It’s a garnish of sorts…One created with tremendous taste and flair.  By definition, a garnish is something used as an embellishment. Bluestone, the trendy new pub at Friendship Village in Schaumburg, is the perfect complement, or garnish, to the retirement community’s upscale restaurant, Mosaic, which opened last year. Both eateries have been introduced as key elements of the senior living community’s innovative and ambitious dining strategy.

Bluestone was unveiled last week. “Residents are very excited about Bluestone; there’s a lot of buzz about how lovely it is, and how good the food is,” said Lisa Reid, general manager of dining services. ”People are using the term ‘cutting-edge,’ but it really goes well beyond that. It’s modern, beautifully designed, very spacious, and has great energy.” 

With three large screen TVs and piped-in music, Bluestone promises to be bustling. “We will soon host live musical entertainment and will have events including special wine tastings and pairings, trivia games, open mic nights, and more,” said Lisa.

Bluestone features a full bar with an extensive array of spirits, including the signature Bluestone cocktail as well as more traditional cocktails, wine, and beer. Bluestone also boasts a mouthwatering small plate menu with items including a charcuterie board, grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp with bourbon glaze, and beef sliders.

Bluestone’s menu is designed to offer a light alternative to a full-scale meal at Mosaic. It seems, however, that many residents are stopping in for a cocktail,  tasty appetizer, and a visit with friends, before proceeding to Mosaic for dinner. Adjacent to Bluestone, Mosaic is an up-scale restaurant offering the best in regional American and world fare.

Adjoining Mosaic is FORKK which was introduced last year. FORKK is a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen which hosts cooking classes and chef demonstration. FORKK programming is accessible live, as well as via televised broadcast throughout the community.

Friendship Village has worked with its dining services partner, Morrison Living, for five years, collaborating to provide the highest quality experience for residents through enhanced dining offerings.

Bluestone is taking the senior living one step higher in its dining strategy. “Residents are increasingly discerning. They’re educated, well-traveled, and accustomed to a high standard of living. They have strong opinions and don’t want to make sacrifices in their lifestyles as they retire. We’re making sure to meet and exceed the high expectations of our current and upcoming residents. We’re providing amenities that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Lisa.