Culinary Workshop

Dear starving Algonquin students, what if I told you that for only five dollars you could make three meals, big enough for two? That is exactly what I did last night at the Culinary Workshop.


This workshop is a great opportunity for students to learn how to cook. If you have never tried to make food from scratch and most of your cooking involves something from a box or can, this is your chance to learn how to make nutritious, easy meals. 

I was really nervous when I walked into the room because I’m not the most talented cook, but I was excited to make some great food. Since I went by myself I was placed in a group. There is a maximum of four people per station making this workshop a fun group activity. I spoke to one group that used this event as an ice breaker for new house mates. For the insecure cooks out there like I was, there is a trained instructor and culinary students walking you through the recipe as you go. No one taking this workshop is a pro, some may have cooked before, but the instructors adjust to your level. The first thing we had to do was clean and prepare all our vegetables. I really liked that the instructor concentrated on showing us safe, quick ways to cut the vegetables. I had never had a professional walk me through anything like that and it's a skill that I will be practicing when I cook at home. Then we started cooking!

Overall I really enjoyed the night. I was cooking with students in different programs, and learning about different types of food from Italian to Indian and Mexican. I had never tried to make an Indian dish before so it was a fun experience. If you’re thinking about joining the culinary program this is a great way to see if you would like it or not.

When I got home I tried a little bit of each dish we made and they were all delicious. I put them in the freezer for a busy week when I don’t have time to cook. I can’t wait to sit down and eat everything I created. Definitely a great workshop for students looking to learn some new skills in the kitchen, save money, and eat great food!

OH! I forgot to mention that not only do you get to take the food you make home but you also get sent home with the recipes. So if you really like them you can make them again. This was a great event that needs to be part of your college experience if not for your stomach then for your wallet!

- SAO blogger Sarah Raphael