Suffolk Reporter

Students from the Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology's ESBOCES program recently visited Stony Brook University to gain hands-on experience in culinary arts. The visit included a tour of West Campus dining locations and learning sessions with the CulinArt team, which manages the SBU Eats program. This initiative aims to educate and empower future leaders in food service and hospitality.

The students are part of the Food Preparation and Service program for Special Career Education (SCE) at Gary D. Bixhorn Technical Center in Bellport, NY. This is one of about twenty SCE programs designed to provide practical learning experiences for students with unique educational needs.

Joy Graf, an ESBOCES food preparation/service instructor, emphasized the importance of community connections: "We are always looking for ways to connect with the community, and the CulinArt team provided an amazing learning opportunity for vocational training for our students."

During their visit, students toured various facilities including the SBU Eats catering kitchen and participated in the teaching kitchen program. Kevin Kenny, campus executive chef, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with ESBOCES to help students discover the possibilities within the culinary arts and hospitality industry.”

Instructors such as Campus Dietitian Laura Martorano, Chef Morgan Elliot, and Executive Chef Kevin Kenny guided students in preparing dishes like summer rolls and pumpkin cookies while discussing nutritional values. The event concluded with a family-style meal prepared by Jacquie Greene, an ESBOCES alumna and director of Roth Café.

Carol Donohue, certified N.Y.S. work-based learning coordinator at Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, praised CulinArt's efforts: “On behalf of ESBOCES, we are incredibly grateful to CulinArt for organizing such an exceptional day for our students.”