Over the last eight weeks, Lamar has been in the classroom and in the kitchen building a foundation of skills that will set him up for success as he moves into his internship. The last week of culinary skills training in the CWTP showcased all the skills Lamar has learned thus far as he opened Lamar’s Kitchen for Restaurant Week! Lamar, who is diabetic, wanted to create a dining experience that would cater to the community as a whole but also be diet friendly to individuals that have special dietary needs. The trick was creating a menu that met those needs but didn’t sacrifice flavor. Here’s what he landed on:
Lamar’s Kitchen
First Course
Chicken Noodle Soup or Kale Caesar Salad
Second Course
Lamb Burger on Brioche with Blue Cheese Aioli and Glazed Carrots
Chicken Parm on Angel Hair Pasta with Scratch-made Tomato Sauce and Asparagus
Meatloaf with Whipped Potatoes and Vegetable Medley
Dessert
No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
As you can imagine, it was hard for guests to choose which items to try. By the end of the week, it was unanimous that the meatloaf dish was the best anyone has ever had! Lamar adapted a recipe he uses at home and elevated it to be part of Restaurant Week.
I was nervous on the first day. I wasn’t sure how the timing was going to work or if people were going to like my food. It was a little overwhelming to think I’d be making all this food by myself. By the end of the week, I felt very comfortable in the kitchen. – Lamar
Lamar still has a few weeks left before completing the program. He’ll work on developing his resume, practicing interviewing skills and job readiness before moving on to his internship. Stay tuned as we continue to follow his journey.
Now Accepting Applications for Participant Placement
As an approved Workforce Investment Opportunity Act training program by the Nebraska Department of Labor, participants can use workforce investment funding to cover the cost of their enrollment in the 15 week culinary training program and retain any benefits they are currently receiving while in paid internships. The Culinary Workforce Training Program is now taking agency referrals for participant placement in future cohorts for 2018. For more information call No More Empty Pots at 402.502.1642.
Become an Internship Partner
We’re looking for local food businesses to host culinary interns. By welcoming an intern into your business, you offer participants valuable on the job experience while retaining local talent and giving back to the community! To find out more information, please email No More Empty Pots at info@www.nmepomaha.org or call 402.502.1642.