#Insta-Worthy

15 November 2013Photos and article by Jeen S

A recent cool Sunday afternoon saw a motley gathering of students in the Patels’ kitchen. Why? These students, from across the school, were united by a love of cooking and of food. From seasoned cooks to complete novices, they chopped, diced, steamed and ate their way through their weekend. The Food Club has its origin in the Saturday-night tradition of three boys getting together and cooking good food. This tradition has been expanded to include all interested participants, staff and students. The twelve openings for the club filled up quickly with students from all grades and houses who were keen to learn and to enjoy their Sunday afternoon eating. The first theme was breakfast, including homemade granola and yogurt, Eggs Benedict with real hollandaise sauce, fruit platters and lots of bacon. Everything was local, organic and fresh sourced by the staff sponsors, Chef David and Mrs. Patel. The first part of the meal was homemade yogurt, which, unfortunately due to the time needed for the milk to coagulate, only Mrs. Patel would be able to enjoy later in the week. The next item on the menu was a granola made with coconut, rolled oats, honey, almonds, cranberries and sunflower seeds; the smell that wafted out of the oven was incredible. During the wait for the granola to bake, Chef David gave a lesson on fruit carving and plating. The results were very pleasing, both visually and to the palate. The feast continued with mounds of local nitrate-free bacon. There were three different cuts, including rashers, side, and peameal bacon. The bacon, however, was the side dish to the star of the show: Eggs Benny with real hollandaise sauce. The difference between pre-made hollandaise and fresh is out of this world. The group’s unanimous decision was that the Food Club was a day well spent with appetites satiated and multiple snaps of the food going onto Instagram. Thank you to Chef David and Mrs. Patel for sponsoring the club and generously opening the beautiful Patel residence to the group. The only negative of the day: Mr. Patel, we saw you sneak a few bites. Jeen S, Whittall ‘14

Where Students Choose To Be