The culinary team at The Arbors at Islandia is a top notch team of professionals who not only love the art of cooking delicious meals, but also love seniors. That character trait is a must-have of course; this is our residents’ home and we are a family. We have found a wonderful blend of caring and talented people to make up The Arbors at Islandia team.

Food is a very high priority for seniors and our culinary team steps up to the plate in that department. Apart from the three restaurant-style meals in the dining room served daily, we have a continental breakfast for those residents who prefer a lighter, more relaxed breakfast. The 24 hour bistro features fresh baked muffins, assorted fresh baked danishes, cereal bars, granola bars, oatmeal cups and assorted cereal.

Special days are where our team really excels! We have so many special events like barbecues in the summer time, theme days like “Italian Day” and Mexican fiestas, Oktoberfest, Fall Festivals, holiday celebrations and so much more. Every Saturday we have our Chef’s Choice of the Week Happy Hour and once a month we have a Chef’s Monthly Food Spotlight, this month will be a Butternut Squash Bisque.

The month of October is so much fun with a fall festival outside with both hot and cold apple cider, pumpkin flavored treats, assorted fresh baked danishes, apples tossed with caramel, toasted coconut and toasted almonds. Oktoberfest is fun with soft pretzels served with a beer cheese sauce as well as a special Oktoberfest menu.

Once a month is a Gourmet Dinner Party at “Chez Arbors” with Chef Rachel and Chef Derek, featuring meat, lobster tail, potato duchess, grilled asparagus and crème brulee for dessert. This special dinner party is held in the private dining room for approximately eight residents. Each month is an opportunity for different residents to experience a special treat of a dinner party sparking memories of days in the past. Chefs Rachel and Derek truly enjoy spending time with residents. An occasional lunch trip with residents to express their love for cuisine is just one way of sharing with each other.

Led by Food Service Director Rachel Thompson, who found her love for all things culinary from her family. Growing up cooking with her grandmother sparked a love for cooking that has continued to flourish. And visits to her great-grandmother in a nursing home inspired her love for making seniors happy. Rachel studied and achieved many rewards for her hard work, traveled and studied under talented chefs who also influenced her extremely versatile repertoire, from French to Jamaican and Cuban cooking. The Arbors is lucky to have such a talented chef at the helm, as well as a caring individual serving our residents.