All Inclusive Meeting: Dining and Food Service

At the Essex Conference Center and Retreat meals are included in your all-inclusive meeting package. All meals are prepared by a professional food service staff and served in our welcoming dining hall. Seasonal outdoor barbeque meals can be arranged for a casual dining experience.

The buffet-style menus are healthy, wholesome and abundant meals with vegetarian options. Most special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice. Groups can make a menu request to the Event Coordinator, who will consider all the contracted groups scheduled and work with the chef to prepare food that will please everyone on grounds.

Our full breakfast buffet available for overnight groups includes:

• Eggs
• Breakfast Meat
• Homefries
• Fresh Baked Pastries
• Bagels and/or Muffins
• Fresh Cut Fruit
• Cereals
• Yogurt
• Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast with Real Maple Syrup

Day groups and breakfast on day of arrival if included in your meeting plan will include only continental breakfast items.

Although our lunch and dinner menus vary depending on the time of year and number of participants in house; you will be sure to find something you will enjoy on the menu.

Continuous snack and beverage service is available all day long and consists of a combination of fresh baked treats, fresh fruit and assorted beverages including tea, coffee, juice and canned soda.

A sample of what our lunch menu may include during your visit:

• Butternut Squash Soup
• Spinach and Whole Wheat Wraps
• Fresh Spring Mix with Various Salad Toppings & Homemade Dressings
• Tuna or Egg Salad
• Sliced Turkey Breast or Grilled Chicken
• Roasted Beets with Roasted Red Peppers, Carrots and Cilantro
• Watermelon, Tomato and Feta Salad
• Roasted Pears with Goat Cheese and Pecans
• Curry and Sundried Tomato Hummus
• Wild Rice, Craisins, Apple Honey Vinaigrette, Roasted Red Peppers with Toasted Almonds
• Fresh baked cookies or brownies

A sample of what our dinner menu may include during your visit:

• Caesar Salad with Fresh Croutons & Homemade Dressing
• Warm Artisan Bread
• Spinach and Boursin Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Vegetarian Option: Stuffed Peppers with 3 Beans & Roasted Vegetables
• Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Red Peppers
• Grilled Garlic Asparagus with Butter
• Variety of delicious cakes and pastries

If you are being referred by someone who has previously been to the Center you've probably already heard great things about our food service. If this is your first time hearing about the Center, rest assured that you will eat very well during your visit.