Agroup of about 20 culinary students from Taylor High School, known as The Duck Brigade, and their instructor, Chef Mike Erickson, became a part of Texas history on Tuesday by assisting with the Taste of Texas celebration on the capital grounds following the inauguration of Governor Greg Abbott Jan. 17.
“They worked hard,” Erickson said. “They were busy setting up tents, putting tablecloths on, serving and doing everything you would do for a big event. Every one of them said they were tired when it was over.”
Only three Austin area high school culinary programs were invited to help at the inauguration’s celebratory event.
Showcasing a diverse selection of food samplings from independent restaurants across the state, students from Taylor High School, Connally High School and Del Valle High School assisted the 10 participating restaurants with serving food and distributing drinks at the beverage tent.
Student chefs Gonzalo Cruz and Jakorien Abercrombie assisted in the beverage tent, serving drinks to 5,000 guests in just two hours.
“I wasn’t used to a lot of people at one time needing assistance,” said Cruz. “It was hurried, calling out the drinks people wanted and handing them out. We had coffee and tea, water and soda. People were asking for Diet Coke and we ran out.”
“It was good for me, keeping up with all the people who wanted a soda or tea,” said Abercrombie. “It taught me what to expect from a lot of people wanting food and drinks. I’m going to be interacting with thousands of people in my lifetime, so this was good experience.”
The invitation to help with the inauguration came through the ProStart Program in partnership with the Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Foundation. Through this program, high schoolers receive two years of culinary arts and restaurant management training, along with opportunities to participate in events and connect with mentors.
While Bevo and Reveille and other college mascots had a prominent presence at the event, students didn’t get to see the Governor or other dignitaries. Still, they said they enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about customer service and skills needed for catering large events.
“You can’t just sit there, you have to communicate with people to make sure you know what they want and how they want it,” said Cruz. “It helped me with the confidence I need to talk to people. I’m not good with strangers, but I got to talk to a lot of people and help them get what they needed.”
Erickson said the culinary program will receive a gift of $2,000 from the inaugural committee for their assistance at the event. The funds will be used for an end of year field trip with the students deciding on the destination. They are also planning to return to the capital in March for another ProStart event.
“We’re going to be invited back in March to cook for the legislators and possibly the governor inside the capital,” said Erickson. “Cooking the food and serving for the house and the senate. At the inauguration we didn’t get to go inside the building, but next time we will.”
