Skip to main content

Something's cooking on Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

Sometimes, I don't even need to leave the office to find something interesting to post. I just look out my window.

A few minutes ago, I happened to glance out and spot this group of, um, chefs?, on Main and Bank.

I have no idea what this is about.

UPDATE: Just received this from Melinda Chamberlin:

You might be wondering what was going on today in Batavia when a bunch of student chefs were seen walking across Main Street. 

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance is an organization directed by Melinda Chamberlin.  The organization works to foster partnerships between business and education and to prepare students for the world of work.  Each summer, the BEA offers two career camps for students who will be entering 7th or 8th grade in the fall. 

The 2009 Culinary Arts Camp was Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 8:30am-12:30pm.  The camp began on Monday with a tour and a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of Tops Food Market.  Tuesday through Thursday was spent learning culinary skills and cooking under the tutelage of Chef Kyle Haak, the Genesee Valley BOCES Culinary Arts Instructor.  Some of the food that the students prepared included: ham and cheese frittatas, orange flavored French toast, roasted potatoes, oven fried chicken tenders, broccoli with homemade cheese sauce, brownies with a chocolate glaze, scones with strawberries and homemade whipped cream, and frozen smoothie popsicles.  The students all received aprons, chef hats, cookbooks, and cookbook holders.  The cookbook, There’s a Chef in My Soup: Recipes for the Kid in Everyone by Emeril Lagasse, provided the majority of the recipes.  Chef Kyle Haak shared some of his personal recipes with the students.  The final day of the camp was spent touring restaurants in downtown Batavia.  The camp started at Jackson Street Grille/Belladessa’s where each student made their own personal pizzas.  Then, they proceeded across Main Street to Sunny’s Restaurant where they all helped make the garlic butter.  At Larry’s Steakhouse, the students learned about the differences in the cuts of meat offered on the menu.  The students wrapped up the tour and the camp back at Jackson Street Grille/Belladessa’s where they enjoyed their pizzas. 

The other career camp offered this summer is M.A.S.H. (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp.  It is July 28 – 31.  Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30am-4:30pm, the camp will be hosted by United Memorial Medical Center.  Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm, the camp will be at the New York State School for the Blind.  The final day of the camp will be a half day, 8:30am-12:30pm, at the Genesee County Nursing Home.  Students will receive scrubs and other medical tools.  The camp is $35.

If you are interested, have questions, or would like to register a student, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at 343-7440 ext. 25 or at mchamberlin@geneseeny.com.  Transportation is not provided. 

Melissa George

That is the Business Education Alliance Culinary Camp Class.

Contact Melinda Chamberlin at 343-7440, ext 25 for more details on whatthe BEA does.

Jul 17, 2009, 11:19am Permalink
Susan Brownell

ooh thanks Melissa! It looks like something that my daughter would love. She says she is going to go to Culinary school... and she is only 11.

Jul 17, 2009, 2:41pm Permalink
George Richardson

Susan, I have two words for you: "Food Network." It is the future, today. I'm a damn good Sous(Sue)Chef (vegetable chopping grunt) myself, my wife lives for the Food Network, and other stuff. I just like to eat. It's cheaper than a University and pays better too. Plus, she's got to practice somewhere. Your neighbors will welcome her with open arms.

Jul 18, 2009, 6:38pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I used to work for the E.W. Scripps company, owners of the Food Network, at their newspaper in Ventura. I've been to the FN studios in Knoxville, though Knoxville is mostly HGTV. I've got FN and HGTV hats, mugs, visors, etc. (somewhere), but I never met Emeril or Bobbie Faye :(.

Jul 18, 2009, 9:30pm Permalink

Authentically Local