The professional chefs of Orchard Heights make our assisted living residence one of the best places to eat in the Buffalo NY area.  They prepare three delicious meals per day and work closely with our registered dietician.  We accommodate all diets, including low concentrated sweets and no added salt. The Orchard Heights culinary staff will also prepare meals according to individual preferences.

Residents choose their favored dish for each meal from the choices on our country-club style menus.  All meals are served in our elegant dining room by professional and friendly servers. In both our Assisted Living and Memory Care Dining Rooms we offer:

• Daily menus with delicious, seasonal selections
• A variety of meal and side dish choices, beverages, salads, fruits, and made-to-order sandwiches
• Special holiday dinners and parties with refreshments
• Snack services throughout the day in our Memory Care Wing

Click on the links below to view samples of Orchard Heights' delicious menus!
Orchard Heights Example Lunch Menu 1
Orchard Heights Example Lunch Menu 2
Orchard Heights Example Dinner Menu 1
Orchard Heights Example Dinner Menu 2

Come and experience our finest dining in Buffalo NY for yourself!  We invite you and your family to a complimentary lunch at your convenience.  Just call us at 716.662.0651 to make your reservation!

"I enjoyed my dinner and do you know why? Because I like the people here." -Josephine

Jennifer's Simple Ways to Be Healthy

By Jennifer Giardina, Culinary Director, Orchard Heights

As a Culinary Institute of America graduate and a former Buffalo Hilton Pastry Chef, I love to prepare delicious and satisfying foods.   Twelve years ago, when I became Culinary Director of Orchard Heights Assisted Living, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my classical cooking skills with my personal quest to make healthy food choices.

Seniors do love their meat and potatoes, but, contrary to what you might think, they are very interested in maintaining a nutritious diet.  Many residents have approached me with questions and concerns about diet, sodium, and weight loss or gain.  An exceptional and enjoyable dining experience is very important to them, but they also want to make sure that they are maintaining a health lifestyle.

In response to these questions from residents, I prepared the following healthy eating guidelines.  They are simple tips that are beneficial to anyone who wants to make better food choices.

1. Eat a good breakfast.  A large bowl of hot cereal (or a high fiber cereal such as bran flakes or raisin bran) will fill you up and add bulk to your diet. Eat fewer breakfast meats and sweet pastries. 
2. When drinking milk, substitute skim (fat free) milk for regular (2%, 1%, whole) or chocolate milk.
3. Drink more water.  Drink at least 1 – 2 glasses of water before (or with) your meal.  This will give your stomach a full feeling and you will eat less.  Portion control is the key to weight maintenance.
4. Do not starve yourself or skip meals.  Fuel your body. 
5. Limit high fat or high calorie choices.  Eat fewer desserts and more fruits.  Ask for smaller portions of desserts or a substitute fruit.
6. Limit alcohol consumption.
7. When possible, have an extra or double portion of vegetables.  Ask for a salad with your meal and be sure to use a light or fat-free dressing. 
8. When having toast or sandwiches, ask for whole wheat or whole grain bread, instead of white. 
9. Eat more chicken, turkey and fish.  Eat less ground beef, fried items. Limit gravies and sauces.
10. Choose healthier ways to season.  For example, use lemon juice or cocktail sauce on your fish instead of tartar sauce.  Use low-fat Italian dressing on your baked potato instead of butter or sour cream. 
11. Limit high sodium choices: they make the body retain fluids. Limiting sodium intake is essential for those with chronic health problems, such as heart or kidney disease. High-sodium treats such as cold cuts, hot dogs, ham, dill pickles, olives, crackers, potato chips, bacon, sausages, sauerkraut, and soy/teriyaki sauces should be eaten only in moderation.
12. Tuna, peanut butter, and turkey are great high protein choices for sandwiches.
13. Snacking can be healthy if you choose the right things.  Stay away from sugary items like cookies, muffins, and candies.  Better choices include: low-salt pretzels, unsalted or lightly salted nuts (almonds, walnuts and pecans), plain popcorn, a piece of fresh fruit (banana, pear, apple), or a low-fat yogurt.
14. Don't deprive yourself.  If you like an occasional ice cream sundae, a creamy dessert, a fish fry or pizza & wings, indulge now and then.  Moderation is the key, not deprivation.
15. Walk for exercise.  Attend an exercise class once or twice a week.  Don't be a couch potato, just MOVE.

Jennifer Giardina is available to discuss your personal dietary needs and food enjoyment during tours of Orchard Heights.  Just call us at 716.662.0651 to arrange a tour and complimentary lunch at our assisted living residence in the Buffalo NY metro