Crème de la Crème – Senior Center Does Meal Service Better!
By Allison Rowe
The hundreds of meals served each day at Henry Street’s Good Companions Senior Center (GCSC) are not just nutritious – they’re delicious! Or “delicioso!” as the clients often say.
That’s because the kitchen staff includes two graduates of the prestigious Johnson &Wales College of Culinary Arts. Food Services Manager Zechariah Hairston, who studied international cuisine there, previously worked at PF Changs, Hotel Nylo in Manhattan and Walt Disney World in Florida. Head Chef David Stanford worked at the Standard Hotel in Manhattan and BR Guest Hospitality before joining the GCSC. Rounding out the team is assistant cook Parnell Eugene.
From Puerto Rican specialties like pernil with arroz con gandules (pork shoulder with rice and peas,) to Asian-inspired pineapple glazed salmon and General Tso’s chicken, to home-style classics like barbecue chicken and shepherd’s pie, the Center’s diverse menu has something for everyone – including vegetarian and kosher options. Every meal is served with vitamin C, fat free milk, whole grain bread and trans-fat free oils.
Milvi Vehik, Director of the GCSC, raves about the Center’s talented chefs and quality of food, “The food speaks to you – it’s seriously that good!” she said.
The secret? It’s love.
“We try so hard to bring our passion and love for food to seniors in a way that’s nutritious and also tastes really good!” said Stanford.
Unlike other senior centers, Good Companions offers both lunch and dinner six days per week (Sunday through Friday), including a to-go meal option. It serves nearly 50,000 meals each year to seniors ages 60+ and their guests. For seniors, a $1.50 suggested contribution is requested, while guests pay $3, making these flavorful meals an absolute steal on the Lower East Side.
Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12-1 p.m. on Sundays. Dinner is served Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.
GCSC, located on the lower level of 334 Madison Street, is a multi-lingual and multi-cultural center that has been serving the needs of the Lower East Side’s senior community for over 60 years by offering a variety of activities and social services. The staff speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish. For more information, please call 212.349.2770.
