¡Tengo una barriga feliz! I have a happy belly.
Pero tengo una problema. But I have a problem.
Déjame explicarte. Let me explain.
EHS is this wonderful microcosm where ideas, smiles, and cultures are shared. Food is a very important part of culture, and Mrs. Marta Greenberg had the wonderful idea to share some food and smiles through a Spanish Food Truck Project Presentation today.
Señora Greenberg had sent out an email inviting the faculty and staff to attend her students’ presentation a few days ago, and it made me think:
a. That would make a great article!
b. Yum!
More than just a chance to enjoy some comida gratis, Greenberg’s invitation read, “This event represents the culmination of weeks of collaborative work, where students have combined language skills, entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding.”
True to her word, when I entered the Culinary Arts room Friday morning, I found myself surrounded by smiling eighth graders who had not only prepared delicious sweet and savory offerings, but had designed menus and food trucks, along with often cleverly-conceived and highly marketable names. (I mean, c’mon “Los Reyes del Tacos” and “De España Para Ti”? How cool is that?)
Her second year showcasing this project, Greenberg explained, “This assignment is the culmination of our Spanish Food Unit. Students need to identify a country they want to represent. Then they need to conduct research and learn authentic cuisine for the country. Finally, they create a complete menu in Spanish applying what they learned and including vocabulary such as Desayuno, Almuerzo, Cena y Postre.”
Judges were presented with a four-question sheet of paper to take with them on their gustatory journey. Students were expected to educate each visitor about the name of their camión (truck), the food’s country of origin, what the dish in question was, and their menus.
It was obvious that a lot of effort had gone into their presentations, and I wondered what part was the most difficult for the students.
Señora Greenberg said, “The students seemed to be challenged when it was time to select the dish they were presenting. Different countries offer a variety of dishes which makes their decision difficult.”
Looking at the selection, this made sense: sweet desserts, savory and spicy lunch and dinner options, and even a refreshing beverage! No wonder they struggled with what to serve. I was trying to figure out where to begin (and what to photograph) as I went from station to station. It all looked so good!
I said as much, and asked about the most rewarding part of this whole experience – sure that it had to have something to do with the actual consumption of these goodies.
“Presentation day is the most rewarding part for students. They get to see their hard work finally pay off. For me, the most rewarding part is to see them work so hard throughout the process,” Greenberg stated with a smile.
She added, “I’m extremely proud of the amount of effort, dedication and hard work students put into this project.”
Rightly so. Everyone really brought their A game!
I spoke with at least half a dozen students (in my best Honiss School Spanish from 19??), and each was ready to tell me everything I needed to know. Then they fed me! ¡Me gusta!
I sampled:
- an arepa from Mason’s La Cocina de Colombia
- an empanadilla from Kara’s Sazón Borieua
- a bolón from Sofia’s Deliciosa Comida de Ecuador
- a pan de bono from Susana’s Delicias Colombia
- a sip of morir soñando from Isa’s Camión La Vega
- some arroz con leche from Kosta’s Los Reyes del Tacos
- a panqueque con manjar from Lauren’s Sabores de Chile
- churro and chocolate from Liam’s De España Para Ti
And that wasn’t everything or everyone. There was more. Then I was expected to select ONE winner. ONE!?!
Dios Mio. My God.
No pude hacerlo. ¿Dos? ¿Tres? Si. ¿Pero uno? No. I couldn’t do it. Two? Three? Yes. But one? No.
Tengo una problema. I have a problem.
¡Pero tengo una barriga feliz! But I have a happy belly!
(All photos by E. Martinucci)
