SUMMER PICNIC INSPIRATION
With the first long weekend of the summer season nearly upon us, I am excited about the prospect of a picnic by the river! Since I was a little girl, it has been a family tradition to take the youngest family members to the banks of the Avon, set out our picnic hamper fare, and share a festive meal with the persistent swans, demanding ducks, and friendly human visitors who come back to Stratford every year. Our picnic hamper has always included sandwiches, fruits, veggies, perhaps a few cookies or bars, and cold beverages. Nothing fancy, that’s for sure!
Recently, I’ve been thinking about an article “The Picnic” that I saved from the May 1986 Salute to Stratford Ontario issue of City & Country Home magazine. How wonderful it would be to recreate this masterpiece of picnic hamper splendour! Created by chefs at The Church Restaurant in 1986, the menu includes Minted Pea Soup, Herb and Flower Petal Salad, Fresh Fruit Tart, and so much more.
Although I’m not completely sure why I’ve saved this article for all these years, I do know that, even as I type these words, I smile as I look over at the torn pages. Perhaps it’s the image of “soft dappled sunlight filter[ing] through the trees that shade an elegant feast…” There is also high probability that I long to tackle this menu, in its entirety, and have the profound pleasure of recreating such an extraordinary feast; but I suspect that the true reason I hold onto these torn pages is simply that they evoke memories of picnics past and the promise of another on the banks of the Avon. I hope you enjoy reading this article too!
Have a safe and happy Victoria Day Holiday long weekend!
-Elizabeth Kerr, Director of Marketing and Admissions Development (Class of 2021)
Click image to view/download.
Article by Joan Mackie | Photography by Ted Yarwood | City & Country Home CUISINE, May 1986 issue
Featured Swan image (top) courtesy of www.Stratford.ca
OPEN KITCHEN Cooking Classes
There is an Open Kitchen class for every interest this summer! Choose from a variety of hands-on sessions that include favourites like Inspired by Mexico, Quick Meals for Busy People, new Trade Secrets classes dedicated to exploring the versatility of Chicken and Eggs, or fun Kids Can Cook! Classes offered on Sundays in July and September.
Classes are limited to 12 participants each and sell out quickly – reserve your favourites online now!
Chef Instructor: ELI SILVERTHORNE
REGISTER NOW for our 16-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM
Two spots remain!
June 5 – September 22, 2023
* Exclusive Program
* Low Student to Teacher Ratio
* Hands-On Training
* Weekdays
“The Summer Program was the beginning of my culinary adventure and it just keeps getting more exciting.” – E. Kerr (Class of 2021)
“After learning more about Stratford Chefs School Summer Program, it felt right to choose this path to continue my educational journey.” -B. Letman (Class of 2020)
“There is no better place to kick-start a culinary career!” -S. Riekenbrauck (Class of 2021)
Contact: Elizabeth Kerr 519.271.1414 or admissions@stratfordchef.com.
“When I decided to be a chef, I made it a goal to pick the best culinary school in the country to build a solid foundation. I chose the Stratford Chefs School, mostly for its reputation for producing talent, for its intense training program, and for the intimate student – teacher ratio. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am in my career without the connections I made and the skills that I learned there.”
Carl Heinrich | Executive Chef and Co-owner, Richmond Station, Toronto | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2005 | Top Chef Canada 2012
“The Stratford Chefs School provides the training to create world-class chefs who are comfortable working in any kitchen environment. Its immersive, approachable, interactive curriculum provided me with the tools and confidence that I needed early on in my career to make the transition from the school setting to the workforce. Perhaps most important to me are the lasting friendships that were made, the ongoing support from the SCS community, and exciting collaborations with other alumni.”
Alondra Galvez | Owner/Chef, El Cactus Taco Shop | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2003
“At the Chefs School, I was given the opportunity to challenge myself, and expand the limits of my culinary skill and knowledge. SCS gave me the ability to trust in my own skill and allowed me to expand my knowledge. Now I confidently pass that skill and knowledge to my students.”
Mel Athulathmudali | Teacher, Strata Montessori | Owner, Chef Mel Catering | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2016
QUESTIONS? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or email Admissions at: admissions@stratfordchef.com
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)