From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Creative

Chef Anthony Soriano’s culinary journey as the beloved Director of Dining Services at The Sequoias San Francisco started as a small boy who loved carving wood while living in the Philippines with his eleven siblings.

Anthony’s passion for cooking ignited while working at a popular hotel chain in the Philippines. He has worked throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Las Vegas, refining his culinary skills. He deepened his love for carving by transferring his wood carving skills to ice sculpting. 

Always motivated to Never Stop Growing, Anthony enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa. After his time there, he worked as a chef in the hospitality industry, owned a catering company, and created ice sculptures for the San Francisco Ice Company.

Anthony has always been a devoted son with a deep love and commitment to his family. Settling back in the United States to care for his aging mother, he understood the need for and the importance of high-quality care for seniors. This experience inspired Anthony to use his talents to improve the lives of senior living residents. Caring for his mother gave him firsthand insight into the challenges older adults and their families face when a loved one needs extensive care.

“I am meant to serve residents in senior living,” says Chef Anthony. “I have a passion for serving older adults.”

When Anthony sees the smiles on the residents’ faces, it reminds him of his mother, which translates into everything he does to improve the quality of life for seniors. His heartfelt commitment to senior living contributes to his successful career with The Sequoias San Francisco.

Anthony feels at home at The Sequoias, where residents and families find peace of mind. Residents enjoy daily meals at the Bay Area life plan community, and connection and support are available 24/7.

Anthony’s passion for the senior living industry is evident in every decision. He goes above and beyond for residents.

When residents asked him about the nutritional value of the foods he prepared, Anthony realized that, as a chef in a senior living community, he needed to understand how different foods contributed to seniors’ health. Anthony enrolled in a nutrition and dietetics program at Merritt College to become a certified dietary manager.

As a chef whose mother eventually required a pureed diet, Anthony understood the dignity of having a meal that looked like other residents. He took the initiative to elevate his culinary skills further by learning to create delicious, aesthetically pleasing pureed dishes. Anthony has competed in various pureed competitions and is a California puree champion.

Chef Anthony’s commitment and genuine love for his residents are exemplary, as shown in every dish he creates. Unsurprisingly, resident satisfaction has increased in every Sequoia Living community he’s worked in.

Anthony’s love for carving will always be vital to his life.

When Anthony carved his first live ice sculpture in front of a group of residents, a 92-year-old woman tearfully expressed her gratitude for allowing her to experience the art of ice sculpting. He knew then that he wanted to continue creating ice sculptures for seniors.

Inspired by a passion for carving, Anthony elevated his craft to create extraordinary fruit and vegetable sculptures. He transforms watermelon into flowers and pineapple into palm trees. He makes hanging monkeys out of grapefruit and lemons to the delight of residents.

Chef Anthony continues to be an asset to Sequoia Living’s life plan communities, where he advises and mentors other chefs. When he’s not creating delicious dishes for residents or creating unique sculptures, he’s a devoted father to two and tending to his garden.

At The Sequoias San Francisco, Chef Anthony Soriano embodies the community’s heart and talent. Residents thrive with the support of skilled and compassionate professionals dedicated to enriching their well-being and joy.

Experience food, friends, and fun at The Sequoias San Francisco! Schedule a visit to learn more about our inclusive senior living community.