Kenora Catholic District School Board

Teacher Katie McNaulty's Culinary Arts class got top marks for the Gourmet Cabaret that they hosted on January 20th at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Students organized the Gourmet Cabaret as part of their culminating exam.

Teacher Katie McNaulty talks about the event, "The students are responsible for organizing every aspect of the event. They promote the Gourmet Cabaret by creating posters, they plan the meal and prepare everything. They also have to keep in mind costs and allergies. They develop the menu, decorate the gym and then they make and serve the meal."

This year the students planned and prepared this menu: Greek salad and quinoa salad, glazed carrots, apricot glazed pork tenderloin, and chicken in a lemon cream sauce. For dessert the students served various flavors of cheese cake.

"First of all, the most brilliant part of the evening is that it represents truly great pedagogy. The students who created the meal and served it were relying on a semester's worth of learning to provide an authentic experience for the audience," says Mary Cunningham Superintendent of Instructional Services. "Secondly, as part of the audience, I was given a delightful selection of songs and dramatic scenes that focused and spotlighted the many gifts and talents of our drama department students. The voices and musical ability were superb and the night went without a hitch.

In addition to the meal students from the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Drama class provided musical performance to entertain the audience during their meal. The whole school works together to bring the community a night of fine dining and great entertainment. If you missed the Gourmet Cabaret this year make sure you watch for it next year.

All the proceeds from the admission of the event go towards the school's arts council.