The Bistro @ the CTC
Who says you have to go to the State Fair to enjoy a smoked turkey leg?
Not Arlington ISD culinary students!
Students at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) brought a taste of the fair to The Bistro last week, serving everything from Texas chili cheese fries to brisket mac and cheese sandwiches. But the fair-inspired menu offered more than delicious food. It gave students a chance to experience what it’s like to work in a real restaurant.
Run by advanced culinary arts students at the CTC, The Bistro is open to the public and gives students hands-on experience preparing meals, serving customers, and managing restaurant operations. Each event challenges students to apply their classroom knowledge in a fast-paced, real-world environment.
For Martin High School student Ashlynn Wiesendanger, working at The Bistro reinforced the importance of communication and teamwork in a busy kitchen. While classroom instruction builds the foundation for culinary techniques and restaurant operations, Wiesendanger said hands-on experience brings those lessons to life.
“You’re being told the same things over and over again until you’re actually put into the situation,” Wiesendanger said.
And that experience begins long before the first customer arrives.
Students spent the previous class preparing ingredients, dividing responsibilities, and planning for lunch service. Martin student Hannah Rivas worked with a classmate to prepare cheesecakes, while Sam Houston High School student Jason Mendoza helped prepare chili and turkey legs for the smoker.
“I think it was really fun to work with my classmates,” Rivas said. “We all got our own individual roles that we had to do.”
Students also had opportunities to choose their responsibilities and explore different roles in the kitchen. Mendoza learned how to maintain the smoker’s temperature throughout the cooking process, while other students helped select seasonings for the turkey legs. Each decision gave students more ownership of the meals they prepared.
On the morning of the event, some students arrived early in the morning to begin preparing for lunch service. As their classmates joined them, the kitchen grew busier. When customers began placing orders, students put their preparation to the test, balancing responsibilities, communicating with teammates, and keeping orders moving.
Beyond developing culinary skills, Rivas said the experience taught her a lesson she can carry into any future career.
“Just being engaged and doing it as a team,” Rivas said. “That’s something I could learn and take with me.”
At The Bistro, students aren’t just learning how to prepare a great meal. They’re discovering the teamwork, communication, and responsibility it takes to deliver one.
Now that’s a recipe for success!
Did you miss it?
Don’t worry if you missed it. The Bistro will be open to the public again soon.
The Bistro also offers catering. Visit their catering webpage for menus and pricing.