Raised in Brick, NJ this Ocean County local new he wanted to work in the food industry at the early age of fourteen. Charles started out doing dishes a local restaurant in Brick, and because of his eagerness to learn he was promoted to prep cook. He slowly climbed the rank and by the age of 17 he was the Sous Chef. Charles then completed a 2 year Ocean County Vocational School Food Service Program which helped lay the foundation for the beginning of his culinary arts career.

In 1985 Charles enrolled at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic County Community College. Charles was taught everything from baking, to filling, to butchering, and even ice carving. During Charles college days he worked at the Resorts International Hotel and Casino, where in his opinion was the best learning experience you could ask for. There was a lot of hard work to be done, but he also had a lot of fun. During his tenure there he met many celebrities and even appeared in a movie with Molly Ringwald.

After graduation Charles started to work for country clubs in New Jersey. While at the Spring Lake Country Club, Charles and his manager transferred to the Tequesta Country Club in Florida. During this time he became the regular catering chef for Burt Renolds and Loni Anderson who were members of the club. When Charles came back to New Jersey he worked at the Manasquan River Country Club as the executive Sous Chef and where he stayed for 8 years.

Charles worked in a few other county clubs one of which was at the Toms River Country Club as there Sous Chef, before moving on to residential communities. He was a little reserved at first due to his background, but once he got his feet wet there was no turning back. Charles said,” It was nice not to have to work 12-14 hour days any more, and too see his family more than hello and goodnight”. Charles always looked for opportunities to improve his background; this is when he found and came to Silverwoods. Charles position at Silverwoods as the Dining Director is his first position as a director and he is thankful for the opportunity. Charles has made many changes to the Silverwoods restaurant where he can present his love for food and how his true love for the seniors comes out in his cooking. Charles does monthly food demonstrations for the residents at Silverwoods where he showcases some of his and the resident’s favorite recipes. Charles is very accommodating to those residents with special diet needs and does a lot of individual education. He runs a monthly food committee where the residents of Silverwoods and Charles discuss the up coming menus. Charles plans on being at Silverwoods for many years to come. If you want to check out Charles’ culinary talent call Bernadette Colino 732-341-6630; come take a tour and have a Free Brunch!