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11th Annual Grand Opening of Student-Run Culinary Café

SCOE Program Teaches Students Vocational and Life Skills

Students preparing food

The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) proudly announces the 11th annual grand opening of one of Sacramento County's best-kept dining secrets: the Culinary Café.

The acclaimed Café opens to the general public on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. It is a classroom-based instructional program that provides students with hands-on opportunities to reinforce their newly acquired skills in food preparation, storage and handling, teamwork, and customer services. The Café is a project of SCOE and operated through its Special Education Department and Regional Occupational Program.

Students taking part in the LINKS Culinary Arts program learn to prepare meals, serve customers, maintain a clean kitchen, and operate a business. They are young people with special needs who have difficulty managing in a conventional school environment. One of the main goals behind the program is to teach students important skills designed to help them find employment.

In addition to their regular academic studies, students attend class in the school's home economics lab to main mastery of entry-level skills in the foodservice profession. Many students have subsequently attained jobs or have used their vocational and social skills to help them further their education.

Beginning November 10th, the Café will be open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. For the low cost of only $6.00, weekly lunch offerings include a main course, vegetable, salad, beverage, and dessert. Gratuities for students are always appreciated. All proceeds return to the program.

Lunch seating is available for 30 people. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Café at (916) 566-2039. A calendar showing menu items is available online.

The Culinary Café is located on the campus of Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School (2040 Ethan Way, near Cottage Way and Howe Avenue, three blocks north of Arden Fair Mall).

Cafe guests eating