Chef Manager Franklin Rodriguez
Franklin Diaz Rodriguez is proud to be Saint David’s Chef Manager. It was at Relish Caterers that he worked his way up from prep cook to line cook to Sous Chef. In addition to Relish, he has had the privilege to work in various hospitality capacities, from catering to hotel to fine dining. His kitchen experience is varied with a blended expertise in leadership, managing teams, and hands-on skills. Franklin attended New York City College of Technology where he developed extensive culinary expertise and mastered a variety of cooking techniques with a focus on French style cuisine.
Franklin was born and raised in Brooklyn. His parents are from the Dominican Republic. “I grew up in a busy household where there was always something cooking,” he says. “That alone was my biggest influence.” However, the science behind cooking inspires Franklin a great deal, too, especially French-infused menu offerings.
At Saint Davids, Franklin enjoys making the community happy. “They are grateful beyond measure, from the students to the faculty and staff. When it comes to providing service, we try to go above and beyond, ensuring we give our best…making their palates happy and their tummies full.”
Franklin’s favorite dish to make is lasagna. “I enjoy every step in the process…making the sauce, grating fresh cheeses, and most important building as many layers as possible,” he explains. “The best part is when you brown the top layer a bit just before you serve it. I love lasagna.”
When not at Saint David’s School, Franklin can be found spending time with friends, hiking, traveling, experiencing small towns, test driving sports cars, and most all enjoying food and family.
Sous Chef Rosario Siguencia
Rosario Siguencia has been in kitchens since a very young age. She began by working in her mother’s restaurant in Ecuador, where she became an accomplished soup maker. When she came to America, she held a pastry position in a cheesecake factory where she soon became an expert cheesecake baker. However, she wanted to focus less on baking and more on culinary, so she enrolled in various courses at the Institute of Culinary Education to enrich her expertise and has now been with Cater to You Food Service since 2008.
Rosario loves the everyday excitement that her team shares in the kitchen. “Our team works so great together and it is really something to see the rush we live in the early morning hours, and then the results just a few hours later once lunch is served,” she shares. When not in the St. David’s kitchen, Rosario enjoys making healthy soups and salads in her own kitchen with her husband and son. Her favorite food is Italian, especially squid ink pasta. She also enjoys reading and going to the gym.