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This senior living community on the Main Line serves up some truly exceptional cuisine

One of the specialties of Waverly Heights is a curiously delicious tomato aspic. No staff member was able to explain its origins, as it predated all of them. “It was always here,” said executive chef Michael F. Tiernan, 47. “And it is a fan favorite.” When Tiernan interviewed for the position in 2017, he was expressly told to not touch the tomato aspic. He could change the shape — the kitchen’s cookie-cutter collection forms it into hearts, circles, and triangles — but he was not permitted to riff on the recipe. Tiernan has worked at Waverly Heights for eight years, with a cumulative 18 years under his belt cooking at continuing-care facilities. In addition to managing Carlton Commons and changing its menu every three months, he cooks for a packed calendar of special events.
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    Esra Erol
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    Kiki Aranita
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    I am a former chef and restaurateur. I write stories about food, chefs, and restaurants, and examine the systems and structures behind them.