“Chef Giesman is a guy who makes everyone around him better, which is why we are so excited that he has rejoined The Kenwood team,” said Steve Slayton, Executive Director. “His positive mindset paired with his immense passion for culinary arts, makes him a perfect fit for The Kenwood.
Chef Robert Giesman is the new executive chef at The Kenwood
The Kenwood by Senior Star recently welcomed a familiar face back to the community, appointing Chef Robert Giesman as Executive Chef for the second time. Giesman worked for the Kenwood six years ago, but since has done a great sum of work in the culinary field, spending the past several years as Executive Chef and Food Service Director at One Lincoln Park in Kettering.
In his role as Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director, Chef Giesman is responsible for revamping and revitalizing all aspects of the food and beverage program at The Kenwood. From menu and recipe development to preparation and service, he has already introduced a high standard for offering residents food that is prepared properly, safely and most importantly— deliciously.
In total, Chef Giesman has now logged more than 31 years’ experience, including over 19 years serving as an Executive Chef/Food Service Director. Chef Robert also has extensive experience managing kitchen and banquet operations for area senior living facilities, as well as restaurants, hotels and country clubs.
“I am really enjoying serving the residents of The Kenwood again,” said Giesman. “It’s a wonderful community, and I love that this job gives me the chance to not only make delicious food, but to make a difference in the lives of people who live in the community. It’s a great feeling.”
Chef Giesman has hit the ground running and is busy preparing exceptional meals that live up to the high-quality standards that The Kenwood’s residents expect. He takes a “made from scratch” approach utilizing as much fresh, locally sourced product as possible. And Chef Giesman has a commitment to make “everything he possibly can” homemade in The Kenwood’s kitchen.
“It’s been my passion and goal to make every resident’s dining experience exceed their expectations, Chef Robert said”
Under Chef Giesman’s charge, The Kenwood offers a wide variety of menu options, from a classic pot roast simmered for hours so the meat just falls apart to high-end dishes like the filet mignon “Oscar” style, which is topped with crab, a New York strip steak
with compound butter and sesame seared salmon with a soy ginger glaze.
You may have heard of Chef Giesman as he is somewhat of a local celebrity. He has appeared as a guest on numerous broadcasting stations in the Greater Cincinnati area including WCPO, WLWT, Fox 19 just to name a few. He has also been featured in Cincinnati Magazine. His culinary expertise has allowed him these incredible opportunities and have also given him the opportunity to serve as a board member, visiting instructor, judge and advisor for the Scarlet Oaks culinary program.
When he isn’t cooking for the seniors at The Kenwood or making a public appearance, Giesman loves spending time with his wife of 21 years, Dawn and two sons, Jacob (16) and Alex (12). He also has 2 dogs (Buster & Russel) and 6 turtles (Chubbs, Tuttle, Tom, Laverne, Shirley & Pebbles).
“My family is my pride and joy,” said Giesman. “They are the reason that I go out and do what I do every day. Without them I would not be in the position I am in today.”