Strong Passion for Culinary Excellence - Be Our Guest at Brooksby Village

February 18, 2019

Tantalizing, made-to-order entrees on the menu at Brooksby Village

Peabody, Mass. – February 18, 2019 – When you live at Brooksby Village, an Erickson Living developed and managed retirement community in Peabody, MA great dining options are just outside your home. Brooksby Village offers flavorful, cooked-to-order meals in its five onsite restaurants.

"Our goal is to provide an extraordinary experience for every guest, every time," says Director of Dining Services Charleen Archambault. "Our culinary team of professionals serve up fresh ingredients prepared just the way you like them."

Each of Brooksby Village's five dining venues provides a distinctive atmosphere. Want white tablecloths and impeccable service? Enjoy a meal in the Windsor Restaurant. In the mood for a burger and beer while you watch the Red Sox or Patriots play? Visit the Cider House Pub.

"Each dining venue has its own appeal," says Archambault, who's a member of the Brooksby Village executive team. "But they all have one thing in common – tantalizing food prepared at the moment of service."

Executive Chef Michael Ayers joined Brooksby Village's culinary team ten years ago. He was working in corporate dining when he ran across a career opportunityat Brooksby Village.

"I interviewed with Charleen, toured Brooksby Village's restaurants, met residents, and realized there was something unique about this community," says Ayers. "It was a great opportunity to build on the experiences I'd had up to that point: overseeing multiple venues, working with a diverse group of people, developing recipes and menus. The senior management team was impressive, and their expectations, philosophy, and values aligned with my own."

Ayers history in food service dates back to his earliest jobs as a teenager, but it wasn't until a "moment of clarity" that he decided to pursue a full-time career in culinary arts.

"I was working in finance, but I also had an evening job in food service," says Ayers. "I looked forward to the evenings and my days off so I could go work in the restaurant. That was pretty telling."

Ayers left his job in finance and was classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Ayers partners with each on-site restaurant making sure standard operating procedures and corporate initiatives are being followed, developing recipes, and planning menus.  Recently, he was promoted to Corporate Executive Chef for Erickson Living, headquartered in Catonsville, Maryland.

We have a great team," he says. "Each restaurant has a dedicated executive chef and culinary staff, and they're all incredibly passionate and talented. They recognize that what comes out of their kitchen is a direct reflection on them, and our chefs take a lot of pride in what they serve."

In January 2016, Brooksby Village rolled out its Signature Dining program, offering fresh, made-to-order menu offerings, prepared at the moment of service to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

The menus, which change every four to six weeks, feature 28 items at a time, combining familiar favorites with regional specialties.

"The introduction of Signature Dining gives our residents a true restaurant experience," says Ayers. "Now we have the ability to customize a recipe to meet a guest's dietary needs or preferences.

Photo caption:

Corporate Executive Chef Mike Ayers.

About Brooksby Village: Brooksby Village 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 90-acre campus in Peabody, Massachusetts. The community is located in Essex County and is home to nearly 1,800 residents. Additional information about Brooksby Village can be found at BrooksbyVillage.com.

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