Seventeen students in Conestoga’s School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts prepared dishes for the public to enjoy at Elora’s Food Day Canada barbecue on July 30. They were joined by Dan McCowan, executive chef of Bloom, Conestoga’s student-run restaurant at the college’s Waterloo campus.
Conestoga's booth at the Food Day Canada barbecue event provided culinary students with the opportunity to prepare dishes for the public to enjoy.
Food Day Canada began in 2003 with the “world’s longest barbecue” in Elora, Ontario to promote Canadian beef amidst the mad cow disease crisis of the time. The day has since evolved into a national annual celebration of all things related to the Canadian food industry.
“It’s really special to take part in this event that showcases the talents of our students, and offers the community a taste of their capabilities, all while celebrating Canada’s food industry,” said McCowan.
Students set up Conestoga’s booth and prepared two condensed dishes from Bloom’s summer menu -- a locally sourced peach and tomato salad that included Ontario cherries and goat cheese dressing from a Woolwich Township farm, and an apricot barbecued pork tenderloin with cabbage slaw and Ontario-grown black peanuts.
“These kinds of events help students gain visibility and also help them see the role they can play in the community as a chef and promoter of locally farmed goods,” added McCowan.
“Our curriculum is not only about creating great food and a great experience, it includes underlining the importance of a local-first approach to sourcing quality ingredients, while also providing hands-on opportunities for students to cook for the community.”
Keith Müller, executive dean, School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Food Processing Technology, serves on the Food Day Canada organizing team and further highlighted the importance of Conestoga’s participation.
“I’m proud to feature our culinary students in this national event for the benefits it provides them, as well as the college. It allows us to position Conestoga as a leading member of both the local and national culinary community and a champion of Canadian cuisine, while showcasing our students’ work to potential employers,” said Müller, who was also in attendance at the event which featured booths from several local restaurants.
This was the first time Conestoga had its own booth, and something the college plans to continue next year.
Named one of Canada’s top four culinary schools in 2024 by University Magazine, Conestoga’s School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts is a leader in culinary and hospitality programming that prepares students for successful careers in Canada’s tourism industry. Students learn from faculty members with extensive industry experience as they develop practical knowledge and theoretical skills. The Waterloo campus is home to its state-of-the-art culinary skills labs and student-run Bloom restaurant.
Bloom is accepting reservations until August 16, and will re-open to the community on September 17.