Three courses for only 9.50 euros? That almost sounds like a joke! Yet it really is possible, namely with Practical College Zoetermeer. The students recently opened their own restaurant there. Teacher Theo van Dalen: “It’s going like a train, great to see.”
Theo (53) has been working in the hospitality industry for forty years and, together with two other teachers, teaches as a chef at the Praktijkcollege. “We know from experience that ‘practice for real’ works very well for these students. This way, when they go on an internship and start working, they don’t stand with their hands in their hair. That is why, together with my colleague Chris Luijendijk, I have transformed part of the school into a real restaurant.”
Almost real
What to expect from this restaurant experience? “Star quality!” says Theo with a laugh. “No, but seriously, we really make a delicious lunch. The menu changes every week. Think, for example, of smoked salmon salad, a stew with date gravy and strawberry romanoff for dessert. We have also made a palace of it in terms of decoration and the children are wearing a chef’s outfit or a tie. We try to imitate reality as closely as possible.”
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You should see those grinning faces!
Not only the children’s friends and family come along. “The whole neighborhood is excited!” says Theo. “We are full almost every week and we have many returning guests, which motivates the children. And this is how we involve the school in the neighborhood and vice versa. The kids themselves love it too, you should see those grinning faces! They are very grateful that they can do this at school. And of course I think that’s great too.”
Colleagues in the hospitality industry
A nice side effect of the restaurant is that more and more students are becoming interested in the catering industry, says Theo. “You try to get them a little enthusiastic about this field, and you succeed! The more colleagues in the hospitality industry, the better. The plan is to also work with the children at other locations, for example during caterings at parties and celebrations. And to play an evening in the restaurant, with fun themes, bingo or live music. Enough possibilities!”
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Make a reservation!
Praktijkcollege Zoetermeer will soon launch a website for the restaurant, but until then you can make a reservation by sending an email to [email protected] or call 079 351 2512. The restaurant is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12:00 to 13:30. The price of the menu does not include drinks. You can indicate dietary requirements during your reservation, so everyone is welcome. Will you also come and taste?
More cool opportunities
It is not surprising that this school in particular introduces its own restaurant. At the small-scale Praktijkcollege Zoetermeer, students get plenty of opportunities to discover their passion. For example, students will soon run their own shop in the Dorpsstraat and organize a nice plant market.
Also come to Praktijkcollege Zoetermeer
Do you think your child will be completely at home at this fun school? Praktijkcollege Zoetermeer is a practical school where everyone with practical education advice is welcome. Whether you choose the direction of care, physical education or technology, for example: here you learn in practice, in small classes and from a permanent team of teachers. Read more about it on the website and who knows, your child will soon be shining in the restaurant or at one of the other cool locations! Registration closes on April 1, 2023.