20 Mar Nourishing Connections: The Woodlands at Furman’s Nutritious Dining Philosophy

Dining at the Woodlands at Furman is about more than just food — it’s about crafting an experience that encompasses memorable dishes, good company and exceptional service. Our commitment to promoting health and well-being through our diverse dining program sets us apart in the world of senior living. In this blog, we’ll explore our approach to dining, emphasizing the importance of nutritious meals for our residents’ overall health and satisfaction. 

The Vital Role of Healthy Food for Seniors

Healthy eating plays a vital role in seniors’ well-being, influencing their quality of life as they age. At The Woodlands, we understand this significance and go beyond basic sustenance to offer meals that empower our residents to lead vibrant lives. Providing a range of culinary options enables seniors to enjoy delicious meals while proactively managing their health. 

Exploring the correlation between healthy eating and the prevention of age-related health issues, the community strives to empower its residents with the nutritional tools necessary to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives. And what we serve at every meal is a big part of that promise. 

We embrace a myriad of culinary choices and health-conscious options, aligning with our community’s ethos of providing flexibility for residents to tailor their meals to their individual dietary preferences and requirements. Our menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options whenever feasible. This inclusivity ensures that every resident can partake in a dining experience that resonates with their palate and dietary considerations.

Residents LOVE Our Dining

The Woodlands provides a spectrum of dining options, from elegant formal dining experiences to relaxed bistro settings, enabling residents to choose according to their dietary preferences and restrictions. This flexibility ensures their physical well-being and contributes to their emotional satisfaction. Healthy food options are the cornerstone of this varied program. They highlight the community’s dedication to promoting a nourishing environment for seniors, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and dining flexibility for their overall well-being.

A Culinary Endeavor Rooted in Care and Passion

Distinguishing ourselves from corporate dining programs reliant on prepackaged, frozen meals, our self-operated dining team is driven by a profound passion for culinary excellence. We avoid mass-produced food in favor of real, locally sourced ingredients prepared from scratch by our skilled chefs who prioritize environmental sustainability. Our culinary artisans pour their hearts into each dish, endeavoring to nurture both body and spirit through the art of cooking.

Chef Ben Oliver, alongside our bakery virtuoso, shares insights into our culinary ethos:

Our culinary team takes it up multiple notches and truly cares about our residents’ health and well-being. Chef Ben Oliver and our pastry chef Samantha Horn, share why they enhance every bite of the dining experience.

“Good food is indispensable for nurturing both body and spirit,” said Chef Ben Oliver. Our culinary team takes great pride in crafting delicious and nutritious meals that satisfy the palate and contribute to our residents’ overall well-being. We strive to create dining experiences that evoke fond memories while introducing exciting new flavors. It’s a privilege to bring joy to our residents through the art of cooking.”

Echoing this sentiment, our bakery maestro expresses, “Baking is a manifestation of love made tangible. Each day, I infuse my passion into crafting delightful treats that evoke comfort and happiness among our residents. From freshly baked bread to decadent pastries, every morsel is imbued with nostalgia and joy. It is an honor to play a role in cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where residents can indulge in life’s simple pleasures through our delectable baked goods.”

Real, Local, Responsible and Inclusive

At The Woodlands, we take pride in serving real food meticulously prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, fishermen and food producers. At least 20% of our ingredients hail from small-scale producers within 150 miles of The Woodlands, championing local economies and sustainable practices. Our chefs prioritize cooking in small batches to ensure consistency and minimize food waste, exemplifying our commitment to environmental stewardship. This also ensures that the last person served experiences the same high-quality meal as the first. Moreover, we prioritize inclusivity by accommodating special dietary requests with aplomb, ensuring every resident enjoys an exceptional dining experience tailored to their needs.

Dining Options Designed Just for You

Our dining spaces were designed to give residents maximum choice and make each meal special. Explore the many ways The Woodlands residents enjoy dining.

Display Kitchen. This kitchen is the hub and features different stations to satisfy your cravings.
Hearth Oven. Fresh pizza and calzones, cedar plank salmon and many other flame-kissed dishes.

Sauté Station. Order menu items and customized dishes and get tableside delivery. Mix and match your proteins, get just the right amount of sauce or add extra heat — however you like it, you can watch the culinary team create it.

Carving Station. Slow-roasted prime rib, honey-glazed ham, herb-encrusted turkey…get it carved to your specifications.

Salad Bar. Create a simple side salad or a hearty main course salad made with all of your favorite fresh ingredients.

Fine Dining. For an anytime fine dining experience or a special occasion, enjoy the full table service menu as you sit back and socialize with friends and family.

Bountiful Buffet. Choose from an abundance of protein and fresh vegetable options at this well-stocked buffet. There is also a salad bar with mixed greens, house-made specialty salads and scrumptious accompaniments.

Fresh Bakery. Cap off a great meal with a delightful dessert created by our pastry chef Samantha Horn in this state-of-the-art bakery.

Casual Café. Here’s where you’ll find grab-and-go sandwiches, coffee served throughout the day and muffins and pastries made in our bakery. It’s also where you can gather with friends for a pre-dinner beverage.

The Solarium. This semi-private dining space can be reserved for a special occasion. Its large windows bring the outdoors in. The French doors open onto a terrace dotted with dining tables, pergolas with fans and fire pits so you can enjoy dining al fresco for a little longer.

Hungry for a Taste of The Woodlands Experience?

Schedule a tour of The Woodlands during lunch or dinner hours and immerse yourself in the culinary tapestry that defines our community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the essence of our dining philosophy firsthand.