Signature Dining
Parkshore serves three meals a day in the Signature Restaurant, all prepared by trained chefs and made from scratch with fresh ingredients. The bistro offers delectable pastries, specialty sandwiches and fresh coffee.
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Dining Team
Alessandro Naldi
Dining Director
Alessandro Naldi
Dining Director – 1 year 5 months
A little about your job…
I manage and direct the dining department of Parkshore Senior Campus. I work to inspire my staff to work collaboratively to bring out the best in everyone and make everyone’s experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I used to spend a lot of time with grandmother, and now that she’s gone, I miss having grandparents. Working in senior living it seems that I have many grandparents and I get to learn from and take care of them.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I studied at the Chef Academy in Terni, Italy. I have multiple degrees: Chef Degree, Chef Master Degree, and Pastry Chef degree. I’ve been trained and have worked with some of the best chef and pastry chefs in Italy, including multiple Michelin star chefs, Italian and World champion pastry chefs.
What is the best part of your workday?
When I get to see how much the residents enjoy my food.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
There’s a resident, who is 3rd generation Italian. I like to share stories with her and she has shared with me some homemade traditional Italian treats.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
The work and care that everyone puts into their work. And the great employees and residents.
About you:
I was born and raised in a small town in Tuscany, Italy, between the mountains in Casentino Valley. I got my love of cooking from mother. She was a chef and I would cook with her since I was a kid. I like many outdoor activities, especially: Mountain biking, Scuba Diving, Hiking, Swimming, etc…
Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings, Chef, and the My Big Fat Greek Wedding movies
Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings, LA Salvatore Biography, anything fantasy…
Favorite Sports Team: Minnesota Vikings – to make my father-in-law happy
Favorite Bands: AC/DC, Metallica, Def Leppard, Manowar, pretty much all music…
Top travel destination: Everywhere
Do you have pets: Two dogs in Italy with my parents and my wife’s cat.
If you could have any superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to use 100% of my brain, so I can access all of my abilities.
One thing that about myself that would surprise my residents:
I love to mountain bike. In Italy I would bike for 40+ miles a day. I wish Minnesota had mountains.
Patricia (Patti) Freeman
Assistant Director of Dining Services
Patricia (Patti) Freeman
Assistant Director of Dining Services
A little about your job…
Hiring, training, scheduling, supporting staff, catering events, maintain payroll, Bistro specials and deposits.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
Paying my kindness forward to those in need.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have taken hospitality classes throughout the years and have been in customer service since the age of 13.
What is the best part of your workday?
Being available to our residents and all staff.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
There are so many favorite moments to be able to pick just one. Every resident story about their lives is uniquely special. One that sticks in my memory is when one of our residents who was 100 at the time came with his family for dinner. He was giving his great great granddaughter a ride on his walker. 97 year age difference. Just to witness that moment will stay with me forever.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
Parkshore has outstanding customer service! Every department works well together. Very kind and professional. We ALL take the time to listen to our residents.
More About Patti…
My husband and I built a home in St. Michael 21 years ago. We have four sons. We are a military family with two of our sons currently serving in the United States Navy. We also have two beautiful daughters in law, 4 grandsons and one granddaughter. My spare time is spent either spending time with my mother or grandkids. I am proud to say I earned the SilverCrest Star Award in 2018.
Favorite Movie?
Tombstone (special memories when my father was alive)
Favorite Book?
Too many to pick just one
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Any team my boys or grandkids are participating in!
Favorite bands?
The 80’s era
Top travel destination on your list?
Italy in 2023 to visit our youngest who will be stationed there.
Do you have any pets?
Denali (dog) and currently on a waiting list for a lynx kitty.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would like to have the power to teleport. I drive a long distance from home to work and would like those hours of sitting in the car back for better use.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I have been a mixologist for 40 years. I have been a part of opening 5 new restaurants as the lead and training bartender. I was voted best bartender in St. Louis Park about 14 years ago.
Fine Dining Photo Album
