special groups will book
together, for example the knitting group, but all must reserve ahead so
that extra slots can be used to “mix it up.” No walk-in dining is allowed
at this venue.
Some of the sub-themes since inception include: A New England Pub,
A Taste of New York, The Midwest, California and Mardis Gras. This
The Mel
ting Pot
dinner program is so popular, says T’Shana, “When the Melting Pot
Tour of A
merica –
g Pot o
Surf & T
first began, we did send reminders but now the residents
tin
Bartlett
urf
Pear and
The Mel a - New Mexic
(Burrata
Prosciutt
Cheese, Pr
remind us!”
osciutto,
o Salad
Bartlett
Americ ith Fresh Salsa
The Melting PotFilet Mignon Pears & Eiswein Vinaigrette)
Tour of or Nachos w
with Bor
The Melting Pot will take a break from the Taste of America
Tri-col
er Salad
esco)
delaise S
an Summpe Tomatoes, Queso Fr Tour of America - New England Pub
auce
Mexic loom Gra
Buttered
illa
es, Heir
Lobster
Oliv
theme for the summer months to offer three months of
New England Clam Chowder
en Quesad
& Green
k
Tail
(Black
allo Chic
ada
Pico de G
different surf and turf combinations – a favorite of residents.
n Enchil
New England Lobster Roll & Chips
Scallo
Black Bea
or

or

eef
Fiesta B

Much of the planning for ideas and menus comes from the
established Food Committee meetings, held each month within
the independent living and assisted living venues. Any resident
is welcomed to participate in committee meetings with a steady
core group of about 15 routinely participating. Ideas are vetted
and progress toward implementing ideas is shared. For example,
an idea that came from committee meetings was that residents
wanted to incorporate a tour of the kitchen as part of the Melting Pot
experience so now tours of the kitchen are offered at 3 p.m. before
each Melting Pot dinner. Feedback is offered on general dining,
Melting Pot pairing of dishes, themes, etc., and most importantly any
problems are solved. Committee participants are very dedicated and
prepared, arriving with notebooks full of ideas and suggestions they
have collected from others.

&

ith:
Served W

Rice
Mexican
the Cob
Corn on
s
Breaded
mpanada
i Beef E
in
Savory M
arita

Served W

or

Tri-Color

ith:

ped Potat
oes
ed Baby
Carrots

Guinness Fish & Chip Basket
Fresh Ber
Boston Baked Beans
ry and C
ream Parf
ait
Tuesda
Fresh Blueberry Cobbler
y Ju

ne 2 nd &
June 23 rd
Tuesday November 4th & November 18th5:00 pm nd
y Marg
- 2 Floo
trawberr
auce
r Lounge
5:00 pm - 2nd Floor Lounge *Please sign
ipping S
Frozen S
up at th
ocolate D
e Front
th
*Please sign up at the Front Desk
with Ch
Desk
Churros
May 19
th
5 &
y May
r Lounge
Tuesda
2nd Floo
Desk
00 pm 5:
e Front
up at th
sign
*Please

The Melting Pot is a creative venue for residents to dress up, sample
special foods and drinks, experience new culture, meet new friends
and get a little special attention from the chef and staff-sometimes
even a special cooking demonstration. It is five-star dining at its best
designed to eliminate isolation, give residents something to look
forward to encourage socialization.
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