Dining and Food Service

At The Essex Conference Center & Retreat our guests rate our meal service "excellent" and acknowledge that good food is a major contributor to the success of their meetings. For those having a Wedding at ECCR please view our wedding and catering options page.

Our Chef prepares abundant gourmet fare, served in beautiful buffet presentations. Each table in our dining room accommodates up to 7 guests. And comfortable sitting benches replace chairs, creating a relaxed atmosphere where conversations take place that enhance learning and further the group process.

Our refreshment station is stocked with fresh fruit and baked goods between meals. Coffee, an assortment of teas and sodas are available from morning till after dinnertime.

There are times when your event calls for an extra special menu... perhaps to commemorate your achievements.. to celebrate your final evening... to define a benchmark for your work. For these special occasions we are pleased to offer exciting menu options such as receptions, clambakes, barbecues.

Below is a sample of what you and your group can expect to find on the menu.

Breakfast
Fresh Baked Assorted Muffins,
Bagels, and Pastries
Cinnamon, Raisin and Walnut Oatmeal
Dill Accented Scrambled Eggs
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Waffles with Fresh Strawberry Glaze

Luncheon
Carrot Bisque
Caesar Salad
with Homemade Dressing
Fresh Atlantic Sole
Poached in Apple Cider and Shallots
Fresh Vegetable Medley
Dressed with Olive Oil
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Baked Sourdough Bread
Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Dinner
Mixed Field Greens
with Homemade Dijon Vinaigrette
Herb-Rubbed Center Cut Pork Loin
with Apple-Onion Compote
Grilled Lemon and Garlic Asparagus
Potato au Gratin Terrines
Fresh Baked French Bread
with Assorted Butters
Double Lemon Tarte with Raspberry Sauce

A final note about our culinary services: We are pleased to accommodate requests from  individual guests who require special dietary considerations for food sensitivities and allergies.