CLC cooking up interest for culinary program at local festivals

Being involved in the Lake County community is a big part of what College of Lake County (CLC) aims to do. The college's hospitality and culinary management program is out serving food and promoting the program at local events this summer.

Grab some buttered corn and a freshly grilled chicken sandwich at Grayslake Summer Days Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19 and 20, in downtown Grayslake.

The program also took part in Vernon Hills Days in July. Along with providing the community with delicious food, faculty, students and alumni talked about the program with interested community members.

This was the first year the hospitality and culinary management program participated in events like this.

"We were encouraged by college leadership to become more involved in the community, and we were able to successfully get into two events this year," said Instructor Chef William Vena. "After our success, we hope to continue doing this every year."

Both alumni and current students came to Vernon Hills to support the program. The guest chefs graduated from the program and have knowledge of the entire process to inform community members. While cooking with current students, chefs are also able to share their experience and act as mentors.

Bill Moylan, a 2020 graduate, said, "Coming out to this type of event is a good opportunity to help current and future students. I get to share how great the program is while sharing my experience with current students."

Angel Torres, a current student, said, "I learned a lot from the alumni. Throughout the process, they taught me a lot of tips and tricks. We had a strong connection having had the same teachers."

To learn more about the hospitality and culinary management program, visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs/hcm.