Taste test: Five-star food at Brisbane retirement home

When I think of food at a retirement village, I think of slop – large amounts in a bain-marie.

So when I was invited to dine at The Clayfield by Aveo, a Brisbane retirement village, I cringed but decided to accept the challenge.

It was an experience. A really good one in fact.

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Located at Albion, The Clayfield’s Carriage House Brasserie is a hit with residents enjoying the onsite independent living facilities.

The dining area at The Clayfield retirement village.

My colleague Elizabeth Tilley and I had only been seated for five minutes when in came a trio of ladies ready to be served.

“I’m so hungover,” an older resident said to her friends.

“We had a party last night and I drank more champagne than I ever have.”

Her friend then chimed back as she took her seat: “Ah, I’d really like to be waited on today.”

And that’s exactly what the staff at the restaurant do. They ensure your experience is one to remember.

As we perused the menu, duck spring rolls took my fancy for the entree, and Liz decided on the soup of the day, an Asian broth with meatballs.

Elizabeth Tilley and Reshni Ratnam dine at The Clayfield retirement village.

Absolutely delicious. No purees, no slop. In fact, they were the most delicious duck spring rolls I’ve had.

“What are you having over there?” a diner from nearby table asked.

“The duck spring rolls,” I replied.

“When my sister comes to visit me she comes here especially for the duck spring rolls,” she said.

Family and friends visiting residents can dine at the restaurant, which also serves coffee and cake throughout the day.

With a glass of wine to accompany our meals, it’s no wonder the restaurant is a hit with residents – it’s BYO!

Out came our mains – a decadent Caesar salad with poached egg and Grana Padano parmesan ($12.50), and beer battered garfish with tartare sauce, chunky spiced fries and house garden salad ($16).

Aveo National Food Services manager John Casey said The Clayfield had 165 residents, the oldest 101 and the youngest in their late 60s. He said with a user pays system in place the residents were served fresh and upmarket meals.

Aveo head chef Christian Stone plating food at The Clayfield.

Head chef at the Carriage House, Christian Stone, said Aveo recently transformed its food offering across its communities with a strong focus on healthy choices.

“In partnership with Nutrition Professionals Australia we have created national nutritional guidelines to ensure optimal health and nutrition for seniors,” Mr Stone said.

Aveo has also launched its first senior cookbook Live Life Cook to inspire over 65s to cook nutritious and healthy meals at home.

The sales and information suite at Clayfield by Aveo is at 469 Sandgate Rd in Albion.

This article from The Courier Mail originally appeared as “Dining experience at retirement home definitely one to remember”.