The Stanley G. Falk School recently welcomed Chef John Matwijkow from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for a demonstration. Thirty-six students ranging from grades 10 to 12 filled the cafeteria as Chef John illustrated how to properly cut and present fruit.
The morning expanded beyond culinary techniques, though, as Chef John highlighted themes of hard work and persistence. Chef John told the story of how he began a catering business in his apartment. He explained how he was able to build a successful business because of his passion for food and willingness to work toward his goal of cooking professionally, adding that he had woken up at 3:00am that very day in order to prepare the fruit for the day’s lesson.
When asked why she thinks Falk students are interested in the culinary arts, Cambridge campus Principal Lisa Dombek responded, “I think we do a great job of exposing them to a lot of different fields. Our students often thrive when there is a hands-on component that involves creativity. Having that finished product shows the outcome of the hard work they put in.”
Senior Benjamin Collins reflected this idea. “I want to go into culinary and pastry cooking,” he said. “I want to look at the work that I did and think ‘Wow’ when I see it finished.”
He also was inspired by Chef John’s stories of starting as a dishwasher and working his way up. “It showed me that no matter how small you [start], you can still grow bigger,” Collins said.
Thank you to Chef John and the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for a great experience! You can find more information on the NFCI by clicking here.
