Flavor, Community, and Comfort: Dining at VMRC
When David Shombert and his wife moved to VMRC in 2019, they expected to find comfort and care—but what they didn’t anticipate was how much they’d come to love the food. “Harrisonburg itself has a lot of good restaurants,” David says, “but this is always one of the best choices—Seed & Harvest.” This on-campus dining venue has become a favorite stop in their weekly rhythm, offering not only delicious meals but also a deeper sense of belonging and familiarity that turns dining into a cherished experience.
Seed & Harvest offers more than just variety—it offers adventure. Each Thursday evening, the Shomberts make their way over for the rotating menu that often explores global cuisines. “It’s frequently food from another culture… it’s something different every week,” David shares. For him, the appeal is in trying something new, while still having the comforts of home. In fact, the portions are so generous, they often take half the meal home to enjoy again the next day. This blend of discovery and convenience mirrors VMRC’s commitment to enhancing daily life through intentional, enriching experiences.
The heart of Seed & Harvest, though, lies in the people who serve there. “The waiters are great,” David says. “They remember what we like, what we don’t like.” One server in particular, Casey, stands out for his attentive care—he knows the Shomberts prefer meals without onions and makes sure the chef adjusts their dishes accordingly. This kind of thoughtful, personalized service reflects the deeper values that define VMRC: integrity, trust, and a genuine commitment to each individual’s wellbeing.
Beyond Seed & Harvest, VMRC offers several dining experiences to meet different needs and moods—from the more formal Hartman Dining Room to the relaxed, everyday charm of the Café. But what truly makes these experiences unique is how seamlessly they’re integrated into the community’s walkable, welcoming design. “It’s a great place to walk,” David notes. “Fun to look at what’s being grown and where it all stands.” He and his wife enjoy visiting the VMRC farm, where much of the produce used in their meals is grown—connecting their dining experience to the land and the seasons in a meaningful way.
Reflecting on their decision to move to VMRC, David sums it up best: “We looked at seven different retirement communities, but I like the way VMRC does things in terms of taking care of each other.” For the Shomberts, dining at Seed & Harvest is about more than just food—it’s about community, shared rituals, and the daily joys that come from being known and cared for. That’s the VMRC difference—where mealtime nourishes not just the body, but the spirit too.
