Playbook

Introduction

When Watermark’s own David Freshwater set out to find the ideal cuisine for Watermark’s luxury senior living communities, it’s no surprise he landed in the Mediterranean. Encouraged by friend and health guru, Dr Andrew Weil, David and Watermark set out “to eat Mediterranean.” As the New York Times has reported, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and healthy fats has become a “bedrock of heart-healthy eating, with well-studied health benefits including lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.” According to recent studies, the Mediterranean diet may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Through extensive recipe research, menu planning sessions and countless conversations with chefs and other professionals, the Taboon Playbook was created to ensure consistency across current and future operations throughout the Watermark family

We need to acknowledge and thank the following individuals, their teams, and their communities for the countless hours spent researching and testing recipes, developing plate presentations, conducting tastings, documenting and photographing, and trying out the many recipes with their members. Without their energy, enthusiasm, creativity, talent and commitment, the contents of this book would not have been possible.

Hacienda at the Canyon

Erich A. Border, Executive Chef

Monica Tryon, Dining Services Director