David A. Silva has been appointed executive chef at The Village at Elmhurst in Providence, where he’s responsible for the community’s cuisine and dining operations. Silva has more than 24 years of experience in the food-service industry. He previously worked at Elmhurst’s sister community, The Village at Hillsgrove in Warwick, as assistant chef. Prior to that, he was assistant chef at Cherry Hill Nursing Home in Johnston. He lives in Cranston.
PBN: You’ve previously worked at a senior living community. What made you want to get into this type of environment?
SILVA: I enjoy socializing with the residents, after awhile you become like family with them. I also like to hear their feedback so I can make meals that I know they will enjoy.
PBN: How do you deal with the variety of diets and eating patterns?
SILVA: For every meal we prepare ‘heart and healthy’ choices for the residents to choose from that are on special diets. I always make sure that the healthy choices are just as enjoyable for the residents.
PBN: What’s your favorite meal to make?
SILVA: Considering that I am Italian, I enjoy making any kind of Italian dish.
PBN: What’s the residents’ favorite meal?
SILVA: Most of our residents are Italian so they really enjoy Italian dishes such as pasta and broccoli aglioeolio and chicken marsala.
