What an interesting thing—homing a “fancy” restaurant in a retirement home! Is this common, Wini?
My mom lives in a retrement home and while she prefers to cook for herself, her neighbors frequently complain about meal quality (if you were offered cocktail sauce with your shrimp scampi, you might, too!). In a former life, I supported a nonprofit project in Iowa City that included building a professional grade kitchen that primarily served the free lunch program but could also be rented by private parties in need of a professional-grade kitchen.
It seems to me that encouraging promising chefs and would-be restaurateurs to join forces with retirement facilities already equipped with commercial-grade kitchens could be a win for all involved, incuding the residents, if the dining rooms could be open to the public in some capacity. … just a thought—but I’m not in the restaurant business, so what would I know? 🤷🏼♀️
Thanks as always for such an inviting look at area dining opportunities, Wini!
I am astounded by how ambitious Vita is. I don't know of other Des Moines retirement facilities that do this, but I'd love to check them out if they're available.
Many years ago, someone asked me to review the food at retirement facilities. I've thought about doing so. It's so important to give older people great food--sharing a good meal with others is an enduring pleasure, and one of the few that can remain as other pleasures fall away.
If anyone knows of other places--locally--that welcome the public, let me know!
4 of us ate at Vita about a year ago. None of us are residents. While I can’t remember what everyone had, I do recall that we were all impressed with the quality and the excellent service. There were only 2 other tables of diners that night. We have also frequented the Chamberlain Pub several times over the last year and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. Reasonable priced wine and mixed drinks. The appetizer list in the Pub is another plus. Flatbread pizza and sharing another appetizer can result in a light dinner.
One note on tipping. It is certainly not expected and, in fact, if you pay by credit card, tipping cannot be added to the card. However, we have always left cash tips each time. I think it is greatly appreciated, but again, not expected.
Terry, I thought about mentioning the possibility of tipping. Indeed, if you want to tip, you’ll have to bring cash. The first two times I went, I tipped in cash. The third time, the residents I dined with told me it would be best if we didn’t tip. It’s simply not part of the system there, and if people start doing so, it will be expected, putting an added burden on residents who already pay exorbitantly to live there. And if tipping becomes the norm, will residents who don’t tip get the same service as nonresidents who do?
I know it just feels wrong not to tip. And part of me wants to tip to make sure the excellent waiter we had two nights stays there! But do remember that the staff’s wages are not dependent on tips, as they are in the general industry at large, and proceed according to what feels right to you.
That is, tip if you must but don’t let anyone make you feel guilty if you don’t.
Based on what YOU said, Wini, I’m going to HAVE TO check this place out! This could be the next “Hidden Dining Treasure” location from the Gearhead Gourmet😊
What an interesting thing—homing a “fancy” restaurant in a retirement home! Is this common, Wini?
My mom lives in a retrement home and while she prefers to cook for herself, her neighbors frequently complain about meal quality (if you were offered cocktail sauce with your shrimp scampi, you might, too!). In a former life, I supported a nonprofit project in Iowa City that included building a professional grade kitchen that primarily served the free lunch program but could also be rented by private parties in need of a professional-grade kitchen.
It seems to me that encouraging promising chefs and would-be restaurateurs to join forces with retirement facilities already equipped with commercial-grade kitchens could be a win for all involved, incuding the residents, if the dining rooms could be open to the public in some capacity. … just a thought—but I’m not in the restaurant business, so what would I know? 🤷🏼♀️
Thanks as always for such an inviting look at area dining opportunities, Wini!
I am astounded by how ambitious Vita is. I don't know of other Des Moines retirement facilities that do this, but I'd love to check them out if they're available.
Many years ago, someone asked me to review the food at retirement facilities. I've thought about doing so. It's so important to give older people great food--sharing a good meal with others is an enduring pleasure, and one of the few that can remain as other pleasures fall away.
If anyone knows of other places--locally--that welcome the public, let me know!
4 of us ate at Vita about a year ago. None of us are residents. While I can’t remember what everyone had, I do recall that we were all impressed with the quality and the excellent service. There were only 2 other tables of diners that night. We have also frequented the Chamberlain Pub several times over the last year and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. Reasonable priced wine and mixed drinks. The appetizer list in the Pub is another plus. Flatbread pizza and sharing another appetizer can result in a light dinner.
One note on tipping. It is certainly not expected and, in fact, if you pay by credit card, tipping cannot be added to the card. However, we have always left cash tips each time. I think it is greatly appreciated, but again, not expected.
Terry, I thought about mentioning the possibility of tipping. Indeed, if you want to tip, you’ll have to bring cash. The first two times I went, I tipped in cash. The third time, the residents I dined with told me it would be best if we didn’t tip. It’s simply not part of the system there, and if people start doing so, it will be expected, putting an added burden on residents who already pay exorbitantly to live there. And if tipping becomes the norm, will residents who don’t tip get the same service as nonresidents who do?
I know it just feels wrong not to tip. And part of me wants to tip to make sure the excellent waiter we had two nights stays there! But do remember that the staff’s wages are not dependent on tips, as they are in the general industry at large, and proceed according to what feels right to you.
That is, tip if you must but don’t let anyone make you feel guilty if you don’t.
Wini: That’s good to know. I will pass that observation on to friends who use the Pub and restaurant but are not residents.
Thanks for the heads up about Vita, Wini; definitely a dining list addition.
I've literally never heard of this. I'm shocked! Thank you for sharing because this is adorable, and I definitely want to go!
Adorable is a good word for it!
👍❤️
What a great idea for a restaurant. Anytime popovers are shown/mentioned all the better! Thanks for sharing this
I know. They had me at popovers!
Based on what YOU said, Wini, I’m going to HAVE TO check this place out! This could be the next “Hidden Dining Treasure” location from the Gearhead Gourmet😊