July 29, 2004

Come and get it: Lunch is (finally) served

Almaden Community Center begins senior meals at Le Mirador Senior Apartments

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

After a delay caused by the closing of the Almaden Community Center, the senior meal program resumed at the Le Mirador Senior Complex this past Monday to an enthusiastic and hungry crowd of more than two dozen for the grand opening special free lunch.

“I normally don’t eat lunch,” Lucy Cote said while waiting in line to enter Le Mirador’s Community Room. “Armand [her husband] eats three meals a day. It’s a good habit to get into.”

“We’ll see how it is before we come back,” Armand said laughing.

Monday’s hot box lunch consisted of a chicken patty sandwich with lettuce and tomato, oven baked red potatoes, confetti bean salad, a fresh orange and nonfat milk. Nancy Hoke, nutrition coordinator for the senior meal program, and Marjorie Stiles, community manager for Le Mirador, cheerfully distributed the healthy meals on the tables for the seniors.

“We’re happy to have the senior meal program here,” Stiles remarked as she helped pass out the lunches. Calling the noontime meal program Café Almaden, Stiles also promises the group they will always have fun.

“We also plan to have speakers two or three times a month,” Hoke told the group.

The meals will be served Monday through Friday at noon. Reservations are required and need to be called in 24 hours ahead before 11:30 a.m., and require a $2 donation and are on a first-come, first-served basis. For Monday lunches, a call on Friday before 11:30 a.m. is required. The wholesome meals are supplied by Bateman’s Catering and will consist of meat or an alternative, vegetables, fruits, bread or other starch, dessert and milk. The entrees range from a delicious Waikiki chicken to baked ham with pineapple sauce to rotisserie chicken to roast turkey with gravy.

“Everything looks good,” said Lucy Cote. “And it tastes good, too!”

“We’ll be back,” Armand Cote commented with a vote of approval after he finished his lunch.

To make a reservation for the senior lunch program, call Nancy Hoke with Almaden Community Center at 268-1133.

For more information on Le Mirador Senior Apartments, contact Marjorie Stiles, Community Manager, 1191 Coleman Road, San Jose or call 268-9310.