At Ovation Heartwood Preserve, mealtime is anything but routine. While other retirement communities offer a typical cafeteria-style dining experience, this Omaha-based senior living mecca offers residents an upscale dining experience that is as luxurious as it is delicious. With five different restaurants and over 1,000 recipes to choose from, there is truly something for everyone on the menu.
At the core of the Ovation Heartwood Preserve dining experience is a kitchen concept known as exhibition cooking. “This dining concept allows our residents to watch the chefs cook all of their meals right in front of them,” says Tyler Ratigan, Director of Culinary at Ovation. “Exhibition cooking makes mealtime more of an experience for residents and their guests, as opposed to the grab-and-go dining style associated with a cafeteria environment.”
As a former chef and restaurant manager, Ratigan recognizes the importance of the dining environment and how it affects the entire meal experience. Rather than adhere to conventional single dining room layout, Ovation gives residents a number of dining options to choose from, with each dining area offering a distinct menu and atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
“Here at Ovation, we don’t have just dining rooms — we have branded restaurants,” says Ratigan. “Each restaurant is its own independent dining concept that delivers a different type of meal for residents to savor and enjoy.”
For guests looking for comfort food in a relaxed dining atmosphere, Miller’s at Omaha and Bees Knees Bistro offer casual food and refreshments in a calm, lounge-style environment. Residents looking to reconnect with their favorite traditional recipes can find an assortment of oldies-but-goodies at Lorraine’s Kitchen in the assisted living community. And those looking to enjoy a meal with visiting family and friends can choose from casual bar and barbecue fare at 360 Social Club or a more upscale, fine-dining steakhouse experience at 1863 Restaurant.
“We have a flavor for every palate,” says Ratigan. “And we strive to provide a great dining experience for our residents and their guests to enjoy.”
To learn more about the dining and community amenities Ovation Heartwood Preserve has to offer, visit ovationheartwoodpreserve.com.
