“Holistic” might be the word to describe Impressions Restaurant, located at Rivers Run in West Henrietta. It is probably the only place around in the area that serves fresh seasonal cuisines made to order. Its menu changes quarterly and follows the various festive themes in a year.
From appetizers to entrees and desserts, patrons can make special requests to the chefs and plan a menu that meets their dietary needs. The chefs would then organize their recipes and menu selections for the day.
According to Matthew Cole, 40, executive director and chef of dining services at Rivers Run, the freshness of the food supply is maintained from its vendor and never frozen. For instance, the chefs would cut all the fresh meat and fishes that are brought in and freeze them through IQF (individually quick frozen). This process helps to maintain the costs, and at the same time, preserves the quality of the food products.
“A lot of places and facilities cook in a batch. That means they cook in quantity and lay the dishes on a steam table. So you get served all night through a steam table. Nothing is made fresh that way,” said Cole.
“When we make things fresh, we can leave out certain things this particular person doesn’t need or is allergic to.”
Deborah Biedenkopf, 41, vice president of Living Communities, LLC, explained the concept of the restaurant since its establishment in Rivers Run.
“We believe that the communities should be empowered in making healthy choices over their lifestyles or dinner menu. And I think dining is a very important part in people’s lives,” she said.
“When people come, it’s about organic and vibrancy.”
Beyond its reputation in providing healthy cuisines, the restaurant received its name from the word “Impressionism,” a 19th-century art movement. Its dining room, which accommodates up to 122 people, serves as a gallery of original paintings by local artists. Through the commission of ARTISANworks – a non-profit art studio – Impressions invites artists annually to present their artwork for display at its premises.
Impressions also provides catering service to corporate clients, with RIT among its main client, as well as for family gatherings or community events. Among its memorable events so far, was an RIT Osher wine tasting with over 100 guests. The restaurant catered five-course wine selections through different wine vendors, and five entrees from its menu selections.
As Rivers Run is a senior living community, new visitors are required to make a reservation in advance when planning to dine at the restaurant. Impressions Restaurant offers a unique dining experience through its “Mission style” ambience with guaranteed quality of fresh cuisines.
Additional Information:
Rivers Run also operates Riverside Café. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch items, such as: soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and many more. Visitors can visit the café for dining or take out. Operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
