Dining with Flair at Mount Vernon Towers

16 Apr Dining with Flair at Mount Vernon Towers

“You eat with your eyes. Of course, it also has to taste good and be good for you, but I believe that you should already enjoy your meal before you take that first bite,” says Ginger Warren, Director of Dining Services at Mount Vernon Towers. “Flowers, nice table settings, a variety of seating options in the dining room – small but elegant touches help create an inviting atmosphere where people love to eat together with their friends.”

Three years ago, after an extensive career in the hospitality business – including running her own restaurant, Soup Chef – Ginger accepted the challenge to serve 125 to 150 fresh, tasty and visually appealing meals per day to the residents of the independent living community in the heart of Sandy Springs.

“I first learned about Mount Vernon Towers when I researched independent living communities in Atlanta for my mother who had been living in Sarasota. I liked the feeling I got from MVT and knew that this was the place where I wanted her to live, and she moved here. Several months later, when I was catering my mother’s 80th birthday party at Mount Vernon Towers, I learned from the Director of Dining Services at the time that he was retiring, and I applied and got this great job!” according to Ginger.

Ginger, who loves to plan meals for Mount Vernon Towers’ special events like the recent Champagne Brunch and the Fabulous Forties party, is also able to provide catering for major (80th, 90th and 100th) birthday parties or any other family gathering hosted by the residents.

However, “…our goal is to make every meal special. We don’t want the dining experience to become predictable. Instead, together with our Chef, Ira McClure, and our Kitchen Manager, Eula Stewart, we come up with new recipes and fresh ideas to keep our guests happy,” explains Ginger.

Residents at Mount Vernon Towers have different dining options: they can call and pick up their meal; meals may be delivered to their home; they can come to the dining room and go through the buffet line; or they can be seated and enjoy table service. Every day, except on Sundays when Brunch/Lunch are served until 2:00pm, the kitchen prepares four different appetizers, three entrees, six side dishes, two breads and yes, five desserts – including fresh fruit.

“And Tuesday night is Fried Chicken night, and it’s often the busiest night of the week. Chef McClure’s chicken is incredible!”

Besides the great fried chicken, Ginger notes that “…the best part of working at Mount Vernon Towers is our wonderful staff. Every one of our dining staff is just so dedicated to our residents and wants to make sure that they’re having a great meal, and a great day.”

Ginger, who has one grown daughter, was ‘born, bread and buttered’ in Atlanta. She has advanced degrees in psychology and elementary education from Mercer University. She is a fierce year-round tennis player, while her other passion is gardening.

She smiles. “Color adds just as much flair to your plate as it does to your garden!”