The Academy is a Super Special Snail
- Deborah Cameron
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
The most recent Snail of Approval recipient, the restaurant in The Academy Boulder at Mapleton Hill, shows how the value of clean, healthy food for everyone can include older adults. It has become the first kitchen at a retirement community to receive the designation.
The recognition reflects work from all members of the kitchen, steered by the ethos of Academy Mapleton Hill Executive Chef Alberto Sabadini. Originally from Friuli, Italy, his background includes leading culinary teams at top Boulder dining establishments, always showcasing a well-rooted respect for ingredients. He brought this value to Mapleton, where the community’s residents enjoy high-quality flavor, nourishment, and a sensory and social experience that enhances their experience in this chapter of life.
Sabadini credits the philosophy of the Academy executive teams, who allow him to be able to work with the vendors who make it possible. “They support what I want to do, so I’m using 60 or 65 percent of my produce from farms in Boulder. Growers I’ve known for a long time and trust.”
While having the chance to enjoy the nutrition that’s inherent in slow food benefits residents, it's equally meaningful to growers. “I feel a lot of mutual support, and the value of building a relationship with me and the land. I’m glad this organization is willing to prioritize relationships with local producers, and that we’ve had the opportunity to go on this journey together,” said Mark at Esoterra Culinary Garden. In addition to supplying The Academy Mapleton Hill, Esoterra also supplies Frasca, Hop Alley, River and Woods, Corrida, and other top kitchens.
In the end, the designation shows not only how a kitchen can support well-grown local food providers, but how food impacts quality of life at any stage. This is never more important than in a retirement community, where meals are something residents look forward to three times every day, and judge their residence by.
When the award was presented during a community-wide meeting, the audience gave the culinary team a long, celebratory standing ovation. Residents at The Academy Mapleton Hill clearly enjoy what they’re served.
Farmers joined in on the celebration. Mel & Cody from Speedwell Farm & Gardens, Anne Cure from Cure Organic Farm, Mark DeRespinis from Esoterra Culinary Farms.
Also, Snail of Approval winner Nels Wroe from Dryland Distillers, joined in on the fun and sampled their uncompromising spirits.
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