ELECTIVES: Poly’s culinary arts program enables students to improve their skills in the kitchen.
By Chloe Vega, Staff Writer
Whether you’re looking to become a chef or just want to improve your cooking skills, the culinary arts class is a great option. Chef Jack (Jackie Magnano) instructs the cooking course, which is also Poly’s restaurant, Grizzly Grill (renamed from Koala Korner). Even if students feel they have no cooking talent, this class provides an opportunity for them to learn the basics and work with others. Poly’s culinary arts program is centered around Career Technical Education (CTE). A CTE course provides students with technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in several future careers paths. In addition to learning how to cook, students also gain hands-on experience running a restaurant.
At Grizzly Grill, teachers can order takeout meals for lunch, or they can come and dine in. Run like an actual restaurant, Grizzly Grill allows Chef Jack to teach students how to be hospitable and how to handle themselves in a work environment. The culinary crew works as one machine, each student playing his or her part to keep the restaurant running smoothly. “All students have their assigned duties varying from server, food runner, dishwasher, breakfast/lunch cook, prep cook and dining room attendant,” Chef Jack explained. This class provides a great head start for those looking to start working soon after graduation.
Culinary programs exist primarily to help students improve their cooking skills. Learning how to prepare and cook different dishes, students are preparing for a common, adult challenge: moving out and cooking for themselves. “My mom always complains that I never cook, and I want to be able to cook for myself when I get older,” Cyrena Scott (11) stated. If the parents are busy and can’t make a meal, a student can take over. Making a meal from scratch is often much healthier than grabbing a snack or heating up a frozen dinner.
Any student who is interested in learning how to cook professionally or privately should consider taking this elective. Not only does this class teach meal preparation, but it also exposes them to a professional working environment. “I would recommend this class to any student interested in learning career skills,” Chef Jack advised.