MATC students in the Culinary Arts, and the Baking and Pastry Arts programs showcased the fruits of their educational labor on April 27, during the annual Five Star Food & Wine Event.

The event enables students to transfer the skills learned in the classroom to the real world, boosting both their résumés and confidence in the culinary world. The food extravaganza encompassed most of the sixth floor of the downtown Main Building. It featured 10 distinct food stations with a central theme: American Café, Artisan Grilled Cheese, Asian, Baking & Coffee, Garde Manger, Grain Exchange, International Taqueria, Scotch Eggs, Seafood, and Southern Fried.  Attendees also enjoyed a specialty bar serving red and white wines  along with local brews for a tasty pairing experience. 

Students worked in roles in both front of house and back of house food-service operations, obtaining hands-on experience in bringing to life a full-scale food event. Students could be observed in roles as hosts, bartenders, chefs, as well as in food service and hospitality management. The event was a resounding depiction of the level of education and training the instructors provide in the culinary programs.

Community members further supported the MATC students by participating in the event’s silent auction and 50/50 raffle, which raised funds to support student scholarships and continuing education in culinary arts and management, baking and pastry arts, hotel/hospitality, and meeting and event management.