Residents Enjoy Delicious Dishes in Seabrook's On-Campus Pubs

At Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J., residents have a variety of delicious dining options. Each of the five restaurants on campus serves unique, made-to-order dishes.

The Essex Pub and The Cove, two pub-style venues, are go-to spots for residents to meet friends for a drink and a casual bite.

Wayne and Pam Steadman, Seabrook residents since 2016, are frequently found at the community's two pubs. "The pubs are my favorite of the restaurants. We eat at them at least three times a week!" Pam notes.

A social atmosphere

The Essex Pub's design is inspired by traditional English pubs, with dark wood accents and a fireplace, while The Cove has a lighter feel with comfortable chairs, large windows, and big-screen TVs.

Residents love the drink specials during happy hour as well as special theme nights related to St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, the Super Bowl, and other special events.

Both pubs provide a casual, fun setting for residents to gather. "They are cozy and intimate. They give you a chance to talk," says Pam.

"It's a place to come and socialize on a regular basis with others who enjoy sitting and having a drink," Wayne adds. "Having this kind of venue is a big plus for Seabrook."

Unique fare

No reservations are needed to enjoy the pubs' light fare with friends.

"The menus at the Essex Pub and The Cove are totally different than more traditional restaurants," explains Dining Services Director Mary Beth Sheehan.

"The Essex Pub has a variety of sandwich combinations, and we've added some additional items to make the dining experience even more interesting."

The entree salads with seared salmon, seared shrimp, or grilled chicken breast are quite filling. There are also a variety of hand-held items like the Monte Carlo sandwich, a BLT, assorted burgers, blackened salmon tacos, and a meatball sub.

The Cove features traditional pub appetizers like soft pretzels and shrimp cocktail as well as handhelds, including the Chicago-style roast beef sandwich and a chicken Caesar wrap. Entrees include pistachio-crusted salmon, chicken Francese, and meatloaf. There are also nightly specials like lobster ravioli, pasta with shrimp and pesto, or stuffed shells.

But the new fresh pizza program at The Cove is the real showstopper.

"Pizza is available in other restaurants at Seabrook, but at The Cove, chefs are making pizza with fresh dough that's rolled out to order," says Sheehan. "It's really authentic pizza. As a result, it's been The Cove's most popular item. We're even considering offering the pizzas for takeout."

Cauliflower crust and creative toppings are available as add-ons.

"The fresh pizza is a great addition to The Cove's menu," Wayne notes.

A deciding factor

Seabrook's dining program is one of the many factors that drew the Steadmans to the community.

The couple first visited Seabrook when a neighbor at their former 55-plus community in Asbury Park, N.J., invited them to lunch and then dinner at the community.

Impressed by Seabrook's made-to-order meals, maintenance-free homes, and range of amenities, Wayne and Pam decided to join the Priority List, which saved their spot in line for their desired residence.

They also received invitations to exclusive events, where they learned more about the community and how to best prepare for their move.

Enjoying life

Now, the Steadmans are making the most of Seabrook's vibrant, worry-free lifestyle, participating in clubs and traveling frequently.

"If something happens [in our residence], we just fill out a form and submit it. Appliances are repaired or replaced quickly without waiting months for the parts," explains Wayne, who also appreciates that they can simply lock and go to catch a flight, knowing their home is safe and secure.

Pam, a playwright for the past 15 years, is part of Curtains Up, an on-campus theatrical group that performs skits, monologues, poetry readings, and stand-up comedy routines. She also belongs to the diversity and inclusion council and enjoys long walks around the community.

Wayne plays bocce and has served on the community's Resident Advisory Council in various capacities over the years.

The couple notes that their lifestyle at Seabrook makes both them and their children happy. In fact, their middle son often visits with his girlfriend.

"They tell us that us moving here was a gift to them," Pam says. "They don't have to worry about us!"

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Linda Esterson