Deadwood or Bust

Sabrina Rottenbucher, staffLooking to expand their knowledge and skill sets, Culinary Arts students visited the city of Deadwood. While there, students went to Diamond Lil’s, Jake’s Fine Food & Drink and Legends Steakhouse.

At Jake’s, the Culinary Arts students got to prepare and cook chicken alfredo, creme brulee and cranberry colada on the rocks. Each student had the opportunity to add the brown sugar/sugar mixture on top of the creme brulee. Students also were allowed to caramelize the mixture using a blowtorch.

A few students even got to prepare the chicken alfredo. When preparing the dish, students could add either peppers, onions or both to the Chicken Alfredo. Each student also prepared his or her own drink made out of coconut milk, cranberry juice and coconut flavored sparkling water. The drink was garnished with one orange slice and two whole cranberries.

At Diamond Lil’s, the Culinary Arts students toured the kitchen, which is visible from the dining area. This introduced students to the professional cooking environment.

“The purpose of the trip is to expose students to commercial kitchens and employers in the region,” instructor Coleen Keffeler said. “How did these employers get their start in food service, why do they stay in the industry, what do they look for in a potential employee? They also reinforce everything the students have learned in class - safety and sanitation, presentation, portion control and cost per serving, customer service, etc.”

From Diamond Lil’s, Culinary Arts students went to Legends Steakhouse and toured the kitchen and restaurant area. Touring professional establishments allowed students to observe how restaurants operate in real life.

“Because we do not have access to a commercial kitchen, it is important for students to see how a commercial kitchen is set up and works,” Keffeler said. “They learn how each department works together to ensure guests have a quality experience and the business makes a profit. It’s also important for students to see what opportunities are available to them right here in the Black Hills and it’s important to hear from people in the field that what we’ve been covering in class is important.”

Not only did the field trip offer an exciting day away from school, but it also allowed students to experience real life Culinary Arts practices in action.