IRVINE

A little more than a year after its premiere at Lakeview Senior Center, the Rose Garden Cafe has come into full bloom. Or so says the Irvine city staff and the seniors they serve. “There’s quality food here every day,” said Irvine resident Howard King at a recent luncheon event. “As good as eating at a quality restaurant.” The cafe has become an increasingly popular lunch spot for Irvine’s seniors because its own in-house kitchen staff cooks and serves hot meals, said George Searcy, superintendent of community services. When the Lakeview Senior Center opened in 1995, the center used a South County catering service to provide a limited lunch program. Since the cafe opened in summer 1998, workers bustle about its kitchen to make lunch for about 90 seniors who regularly eat there. Lunch is served at the Rose Garden Cafe from 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Monday through Friday. No reservations are needed. Information: (949) 724-6900.