senior residents dining in at beatitudes campus

There’s power in nourishing and flavorful meals — it inspires friendship and camaraderie and a healthy mind and body. In her essay “A Room of One’s Own,” English author Virginia Woolf said, “A good dinner is of great importance to good talk. One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

This year’s National Nutrition Month theme, Food Connects Us, is all about bringing people together through memorable meals. At Beatitudes Campus, we’re exploring the balance between cooking at home and dining out — and tackling the question: Is eating at home healthier? Plus, we’ll highlight the best spots to enjoy tasty bites and warm camaraderie, both on campus and in our Glendale Avenue neighborhood.

Benefits of Cooking at Home vs. Eating Out

Why is cooking at home healthier? It allows you to control the ingredients and preparation methods, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet. Home-cooked meals often contain fewer calories, less saturated fat and lower sodium levels than restaurant offerings.  Preparing meals at home can be more cost-effective, and you can experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques.

However, dining out offers convenience, social engagement and exposure to diverse cuisines. It’s an opportunity to enjoy expertly prepared dishes without the time commitment of cooking and cleaning. Resident Bonny noted in a Google review that our dining program offers incredible value, and the food credit is “such a blessing,” especially with rising grocery prices.

When considering eating at home vs. eating out, the key is finding a balance that suits your lifestyle and nutritional goals.

Weekly Shopping Tips for Home Cooks

For those who enjoy cooking at home vs. eating out, here are five tips to make meal planning and preparation more efficient:

  1. Map out your meals: Decide on your weekly meals and create a detailed shopping list. This approach helps prevent impulse purchases and ensures you have all the necessary ingredients.
  2. Shop smart: Check your pantry and refrigerator before heading to the store to avoid buying items you already have. Look for sales and consider buying in bulk for nonperishable items you use frequently.
  3. Prep ahead: Dedicate time to wash, chop and portion ingredients after shopping. Prepping ingredients in advance can make cooking during the week quicker and less stressful.
  4. Cook in batches: Prepare larger quantities of meals and store leftovers for future use. Batch cooking saves time and provides you with healthy meals ready to go.
  5. Embrace versatility: Choose ingredients you can use in multiple dishes. For example, add roasted vegetables to salads and pastas or enjoy them as a side dish.

Dig Into Our Culinary Campus

At Beatitudes Campus, every meal is an opportunity for meaningful connections and joyful moments — whether dining in your independent living apartment with neighbors or on our bright and bold campus. From home-cooked favorites to chef-prepared specialties, flavorful fare is always on the menu.

Our culinary team, led by Executive Chef Cosmin Barbu, crafts daily meals, Sunday brunches, themed dinners and festive celebrations that bring residents together. With three restaurants, a coffee shop and a full cocktail bar, there are plenty of choices when you want to skip the cooking.

Elaine’s Fine Dining offers sophisticated cuisine like seared scallops, rack of lamb and chicken Wellington, with patio seating for alfresco evenings. For a casual meal, Town Plaza Bistro serves comforting favorites — soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizzas — in a relaxed setting featuring local artwork and live music.

If you’re craving grill-style favorites, Buckwald’s Arizona Grille offers fresh seafood, steaks, and chops, plus flat-screen TVs to catch the game with friends. Need a drink? The Plaza Club is the go-to spot for happy hour cocktails, beer and wine. And when you need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat, Corner Perk serves coffee, milkshakes and pastries.

Beyond the exceptional dining options at Beatitudes Campus, the surrounding Phoenix neighborhood boasts an array of restaurants catering to every craving. Just minutes away, The Joy Bus Diner™ serves up delicious, feel-good breakfast and lunch options while supporting a great cause. Postino Central in uptown’s historic Windsor Square is a local favorite for its cozy atmosphere, hand-picked wines and tasty bruschetta boards. For an upscale dining experience, Durant’s offers classic steakhouse fare in a timeless setting. If you need a quick caffeine boost, hit the drive-thru at Better Buzz Coffee for a handcrafted cold brew.

Whether you’re looking for a casual bite, a fine dining experience or something in between, our campus and the surrounding neighborhood have something for every palate.

Take a Seat at Our Table

At Beatitudes Campus, our services and amenities promote an active and healthy lifestyle, including culinary excellence. Whether you prefer the convenience and social aspects of dining out or the control and creativity of cooking at home, we support your choices. Explore our dining experiences and join us for a meal!