Tolland High Students Hold Restaurant Grand Opening

Running a restaurant is a job that commands great demands, including a grasp of everything from leadership skills, business sense, presence, tolerance, dedication and quality.

Fortunately for the students of Tolland High School's Advanced Baking and Pastry class, these skills are being mastered early on, thanks to the efforts of teacher Lauren DeBlois.

On March 18, DeBlois and her students held the grand opening of their "restaurant," Le Petit Gateau. Located inside the school, the restaurant is impressive, complete with subtle mood lighting, nicely set tables, atmospheric music and decor that makes guests feel as though they've entered a high-scale establishment.

Upon entering, maitre 'D Alexis D'Aloisio, a senior, greets guests, takes their $5 donation and seats them at their assigned table.

"We have many regulars that have come to just about all our dining occasions at THS," said D'Aloisio. Explaining her role at Le Petit Gateau, she added, "After everyone has arrived, I keep an eye on the restaurant music, the front pastry table and make sure the restaurant is running smoothly. The kids in the class are well taught by Ms. DeBlois, who is seasoned in the culinary business, so they make my job even easier. As the guests get ready to leave, I take reservations for upcoming restaurants, wish them a happy Friday and help clear tables."

Students in class share in the other responsibilities, such as planning, preparing, serving and evaluating each luncheon.

Although the grand opening and format of the restaurant is new, these types of cooking/meal events have been going on at the high school for many years.

"I've been holding them for four years, but Mrs. Lucente - my former teacher who inspired me to go to culinary school and become a chef - was holding them for 25 years before me," said DeBlois. "It was my idea to run a pastry shop instead of what we have been doing for the last three-and-a-half years only because of the nature of the current class, Advanced Baking and Pastry," she explained. "I wanted to involve more of the Tolland High School community, so we established an area where faculty and staff can come and get a cup of coffee and a sweet treat."

The restaurant is also open to parents of students, grandparents, students' neighbors, senior citizens and local business people.

DeBlois said, "It gives the students an opportunity to show off their talents to their other teachers and builds community spirit. The students promoted it... and we completely sold out today!"

Tolland High School has an affiliation with Manchester Community College, and the students receive three college credits when they pass the class. Funding for the program comes mostly from grant money, plus a small amount from the Board of Education.

"Unfortunately, next year the grant money won't be as much," said DeBlois.

It is hoped that the program will continue uninterrupted, however.

"I'm absolutely making this a career for me," said Deanna Thibault, the day's chef's helper and senior at the school. "After I graduate, I am going to Manchester Community College, and soon after that working to become a part of [or] own a catering company."

Thibault already has a job in a restaurant, Zest, in Tolland. "I couldn't ask for a better job," she said.

DeBlois is clearly thrilled with her students. "They are very proud of their accomplishments, and I'm proud of them."

For more information about upcoming Le Petit Gateau luncheons and for reservations, contact Lauren DeBlois at Tolland High School at 860-870-6818, ext. 235.