Miami Lakes Middle School opened its Warrior’s Cafe in October, staffed by students in the school’s culinary program.
The popular courses are offered for a second year, expanded to eight classes and has a waiting list, non-profit Giving Gators co-founder Daylin Garcia said.
Students learn kitchen skills, advanced cooking techniques, meal planning and the cultural aspects of food, Garcia said.
For the cafe opening, students prepared meals for school administrators, staff and benefactors.
Donations came from former Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez ($1,000); Giving Gators ($1,000 for food and supplies) and Polo Norte Restaurants ($3,000 and a new refrigerator), Garcia said.
Top row from left: Culinary Arts student Depaul Kelley; Social Worker Hector Abad; Culinary Arts Teacher Adasis Bautista-Proctor; Giving Gators President Denis Brenes; Social Worker Yolanda Busquet; from Polo Norte Restaurants Demi Busquet Marrero, Vivian Busquet, President Eugenio Busquet, Founder Raul Busquet Sr. and Danay Busquet; Principal Maria Medina and Asst. Principals Cynthia Padron and Tacoma Foster. Front row from left: Culinary Arts students Sofia Camera; Brenda Pavon; Daniela Garcia; Sheyla Pina-Lemus; Emily Crespo; Jocelyn Morales; Maria Suarez; Mia Brache-Santana; Joseph Slattery; D’Angelo Roque; Alexander Portuondo; Kevyn Cervantes; Angelina Mejia and Scarlett Martinez. Courtesy photo.