Many restaurant enthusiasts have been frustrated that they have been unable to get a reservation at their favorite dining venue because of closures or capacity restrictions. But there’s no need to fret if you are unable to get that table at your favorite date night hideaway. You can still support local businesses, enjoy a wonderful meal, and even bask in a romantic atmosphere with your partner—right in your own home, easily. All it takes is a little planning and attention to detail.
Before the emergence of COVID-19, Paul and Cheryl Reid’s typical Friday night routine at Willow Valley Communities, a 55-plus senior living community in Lancaster, was well established. They would meet up with friends at The Clubhouse to enjoy a delectable dinner together at Local Table, Willow Valley Communities’ full-service gourmet restaurant known for exclusive, eclectic culinary experiences. This became such a habit that as the weeks went by, the Reids and their fellow Residents became known as “The Friday Friends.”
Located in The Clubhouse, Local Table is Willow Valley Communities Residents’ go-to venue for special occasion dinners, memorable celebrations with family and friends, and times when only the best and ultimate service will do. Fast forward to early 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, and like many restaurants, Local Table transitioned to takeout only. Paul and Cheryl were disappointed that they were no longer meeting with their “Friday Friends” in person, but decided to enjoy the chef’s takeout delights.
They were concerned, however. Although they were sure to have wonderful food from Local Table takeout, they were concerned that they would miss the atmosphere, and that would take away from their total dining experience. Yet, they placed their order. They had always enjoyed the unique cuisine prepared with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients by Local Table’s chef, Josh Manny. Plus, they wanted to show support for the restaurant and its team.
But something surprising happened. Thanks to Local Table’s extreme attention to detail, coupled with a few thoughtful touches from the Reids, the couple’s simple Friday night takeout routine evolved into Friday and Saturday night Date Night at Home!
Here’s how it goes. First, Paul and Cheryl take the time to dress up for dinner. They pull out their best linens, china, silver, and candles and set the table. They put their dinner plates in a warm oven and chill their salad plates. At about 5:45 PM, you’ll see them drive up to the circular entrance of The Clubhouse, where a smiling Mary Ellen Davis, General Manager of Local Table, greets them and places their dinners in the back seat.
When the Reids return to their residence, they put on soft music, dim the lights, and light the candles. They’ll enjoy the cocktail that they’ve brought back from Local Table and then perhaps open a bottle of wine. They’ll transfer their carefully packaged meals to their prepared plates and spend the rest of the evening lingering over dinner — and each other.
Mary Ellen, along with Local Table’s Executive Chef Josh Manny, has successfully reimagined the gourmet menu to gourmet takeout. “Everything is still just as fresh and personally prepared by Chef Josh, just as it’s always been,” Mary Ellen explains. “And as always, we are still sticklers for service and details.”
Chef Josh, who is widely known for his creative culinary presentations, had to rethink his plating repertoire. “Items like hearty cuts of meat with simple sides or baked pasta dishes hold their integrity better during travel than intricately plated, more delicate dishes,” he explained. “But our goal remains the same as always: to deliver a high-quality, delicious, and very special meal.”
Like all restaurateurs, General Manager Mary Ellen Davis cannot wait to fully reopen and give patrons that full, elegant, gourmet experience. With her eyes sparkling, she says, “Just wait until we are fully open! The Local Table team can’t wait to wow them!”
Learn expert culinary tips and tricks from Local Table Executive Chef Josh Manny. Follow along with him as he prepares one of his delicious recipes in this short video: willowvalleycommunities.org/chef-of-the-month
Discover even more about Willow Valley Communities and its brand new luxury apartment community, SouthPointe Village. Visit us in person or virtually! willowvalleycommunities.org
