Anthony Balistreri is a determined and creative individual who has rediscovered his passion for cooking through the Sprouts Chef Training program. His culinary journey began in fifth grade when he first took an interest in food and cooking but later paused to focus on sports. Now, Anthony is excited to rekindle his love for the kitchen at Abaca, blending creativity and discipline to prepare meals for his family and explore cooking as a potential career.

For Anthony, cooking is more than just a skill—it’s a way to develop focus, adapt to challenges, and express creativity. He has worked hard to master knife skills, plating techniques, and other kitchen fundamentals, often supplementing his training by watching cooking videos and taking notes in his free time. He particularly enjoys tasks like grilling broccolini, cutting vegetables (which he finds calming), and trying out recipes he learns at the restaurant.

Anthony aspires to balance his culinary interests with his dream of becoming an engineer, viewing his work as a means to save for college and achieve financial stability. His time in the program has taught him to stay flexible, accountable, and enduring—skills he has applied both in the kitchen and in life. Inspired by shows like Hell’s Kitchen, he admires the blend of creativity and discipline cooking demands.

When Anthony isn't in the kitchen, he enjoys boxing, working out at the gym, building computers, and spending time with friends. His experiences in the program, particularly with Chef Aaron and Chef Angela, have strengthened his commitment to learning and growing in the culinary field, whether he pursues it professionally or applies it to his personal nutrition journey.

‍