Avery Point Residents Savor Made-To-Order Meals at Two New Restaurants

Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., is excited to announce the launch of two new restaurants: The Cardinal and The Cork & Fork. Both venues are in Preston Woods, the sixth residence building on campus.

These two new eateries join existing restaurants The Creek Cafe, The Fireside, and The Point, offering a range of cooked-to-order menu options made with the freshest ingredients.

Jason Tassitano, general manager of dining, is proud to lead these new restaurants.

"I grew up in the hospitality industry, specifically in the country club setting," says Tassitano. "I'm proud to say that the elevated, personalized experience we offer in Avery Point's restaurants equals the country club experience."

Fresh and flavorful

"The Cardinal is especially reminiscent of that atmosphere," notes Tassitano. "We offer soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. We're excited about the dishes we're serving here."

The Cardinal, which is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., features tasty menu items and a beautiful outdoor patio.

Tassitano and his team regularly update the menu, incorporating in-season ingredients, to create variety and ensure dishes taste as fresh and flavorful as possible.

For example, the large tomato panzanella salad with cucumbers, diced summer tomatoes, and red onions, topped with a vinaigrette, is usually served in July and August--peak tomato season.

"At the last minute before serving," says Tassitano, "chefs toss it with crispy croutons, so they don't absorb too much dressing before reaching the table."

A resident favorite is the bison burger, served with bacon jam and heirloom tomato. Seafood lovers appreciate the fresh lobster roll and softshell crab sandwich, which are popular in the region.

In the early evening, The Cardinal serves hot appetizers--spanakopita, wings, and fried mozzarella, just to name a few--as part of their happy hour, where residents can grab a drink at the bar and hang out with friends before heading to dinner.

Dinner is served

Residents are certain to find plenty they like on the menu at The Cork & Fork.

"At The Cork & Fork, we cater to a variety of different palates," explains Tassitano. "We have some fancier dishes, such as salmon Oscar, which is salmon topped with crab meat and asparagus. But we also make pork schnitzel and fried chicken."

The menu also includes several vegetarian options, including a homemade veggie burger, a marinated chickpea salad, and a tomato quiche.

Tassitano's favorite is the cauliflower tacos. "The cauliflower replaces the meat you'd typically find in a taco," he says. "They're really flavorful."

Save room for dessert, as there are cheesecake options as well as seasonal pies. The pumpkin and apple pies are a real hit during the fall months and near the holidays.

Local ingredients

The best part about all the food served at Avery Point is that the expert chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

"Our produce comes from local farms, and we procure various kinds of fresh fish," says Tassitano. "I find it extremely refreshing, from a culinary perspective, to have access to the amount of fresh ingredients we do."

He adds, "We want residents to have a variety of restaurants and enticing dishes to choose from. What the culinary team puts into menu development and sourcing the ingredients we use is impressive! It really makes Avery Point's dining experience stand out."

Additional amenities

Harden Creek, Avery Point's seventh residence building, connects to Preston Woods, making it even easier for new residents to enjoy meals at these lively restaurants.

"Interest in Harden Creek remains very high," explains Sales Director Kailey Viray. "If you're thinking about a move to Avery Point, I recommend joining the Priority List, as members get to save a spot in line for their desired floor plan. It's the best way to secure your future here!"

Preston Woods also boasts a Life Enrichment Center, which includes a multipurpose room to accommodate everything from dances and events to lectures; an indoor pickleball court; an arts and crafts studio; and an additional card room, where residents often play bridge and mah-jongg.

"With all buildings connected via climate-controlled walkways, it's convenient for residents to meet neighbors for a meal or play a game of pickleball--rain or shine," says Viray.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Avery Point, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski