Rockland BOCES Hosts Annual Culinary Arts Luncheon For New City Rotary (VIDEO)

Rockland BOCES Culinary Arts School students treated New City Rotary members to a gourmet luncheon on Monday.  High school students prepared and served the meal as part of the hands-on program that prepares them for careers in the food service industry.

Under the guidance of Culinary Instructor Kendall Brenner and assistant Karen Williams, the selected menu included a First Course of mixed green salad with mandarin oranges and blueberries topped with warm goat cheese.  The Main Course featured sautéed breast of chicken with mashed cauliflower and kale salad. The Dessert assortment was poached pear with lemon ricotta cheese garnished with homemade granola, chocolate and a raspberry/blueberry coulis along with coconut-banana bread pudding drizzled with salted caramel.

Students welcomed the opportunities provided by the program.

“It really prepares you and gives you a strong basis for making future career choices, and it’s a lot of fun too!” said Dana Miller from Clarkstown North.

North Rockland student Jessica Pane said, “It gives you real on the job experience.”

“It helped me improve my public speaking skills,” said Rachel Bundick from Nanuet, adding how happy she was for the chance to learn new things and meet new people. 

The student wait staff and “front of the house” responsibilities were fulfilled by:

Erica Gould - Tappan  Zee
Joe Rodriguez - Suffern
Jessica Pane - North Rockland
Dana Miller - Clarkstown North
Rachel Bundick - Nanuet
Amanda Sullivan - Pearl River
Vinnie Barbetto - Clarkstown North

The student cooks and kitchen workers were:
 
Darren Gentile - East Ramapo
Avery Reiff - Clarkstown South
Brandon Foxman - Suffern

Kim Bell, principal of the Career and Technical School at , thanked the New City Rotary for supporting students and granting college scholarships for students. Bell said, “73% of our graduates go on to college and more and more of our students attend college each year.” 

Rotary is an international service organization of business and professional people who, as volunteers, address needs of their home and international communities.  Rotary initiates local and global service projects to promote world understanding and peace and to improve the living conditions for people of all ages and cultures.  The motto of Rotary is "Service Above Self." 

New City Rotary, the largest Rotary Club in Rockland County, meets Monday afternoon atLa Terrazza at 291 South Main Street in New City. Get information about membership and learn more about New City Rotary here.