To truly live the good life, some things are simply nonnegotiable: access to delicious, fresh food, being in good health, and having a vibrant social and family life top the list. For six years, Martha Kenton hasn’t had to worry about doing without any of this. That’s because she’s been living at The Gatesworth.
The kitchen’s willingness to accommodate individual preferences—and its emphasis on fresh, made-to-order foods—have been a highlight of Kenton’s time in the senior living community. The Gatesworth chefs use only the freshest ingredients, Kenton says. Breads and desserts are baked in-house, and the meat is butchered on site. Not surprising, this approach keeps residents coming back for more. “When I moved in, I thought the food might get tiresome, but it hasn’t,” Kenton says. “It’s like living in a fivestar hotel. There are two specials each night, and it’s always a nice variety.” Some of her favorite things to order are the grilled petite filet, the salmon and the Cobb salad. For dessert, she usually enjoys warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven caramel rolls.
Even though the dining rooms at The Gatesworth offer an extensive restaurant-style menu for lunch and dinner, special requests are no problem, whether it’s modifying a menu item or ordering something completely off-menu. One of Kenton’s favorite special orders is souffle. “You have to order it the day before,” she says. “It’s wonderful. One time I had out-of-town guests and called early in the morning, and they were still able to have the souffle ready for me.”
It’s not rare to see family members and friends come to The Gatesworth to dine with residents, and Kenton is not alone in regularly inviting her children to join her for meals. Cindy Heuermann and her son Matthew visit HER mother, Martha Kenton, at The Gatesworth.
There are multiple dining rooms to choose from, including the formal Colonnade and the more casual Palm Court Restaurant. “Guests love the food, and it’s nice to have my daughters eat in the Colonnade—the food is so good for lunch,” Kenton says. Besides lunch, family often will visit for Sunday brunch or Friday happy hour, which includes cocktails and appetizers like drumsticks—a favorite of Kenton’s young grandson. “We have a good time eating there,” says Kenton’s daughter, Cindy Heuermann, who visits at least once a week. “We try to go every Friday to enjoy one of the happy hours, and our little boy has always been welcome.”
When residents wish to have a more intimate meal with their loved ones, they can request one of the private dining rooms. Heuermann fondly remembers using a private room for her late father’s birthday party years ago. “It was a wonderful celebration, and the food was great,” she says. “It was so nice to be able to have our whole family together.” And when her son was baptized, the family held the reception at The Gatesworth. “Family members are welcome for anything at The Gatesworth, especially when it comes to dining,” Heuermann says.
Pictured: Cindy Heuermann and her son Matthew visit her mother, Martha Kenton, at The Gatesworth.
Photo: The Gatesworth
[At The Gatesworth, a senior living community located at One McKnight Place, residents enjoy fresh, restaurant-style food, and family members and friends are always welcome. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.]