The Watermark by the Bay - Innovative and Nutritious Dining

Dining at The Watermark

We believe great taste and good nutrition can sit together at the same side of the table. Through optimal nutrition, residents are able to reach their fullest potential of health within body and mind. Our careful attention to food, not just as a simple meal but as a powerful tool, is in line with our vision for overall well-being.

A Culinary Experience

Mealtimes are a place to join, connect, enjoy, and unwind. At The Watermark by the Bay we intend for each and every plate to serve as not just a meal, but a culinary experience. Our talented chefs utilize locally grown and fresh ingredients throughout their ever-changing and imaginative menus. Grab a light bite to go or take a seat and stay awhile for a three-course meal. From complex creations to ethnic foods or simple favorites, there’s something for everyone to savor.

Gourmet Bites

We enjoy challenging the norm and set ourselves apart by continuously innovating new ways to enrich the lives of our residents. Through our nationally recognized Gourmet Bites program, residents with cognitive and neuromuscular challenges can enjoy mealtimes just like everyone else. We transform our own menu items into delicious, nutritionally balanced, protein packed meals that are served as bite-sized hors d’oeuvres. No utensils and no distractions.

Local Food Scene

Variety is the spice of life and there’s certainly no shortage of flavor in Emeryville. Our neighborhood is delightfully packed with diverse cuisine offerings from quick bites and fine dining to bakeries, bars, and pubs. Savor Italian, Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean, and countless more or opt for fresh-caught and locally sourced seafood. Taste the world, just steps from your door.

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More About Gourmet Bites

Gourmet Bites is a revolutionary dining program designed to restore the dignity and enjoyment of mealtime for individuals with cognitive or physical challenges. Gourmet Bites features Watermark communities’ chef recipes and high-quality, freshly prepared gourmet menu items, transformed into incredibly tasty, nutritionally balanced, protein-packed meals. Watermark chefs start by using the Grind Dining “patent-pending” process of grinding and preparing the cooked foods on that day’s traditional meal menu in a unique way that retains their taste, texture, and flavor. Then they beautifully present the same meal served as one-bite and two-bite hors d’oeuvres, intended to be eaten by hand, so that every individual is empowered to thoroughly enjoy their meal with dignity and without assistance. Gourmet Bites engages the senses, promotes a healthy appetite, guarding against unintentional weight loss and significantly enhances the dining experience for those with cognitive or physical challenges and for their loved ones.

What sounds good to eat?
At Watermark, we believe that question should be the start of a joyful dining experience. It shouldn’t be a reminder of difficulties eating, the need for assistance with every bite, or favorite foods deemed off limits. However, when physical or cognitive challenges exist, that is too often the case. Now, favorite foods can be enjoyed without assistance, without utensils while enjoying a meal with family or friends. With the Gourmet Bites program in place, this question, “What sounds good to eat?” will whet the appetite of all our residents regardless of abilities, bringing joy back to dining for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges.

Why did Watermark create Gourmet Bites?
We are confident this program will not only make our residents healthier and reduce unintentional weight loss, it will bring the joy back to dining. It is a wonderful opportunity to offer this program to our residents and we’re proud to do so. “The magic of Gourmet Bites is that we can use our own, high-quality, freshly prepared menu items and transform them into incredibly tasty, nutritionally balanced, protein-packed meals. They are served as one-bite and two-bite hors d’oeuvres, intended to be eaten by hand. It’s that simple and that brilliant.” – Rob Bobbitt, National Director of Dining, Watermark Retirement Communities