Mrs. Macias, the managing director of Emperor Restaurant, plans to hand out treats on the 31st of October—Halloween. The reason behind handing out treats is more than simply spreading the Halloween spirit. It’s an effort to entice future customers and bring awareness of the Emperor Restaurant.
At the Emperor Restaurant, six kitchens are preparing six unique meals, each named after the cuisine they specialize in: Founding Flavors for American cuisine, Las Cuatro Cazuelas for Mexican cuisine, Lil Italia for Italian cuisine, Pie Oh My for pizzas, Silk Roads for Asian cuisine, and Sweet Delights for desserts. For every kitchen, except for Sweet Delights, the price to order a meal is $4.50. Sweet Delights are treats meant for students passing by room 511, although teachers can still order from them, and the price is usually less than $4.50.
Before teaching, Macias used to work at multiple restaurants. She used to own a pastry business where she sold baked goods. Although she hasn’t gone to a culinary school, Mrs. Macias shows her qualifications through her experience. Not only does Macias have experience, she maintains her skills by attending culinary classes taught by award-winning chefs.
The Emperor Restaurant has been open for approximately nine years, three of which were under a different teacher before Mrs. Macias took over. With the previous teacher, the Emperor Restaurant sold only one item from one kitchen. When Mrs. Macias took the reins, her goal was to incorporate the entire class. By having students sell their different meals, everyone could participate in the Emperor Restaurant. Naturally, this led to an increase in profits, as there was more to sell. This is great for the students because the money they earn from the Emperor Restaurant will sustain the restaurant and fund an end-of-year field trip for Culinary 2 students.
Culinary Arts does more than just keep a school restaurant open. It teaches students the value of time management, organization, and teamwork. Adrian Plodena Garza, the executive chef and a senior at Dinuba High School, emphasizes the importance of cooperation. “Working with everyone is a big part of this class. If you’re not going to cooperate you’re going to fail,” says Garza. As executive chef of the Emperor Restaurant, Garza has faced many challenges. When there is a problem, people look to him, which can be stressful. He feels urged to find a solution immediately, and while this pressure is intense, Garza wears the responsibility like a badge of honor. Garza takes pride in being in charge and appreciates people’s trust in him. Despite minor issues between classmates, everyone gets along.
For students who wish to enter Culinary 1, you can’t be a senior. When there is a majority of seniors in Culinary 1, there’ll be a vacancy in the following year for Culinary 2. And for those who wish to enter Culinary 2, you need to take Culinary 1. Students who have entered Culinary 1 or advanced to Culinary 2 will receive certifications that will benefit them in the future. After completing Culinary 1, students will earn a food handler’s certificate. If the student ever wants to apply to a restaurant, they’ll be accepted immediately because of their certification. After completing Culinary 2, students will be ServSafe qualified. This is a manager’s certificate, so students will be qualified to manage a restaurant.
