By Noor Ibrahim

Who would have thought that visual art and food had a connection?

This week’s adventure was a visit to the SMCC Culinary Arts Building kitchens as well as its dining hall.

Every time I walk by the Culinary Arts Building, I imagine a modern and flamboyant interior. In front of the entrance there is an island garden. During the spring, the tree in the center blooms charming pink flowers.

As I walked into the building, I was welcomed by the well-lit hallways and a delectable scent of a warm and juicy pizza sauce. The interior did not meet my expectations, but at the same time it did not disappoint me.

There is a combination of many art forms in this space: the arts of cookery and the visual arts. I was quickly drawn in by the many art works that were hung in almost every hall. If it was not on a canvas, then it was a mural.

One painting that captured my attention was hung on a black-tiled wall in front of the front desk. The painting is full of abstract shapes and the tones were a mixture of reds, yellows and blues.

I wandered around the hallways, overhearing the clunking of metal in the labs/kitchens. I first went in the pastry lab. They were in the process of making cakes from scratch. After walking in, Chef Meg Hutchins greeted me, and then the conversation began. I asked many questions about the student experience as well as the products that are produced and served in the dining room. The most important question was about sanitation and overall cleanliness. Ms. Hutchins informed me that there is a special training dedicated to sanitation in the kitchen before taking any lab. She also said that they take extra care when cleaning grease from the kitchenware (since it attracts more bacteria).  

Next I headed to the dining hall. Wow! What  a scene! We are truly blessed to be on a campus surrounded by extravaganza. From the red-brick walls to the large windows to the simple and elegant table set up, the only thing I thought of was  when a place is stunning, taking a picture is effortless.

I was then welcomed by the instructor of the dining room, Angela Aspito. She informed me about the buffet they have every Friday. She stated that “Every week has a theme, and the chefs decide on what will be prepared. I don’t know the themes in advance. We find out when we come into class, so we learn our menu then.” She further explained what kinds of themes they have. For example, last week they had a traditional American theme  so they carved roast beef and served pork tenderloin and a variety of different appetizers and hot dishes like duck cassoulet. They also have things like latin week. This week they have Italian week. Therefore,  flatbread pizzas will be out for people and a variety of italian classic dishes.

In all, my experience  at the Culinary Arts department was very pleasant and informative as well. I have certainly noticed how much art was placed throughout the building. This provides the proper atmosphere to enhance the students’ creativity. The only thing I wish would change is that there should be some form of three-dimensional art form somewhere in the lobby where the front desk is.