Students at Avon Middle School were treated to an extraordinary culinary experience when television celebrity chef Jonathan Zaragoza took over the school's kitchen. This event not only introduced students to authentic Mexican recipes but also aimed to bring fun and healthy eating to the school cafeteria.

Highlighting Global Eats

The cooking demonstration centered around Global Eats, a program from Chartwells K12 that takes students on a global culinary journey. Avon Schools Director of Dining Services Nancy Mazzeo-Gripp expressed the success of the event, stating that about 900 students from the whole middle school participated and got to sample the delicious dishes. Even the administration joined in to enjoy the cafeteria offerings.

The students were truly excited about trying everything. Some even came back for seconds, showing their enthusiasm for new flavors. It was a great day that encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and explore different cuisines.

Zaragoza, known for his appearances on television food shows and his expertise in Mexican cuisine, worked closely with Avon Local Schools Executive Chef Jorge Rodriguez. Together, they prepared authentic Mexican recipes such as pork carnitas, brisket tacos, spiced mangos, and jicama guacamole.

Teaching with a Cart

Mazzeo-Gripp mentioned that Jorge has a teaching cart and they often go around the school to conduct smaller-scale events like this. They plan to create a small menu to teach children about different flavors and introduce them to what can be made with various ingredients.

By inviting Jonathan Zaragoza into the kitchen, they were able to offer students a unique culinary experience and expand their taste horizons.

This event was a significant milestone for the school, as it was the first time they hosted such a large-scale culinary demonstration. It shows their commitment to engaging children with food and improving the cafeteria offerings.