Gatesworth Stories —
A Recipe for Holiday Happiness
Bon Appétit
No matter your age, there is something magical about the holidays. The wonder of the winter season is on full display at The Gatesworth. The senior living community provides residents with services and amenities to ensure they remain active, happy and comfortable, and that includes celebrations throughout December. To make the season brighter for everyone, executive chef Brian Hardy and his culinary team are working hard to create experiences worth savoring.
Hardy has been at The Gatesworth for more than 20 years. He finds his work especially rewarding as a chef. “I value making people happy through food,” he explains. “I find joy in connecting with residents, incorporating their recipes and training young chefs. At The Gatesworth, I get to cook for some of the best people every single day. It’s amazing to get to know the residents and their families.” That passion for cooking is clear through the accolades both Hardy and The Gatesworth have received. The community’s kitchen has produced seven Junior Chef of the Year winners and even more champions from local, regional, national and international competitions.
Hardy and his staff are dedicated to creating meals that are enjoyed. This includes altering menu items to meet dietary restrictions, taking requests for special dishes and even making residents’ own family recipes. “Our focus is on resident preferences and seasonal, high-quality ingredients, using both traditional and modern techniques to enhance flavors,” Hardy notes. “Our team is passionate about food and always inspiring each other. The culinary arts are constantly evolving, and we keep up-to-date with trends, which helps us stay innovative. We track what residents enjoy and welcome feedback. Our goal is to make residents and guests happy.”
Throughout the holiday season, The Gatesworth hosts many special events like the Holiday Affair, Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. For residents visiting family during the holidays, the kitchen also offers a program called From Our House to Yours. “This unique takeout service allows residents to enjoy full meals and holiday dishes with family and friends,” Hardy explains. “They can pick up a wide variety of items, ranging from sides and fresh baked pies to full turkey dinners.”
The dining program at The Gatesworth reflects how the community puts residents’ comfort and needs first. During his tenure, Hardy has enjoyed being able to make memories and connect with residents through his food. “The residents at The Gatesworth are truly special,” he says. “They genuinely care for the staff, are patient and appreciative, and build relationships with us. They know me and my family and ask about my kids and grandkids. When you know people on that level, it makes cooking for them so much better.”
That dedication is evident in the satisfaction of The Gatesworth’s residents. “The food is outstanding,” resident Oscar Goldberg says. “People may not believe me, but I have never had a bad meal at The Gatesworth. Never. Every meal I have had has been delicious. Living at The Gatesworth has exceeded my expectations.”
