By Mark Abromaitis

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

No one cooks like mom does.

But if you have a meal at Maris Grove, you might think she’s the one cooking things up back in the kitchen.

“Our goal every day, when we are developing menus or preparing something, is to give our patrons the best, tastiest, home-style meal that we can,” says Marvin Wilson, executive chef of Maris Grove. “The staff takes pride in what it does. It’s like we’re cooking for our own families. I think we put our heart into each meal we prepare and we hope it shows.”

Three squares and dozens of choices

One meal a day at any of the community’s restaurants is included in each person’s monthly service package. So from a sit-down pot-roast dinner with friends to a quick club sandwich at a café, Maris Grove has to offer something for every person’s schedule and every person’s appetite, no matter the day.

“We never know what our resident’s schedule will be so we offer a lot of variety,” Wilson explains. “We have some residents who want a sit down meal every day and others who want to grab something quick before hitting the golf course or going to a club meeting. Others like to bring a meal back to their home and eat with guests or friends.”

Letting the pros do it

“I prefer not to cook unless I have to,” says Ted Kerwin. He moved to Maris Grove a year ago and quickly got used to eating at the community’s restaurants. “I’m always taking advantage of the restaurants and cafes,” he says. “I’ve been so impressed with the quality of food and friendliness of the service. Everyone is so nice. It’s really convenient.”

“Never having to cook again unless you want to is one of the best features about Maris Grove,” Retirement Counselor Pam Matschat says. “We have people move here who love to cook and still say how nice it is to simply have one less meal to shop and prepare for. It opens their day up.”