A Trip to the Mediterranean Without Leaving New York at Educated Palate

In the middle of winter, diners experienced the Mediterranean this week at Educated Palate, the student-run restaurant at The Tech Center on the campus of Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES.

“The food is just exquisite!” said one diner, who feasted on ham croquette tapas, chicken marsala and honey soaked cake with baklava, among other tantalizing choices.

Jillian McCarthy, from Hendrick Hudson High School, likes the fact that the Hospitality program at The Tech Center offers both front of the house and back of the house restaurant experience, meaning that students can experience everything from cooking and baking to waiting tables and managing a restaurant. “It’s great hands-on experience,” she said.

As Chloe Kelly, from Ossining, and Cassandra Anton, from Mahopac, took a short break from waiting on customers, they talked about what the program at the Tech Center means to them.

“I’m interested in hotel management,” said Chloe, “and I’ve learned so much from this program,” not just about baking and food, she said, but about management.  Cassandra Anton, from Mahopac, a Pastry Arts student, would like to open her own bakery one day. “The program has really given me a lot of experience in the field,” she said.