Celebrations in food bring the holidays alive at Williamsburg’s premier retirement community.
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Candy canes and silver lanes all aglow. Marshmallows for toasting. And of course, no list of Christmas carols celebrating the foods of the season would be complete without at least one mention of bringing out some figgy pudding.
There’s no doubt that when it comes to the holiday season, food, breaking bread with loved ones and gathering together sits at the heart of celebrations.
Nowhere is that more true than at Patriots Colony at Williamsburg where it’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas.
“The kitchen is busy with banquets and buffets and parties – and we love it,” said Christopher Thomas, Director of Dining Services at Patriots Colony, who recently shared more about this year’s upcoming Christmas feast and other festivities. “We did a party for about 250 people the other night that had two, three-foot paella pans filled with rice and seafood, and carving stations with tenderloin, and passed hors d’oeuvres.”
And that’s just the beginning.
“We finished our Christmas menu planning and are starting to get ready for the feast,” Thomas said. “We pride ourselves on making this feel like home here, complete with a family atmosphere. Even though the staff is professional and they are in ties, we recognize the residents and we want them to feel like this is their home, and we just happen to be their personal chefs and valets.”
About Patriots Colony
Located in Williamsburg, Patriots Colony is a continuing care retirement community – offering independent, assisted, memory care and nursing home living – for those 55 and older who served in the Armed Forces or as civil servants. Its independent living caters to retired and former military officers, retired and former civil service members and their spouses or widow(er)s. Its continuum of care options like assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and nursing residences are open to the community; no prior career eligibility is required.
Patriots Colony was founded by a group of retired military officers, led by retired Army Maj. Gen. Archie Cannon, who saw the need for a community dedicated to those who shared the common bond of service to country. In 1994, the founders approached Riverside Health System, a leader in aging- related services known for its medical expertise, with their plans. With Riverside’s medical and financial backing, Patriots Colony opened in 1996.
Set on 90 acres of protected woodlands, Patriots Colony strikes the perfect balance of a serene, quiet community complemented by the convenience of city living.
“Sharing meals with family and friends is at the core of most of our social interactions,” Thomas said. “When you’re retired, you have the time and luxury to relax over food and drinks, enjoying the companionship of others. As a resident of Patriots Colony, you can also choose to leave the meal preparation to us, and you’ll be glad you did.”
The Christmas Feast
Thomas and his team recently completed their 2017 Christmas feast menu plans and “it’s gearing up to be one of the best yet,” Thomas said.
Patriots Colony’s Christmas feast in the Grand Hall will be the culmination of this holiday season’s celebrations in food, with an 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. gathering for residents featuring whole poached salmon, steamed crab claws, oysters on the half shell, crab salads, a main Chef’s Buffet with everything from southern corn pudding to roasted heirloom carrots and Tidewater seafood imperial, plus prime rib of beef, spiral sliced ham and goose.
The pastry chef on the culinary team is equally hard at work making assorted fudges, cheesecakes, fresh pies and cookies.
“Our team, just like the residents, get really excited this time of year,” Thomas said. “It’s exciting to see it all comes together, see the staff really get involved and know the residents love all the care we put into the holiday celebrations.”
Learn more about Patriots Colony at Williamsburg by calling 757-941-5118 or clicking here. Patriots Colony is located in Williamsburg at 6000 Patriots Colony Drive.
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