THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410190150
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
The Village people are singing the praises of chicken breasts.
``We'e all happy. It's lovely. It's good,'' says Marguerite Cutchin, a Village At Woods Edge resident.
She was all smiles recently about the idea of local restaurant chefs bringing their food and culinary talents to the retirement home.
``One day, we just decided on this idea,'' executive director Kathy Wright said.
What they decided was to invite area restaurants to bring their people, food and menus to the retirement home once a season.
``This is especially nice for assisted-living residents who can't get out as much,'' Wright said. ``The restaurant decides the menu.''
On a recent Monday evening, Fred's, a Franklin fixture, came up with chicken breast with mushroom sauce and onions, broccoli souffle, a salad and a calorie-laden cheesecake with cherries.
``We contacted all the local restaurants. Most of them responded. We'd love to have everybody come,'' Wright said. ``It's something different, and it gives us variety.''
It gives the residents a taste - and then some - of what each restaurant has to offer.
If they like, they go.
``Next month we'll take a van trip to Fred's,'' Wright said. ``We'll do that with all participants.''
The folks at Fred's came with identifying T-shirts and their well-known place mats with the important question, ``whereinthehellisfranklinva?''
The Village At Woods Edge, on North High Street behind Southampton Memorial Hospital, has 62 residents in independent living, 42 in assisted living. Each area has its own dining room.
Monday and Friday nights are enhanced with the opening of what the Villagers chortlingly call the Juice Bar. Piano entertainment goes along with it.
Following the liquid pre-dinner refreshments, David Rabil, who manages the restaurant owned by his father, kept busy making sure the diners were enjoying themselves.
All of them seemed to be having a good time, including Robert Marks.
``It's mighty nice,'' he said, ``but tell 'em to cook steak next time.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Rosina McClenny decorates the cheesecake dessert for the residents
at the Village At Woods Edge. It topped the meal served by Fred's
Restaurant.
by CNB