When Is Best Time To Take Sinemet?

Treating an elderly male (85 yo) with recently diagnosed Parkinson's The pharmacy says to take Sinemet with food. The NPF says Sinemet is best taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal. Admittedly, Sinemet is known to be hard on your stomach, so taking with food makes sense. However, the drugs would get into the brain more efficiently without being absorbed/cut down by food. What is the best strategy?