Associate Close-Up: Arthur Vanderpool, Executive Chef

We recently sat down with Art Vanderpool, the Executive Chef at The Shores, to learn more about him and his passion for food and senior care and services. These are his words:

 

What is your name and job title?

I’m Arthur H. Vanderpool III, executive chef of United Methodist Communities at The Shores.

 

Where did you grow up and where else have you lived?

I grew up in Upstate New York (Candor). I’ve lived and cooked in Ithaca, NY, Newport Beach, CA and Atlantic City, NJ.

 

How long have you been a chef?

I’ve been cooking for 39 years. 

 

What kind of culinary training did you receive?

I have learned through experience in multiple culinary venues.

 

Prior to coming to UMC, what was your favorite on-the-job experience?

Doing my job and talking to customers, and at Shore Medical, where I worked 18.5 years, talking to the patients. 

 

What do you like best about working in a senior retirement community?

It is just great getting to know the residents and this whole place is a great community.

 

Describe your philosophy of dining.

Cook great and delicious food and cook what the diners want, not just what I like to cook. I want to make people happy.

 

Tell us about one of your culinary specialties.

I love to make seafood specialties such as crab cakes, seafood chowder, Crab Imperial and others.

 

How does dining/food service at your community relate to Abundant Life?

Every meal is an event for our residents. They love the food and give us positive feedback all the time.

 

Do the residents inspire you? Does one resident in particular stand out?

Yes, all of them inspire me.

 

What makes your community unique?

That we are at the beach and we provide many levels of care for our residents.

 

Tell us about a prominent memory of a grandparent or other older adult who had a strong influence on your life.

My grandfather Clyde Chandler. He raised horses and taught me a lot of things when I was young.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I like to be around my family, exercise and hunt.

 

What are you most grateful for in your life?

My family, friends and health.

 

You can learn more about our dining philosophy and talented culinary associates here.