Lake Zurich students learn their way around the kitchen

Lake Zurich Unit District 95’s food service provider, Southwest Food Excellence, is working with the schools to roll out a “Roving Chef” program.

The district’s head chef, Robert Di Domenick, will visit schools where a handful of students will be invited, at the principal’s discretion, to prepare a meal.

The lesson will teach these students a bit about food safety, nutrition, and some cooking techniques. It will also include a tour of the kitchen, recipe cards, chef hats, certificates of participation, photos with the chef and, of course, a free lunch that they prepare.

Students from Middle School South were the first to participate in the Roving Chef program Jan. 11. Six students donned aprons and hats and had the opportunity to make their own pizza lunch. They used special tools and some tried new toppings.

Di Domenick said he wanted to start with something simple for the first time. In the future, students will have the opportunity to make some more elaborate meals, including orange chicken.

Participants from Middle School South included: Danielle Pereira, Allie VanZant, Paige Leighton, Ryan Kutsor, Will Madsen, and Justin Yau.