WOODBURY — The bustling sounds of a New York City bistro may be 90 minutes away, but for John Dominello’s culinary arts program, the sounds of a real-world kitchen are right here on campus. 

On May 30, Dominello’s advanced culinary students prepared meals for faculty and staff to purchase at an affordable $6. 

The meal’s main course was a tomato-zucchini galette made with fresh ingredients from Nonnewaug’s garden, thin slices of zucchini, plum tomatoes, parmesan, mozzarella, and basil, served with a warm side of marinara sauce. For dessert teachers received two chocolate-dipped Mrs. Fields cookies.

“I think all the teachers love it,” said Jennifer Jedd, an agriscience teacher who bought one of the meals, “and I myself love how all of the ingredients are locally sourced.”

Faculty, staff, and administrators were able to sign up for lunch through an email and picked up their to-go meals during their lunch periods. 

“The teachers do so much for us as coworkers and also for the students,” Dominello stated. “I wanted to start offering some real-world experiences for students.”

Dominello further stated that he wanted to give back to the community of educators here at Nonnewaug. He also wanted to help students put their learned skills to the test while prepping everything for the lunches.

“It’s been a super fun experience so far,” said Brayden Altieri, a senior in Dominello’s advanced culinary class. “It’s kind of like what we do during the [Senior Citizen Drive-Thru Luncheon] except we’re doing it for teachers, so it allows us to give back.”