The Gatesworth has a reputation for providing its residents with the best of everything—especially when it comes to fine dining. With holidays on the horizon, the senior community is anticipating plenty of private parties on its campus. The staff makes it easy, taking care of every last detail, from food preparation to floral arrangements. Residents can just sit back and enjoy the party.
[from the kitchen]
Brian Hardy, award-winning executive chef and director of food service at The Gatesworth since 2001, says he and catering manager Sam Lamping organize multiple parties each week for residents, including dinner parties and holiday get-togethers. The chef enjoys helping residents who love to entertain continue their traditions. “We can do any size party,” he says. “Sam meets with the residents personally to find out what they’re looking for, and then we make sure it happens.”
The two customize the menu to each occasion, and Hardy says residents often want their own family recipes included, especially for the holidays. “We make multiple kinds of dressing and cranberries every year for Thanksgiving because everyone wants something different,” he says. “We’ll do anything they want to make their day special. For residents who have cooked and entertained their whole lives, it’s nice that we take care of everything and they just get to enjoy the festivities.”
The team helps with all aspects of hosting a party; Hardy says they can provide specialty linens, ice sculptures, specialty desserts or a full-service bar. And there are multiple venues throughout the campus for hosting celebrations, including four dining rooms, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor pavilion. Or residents can hold an event in the privacy of their own apartment. “We just did a cocktail reception for around 60 people in a resident’s apartment,” Hardy says. The options are endless. “Anything they want, we do it.”
[from the hostess]
Mary Ann Stohr and her husband often entertained in their home in Des Peres, and not much has changed since they moved to The Gatesworth about five years ago. Even though the living space is smaller, Stohr still is able to host get-togethers as often as she wants—only now she doesn’t have the usual stress that comes with entertaining.
Stohr takes advantage of The Gatesworth’s catering services when she has friends over for lunch, either in her apartment or in one of the dining rooms, and for special celebrations like her husband’s 80th birthday party, which she held in the Club One private dining room. Stohr even has been able to continue her tradition of hosting Thanksgiving dinner. “I’ve done it every year since we moved in,” she says. “It’s my favorite holiday, and about 25 family members come. We are in a gorgeous room overlooking the lake. We eat and play games afterward. I’ve already started planning for this year.”
Stohr says she is always impressed with both the food and the service, and appreciates that The Gatesworth staff takes care of every detail. “I just put out placecards and enjoy! I did all the cooking when I entertained at home, and now I don’t do one bit of it, and I love it,” she admits. Stohr also has reprised her hostess talents in a new role: as chairlady of The Gatesworth’s monthly birthday party celebrations. “It’s a great time, and we have a special dinner menu. And there’s always cake and ice cream!”
[Executive chef Brian Hardy and catering manager Sam Lamping ensure everything is taken care of when residents entertain at The Gatesworth, from menu service to centerpieces and specialty requests. The senior living community is located on 12 acres at One McKnight Place in Ladue. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.]
Pictured: Catering manager Sam Lamping, resident Mary Ann Stohr, executive chef Brian Hardy
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
