The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens Names New Executive Chef and Director of Dining Services

Dec. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- FRESNO, Calif.: Residents at The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens are in for quite a treat this holiday season. The Fresno senior living community is continuing to evolve its dining program by focusing on hospitality, resident satisfaction and expanding culinary offerings. The community has added two highly experienced professionals to The Terraces’ culinary team, and is in the process of building three new dining venues for residents, which will open in the summer of 2013.

“When it comes to senior living, the quality of dining ranks among the top reasons why people choose to move to a specific community,” said Jessica Lopez, executive director for The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens. “That’s why we’re investing in top talent and continuing to listen to input from residents on what they’re looking for when it comes to their dining experience.”

New Executive Chef Todd VanDerPoel is a master chocolatier and a self-taught ice sculptor, who looks forward to wowing residents with his stunning ice sculptures and chocolate designs. With more than 20 years of experience, the award-winning chef loves to cook with a modern flair, and focuses on local, fresh and seasonal foods. Some items residents can expect to be featured include, multiple wellness items offered daily, healthy preparation of main dishes, and an increase of vegetarian offerings. He also emphasizes special events like Garden Street Grill, themed holiday events, wellness seminars, cooking tips, and an ever changing and evolving menu.  

In just a couple short months, VanDerPoel has already hosted a number of special celebrations for residents and their friends and family. “I truly enjoy being involved with the residents. In addition to providing them new and appetizing meals, I really get to know the residents and their families, listen to their life stories and become a part of their everyday lives.”

VanDerPoel has been cooking since the age of 16. He received culinary certification from the American Culinary Federation from Fresno City College and attended the Culinary Institute of America in Napa. Previously, he was part of the culinary teams at the San Joaquin Country Club and Sunnyside Country Club in Fresno.

The community also named Jason Quigley as director of dining services. Before joining The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens, Quigley worked as general manager for Marriott Hotels in Miami, and has held many positions in the hospitality industry.

In May, The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens plans to open three new dining areas, including fine and casual dining. Quigley and VanDerPoel will be responsible for designing menus for more than 300 residents and creating more than 1,200 meals a day.

“We’re excited that Todd and Jason have joined our team,” said Lopez. “Their extensive knowledge of hospitality and culinary skills will be essential as we expand our new dining venues and overall dining experience for residents.”

About The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is located at 5555 North Fresno Street in Fresno, Calif.  The nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) promotes a lifestyle of activity, security and convenience. The Terraces creates a quality environment for residents in a setting that is responsive to their desire for an independent lifestyle, and offers on-site long-term care, if ever needed. The Terraces is accredited by CARF-CCAC. This seal of approval assures residents and their families that the community meets national standards for quality care. More information about The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is available by calling1-800-895-8019, or by visiting www.theterracesatsanjoaquin.com.  

About ABHOW
The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens is owned and managed by ABHOW, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. ABHOW is a nonsectarian corporation, serving seniors through quality retirement housing since 1949. ABHOW seeks to enhance the well-being and security of seniors through the provision of housing, health care and supportive services, and was a pioneer in the development of CCRCs. For more information about ABHOW, visit www.ABHOW.com.