The Student Chef program at Delta College launched a new takeout program this semester called the Mustang Café alongside the dine in option.
The Student Chef program has been a fixture on the Delta College campus since 1992. Student Chef opened for the 2024 Fall semester on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The new take-out Café model, the Mustang Café also opened to service that day.
“The Mustang Café in particular is a place where students can try out recipes and concepts that they want to see in our community,” said Associate Professor of Culinary Arts Andrew Griggs. “It gives them a chance to practice those skills and hopefully open up businesses locally.”
Another new change for the semester is card-only payments for both the Café and the restaurant.
Getting a chance to work in a restaurant style environment is important to learning and developing skills as a chef.
Mario Rodriguez, a Delta student who has had prior experience in a restaurant, said that this is one of the most important parts of the culinary program at Delta.
“Classes like this are as close as you can get,” said Rodriguez. “For someone who wants to do culinary, who wants to work in a restaurant, a Student Chef is completely necessary to understand restaurant life.”
Rodriguez wasn’t the only student chef that felt this way.
Third year student Noah Yang said that this was one of the best experiences he has had in the culinary program and it’s a vital part of learning the culinary arts.
The staff and student body had positive views on the program, Delta student Steven Cole shared his thoughts on the affordable pricing: “Where else can you get a loaded baked potato for $7?”
Art Gallery Coordinator Jan Marlese said she has been coming to the program for the past 17 years and appreciates the impact it has on the community.
Marlese also said it’s a great impact for culinary students learning as well as being a good way to showcase our culinary students.
“Keep it open, make it bigger,” said Marlese.
This semester the Culinary Program started new Instagram and Facebook pages at the handle @sjdcculinary, where menus for the week are uploaded. The program runs Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the remainder of the semester.
