1 week Ago By Clara Wicinski
Lorain County Community College Culinary Arts Institute will reopen its student-run restaurant April 1.Sage & Seed allows students to immerse themselves in a restaurant setting on the campus inside the Norton Culinary Arts Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria.
First-year students work as service staff, while second-year students run the kitchen.“It’s a great opportunity for us to show the students realistic timelines and a sense of urgency, and that’s something that’s hard to capture in normal culinary classes,” said Bradley Ball, program director of culinary arts at LCCC.Lorain County Community College’s Sage & Seed restaurant will open April 1.
The student-run restaurant is operated by first and second year culinary students. Menu options will include appetizers, entrees, and specialty soups and salads. (Submitted)Ball sets the menu for the restaurant, making it achievable yet challenging for the students.
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“We’re executing this at a very high level, so all of the different skills they have learned along the way will really be tested and reinforced in this course,” he said.Ball, who has worked as a chef since 2005, said with his experience, he hopes to create a positive work environment for the students.“My sort of teaching is to kill them with kindness, positivity, productivity, mentorship and encouragement,” he said.
“Any energy you give them, they give back to you.“So, as an instructor, I have to be excited and that will trickle down to the students.”On the final day of the course, the restaurant will hold its Chef’s Table for student’s families and friends.
“The last day is a really great celebration of all the things they’ve learned in culinary school, and it’s a great way for them to share that with their loved ones,” Ball said. “It just reaffirms their experience and what the culinary industry really is.”Watching the students being hands-on is rewarding, he said.
“When they take ownership of the restaurant, and if I’m just standing there doing nothing, then that means I’m really doing my job,” Ball said. “That brings me a lot of joy because they’re growing into their role, and hopefully, taking this experience with them into their career.”The restaurant is open to the public, and reservations are required.
Call 440-366-7007 for reservations..
