Ninth Graders Experience the Institute of Culinary Education


An Unexpected Surprise

On Thursday morning, September 18th, as the ninth graders began to settle into Mrs. Stern’s history class, Mr. Barrett came in wearing a serious expression on his face. The ninth graders thought they were in trouble for something but then he asked a student to read a note that said “You are all going to NYC for a surprise.” The students looked confused. Then Mrs. Stern shouted "surprise!" and everyone started to cheer and smile.

Mr. Barrett said "The bus is waiting for you next to the swings. Let's go!" Like honeybees to the hive, students ran out the door toward the bus. After a quick ride to NYC and a screening of Dead Poets Society, we arrived at ICE (the Institute of Culinary Education). Students wore smiles from ear to ear as they entered the lobby of ICE. Almost immediately the discussion turned to food and they began chattering about what they might eat.

Our mouths watered as we were greeted by the scrumptious fragrance of fresh basil, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese that teased our taste buds. Black and white uniformed waiters greeted us with trays decorated with picturesque butler-style Italian hors d'oeuvres such as arrancini and bruschetta. Students were divided into three groups and each cooked one course under the direction of a chef. The appetizer group prepared fresh ricotta, spinach, and herb ravioli with parmesan and lemon broth; the main course group prepared hanger steak with salsa verde, chanterelle mushrooms, bacon, and creamy potatoes; and the dessert group prepared molten chocolate cake with cinnamon crème anglaise. After much hard work, many giggles, and numerous tastes of delicious ingredients in the kitchen, the students had worked up an appetite.

It was time to sit and break bread for lunch. We feasted our eyes and our taste buds on the plates that were placed before us on elegant tables set for a fine dining experience. Students scarfed down the ravioli and devoured the steak and delicate chanterelle mushrooms, which the chef had told them cost $40 per pound. The finale was the chocolate cake as each student had his or her own small individual cake. Plates looked as though they had been licked clean as dessert was the clear winner. Afterwards, the ninth graders quickly fell into a blissful “food coma” as we boarded the bus back home and watched the movie “Freaky Friday.” Toward the end of the ride, the students happily erupted into song. It was truly a day none of us would ever forget.

"Surprise days" such as this one are part of the larger program provided in Rippowam Cisqua's ninth grade Capstone Year.
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439 Cantitoe Street 
Bedford, NY 10506
phone: (914) 244-1250
Rippowam Cisqua School is a PreK-Grade 9 independent day school in Westchester County, New York. RCS offers challenging academics built on innovation, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, wellness, leadership, service learning, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
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