Festive Pop-Up Restaurant at ISL

Students of the Food and Nutrition course showcased their skills at a festive pop-up restaurant.

The event not only highlighted the students' growing knowledge in the culinary arts but also provided a unique platform for them to express their creativity, and showcase their skills to the ISL community. Students transformed the Upper School Cafeteria into a festive environment where the guests were greeted with music and refreshments.

The menu, all cooked and prepared by the young chefs, included cranberry-glazed pork souvlakia with tzatziki, Thai style fishcakes, and honey-baked feta for starters; followed by chicken wrapped in Parma ham, pan-seared salmon fillet or hallumi-stuffed portobello mushrooms as the options for the main course. The sweet ending notes for the menu were spiced warm apple pie and tiramisu.

The pop-up restaurant welcomed over 40 guests including parents, teachers and fellow students. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to engage with the school community and they gained invaluable experience of working as a team in a pressured environment where they catered for a large group of guests.

The feedback from the guests was very positive and all the students from the cooks to the waiters, and the announcer should be really proud of themselves.

Matt Whiting and Dave St. Louis, Food and Nutrition Teachers

This initiative, spearheaded by teachers Matt Whiting and Dave St. Louis, aimed to provide students with a hands-on learning experience and a chance to work collaboratively towards a common goal. In their own words, "We were both nervous and excited about this idea when we began to plan for the Pop Up Restaurant but what we were hoping for really came to fruition. A large number of our Food and Nutrition students working together for a common goal. Just like in any kitchen, things didn't always go according to plan but the students showed resilience in adapting and problem solving when faced with any issues. The feedback from the guests was very positive and all the students from the cooks to the waiters and the announcer should be really proud of themselves."

The Food and Nutrition course at ISL continues to strive toward providing students with not only a solid grasp of basic cooking skills but also a deeper understanding and appreciation for food. At the end of the night most of the students expressed that now they had a much greater appreciation for the hard work and cooperation involved in making such an event successful. Another common quote was "My feet hurt!"

We thank all of our guests who supported the young chefs in their first restaurant experience and congratulate our talented students for the successful event!