Bistro and restaurant kitchen . The Culinary Arts program is among the CTE offerings now housed in the renovated building and features two industry-standard kitchens for culinary arts introductory and food science classes — with a third being constructed to meet student demand . Adjacent to the Sting Bistro / restaurant kitchen is the industry-standard culinary lab for advanced students . Each of the learning spaces gleam with stainless steel appliances and counter tops against a background of white subway tile .
The Sting Bistro and the advanced culinary program are under the direction of Chef Adair Smith , new to the CHS faculty this year — but a veteran when it comes to the kitchen , restaurant management and classroom instruction . With 13 years as lead culinary arts instructor at Mansfield ISD ’ s Ben Barber Innovation Academy preceded by 18 years as a restaurant manager and owner , Smith brings a lot of experience to the table .
Smith ’ s CHS kitchen challenge includes preparing his current roster of student chefs for the advanced Practicum 3 and 4 classes which will include the business side of restaurant operations , to be utilized along with their cooking skills in managing the on-campus restaurant .
Smith ’ s students have already put their first semester training to the test in preparing and serving culinary creations to Johnson County school superintendents and district administrators , members of the CISD Facility Advisory Committee , the CISD board of trustees and most recently , participants in the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cleburne program .
“ Our Leadership Cleburne class had the privilege to eat lunch in the Sting Bistro during their Education Day in December ,” chamber President Tara Janszen said . “ I was completely blown away with our experience . The menu was so creative and well planned , the food was delicious and the presentation of each dish was stunning . The students did a great job serving and everyone in the class really enjoyed their time at this unique dining establishment .”
“ As a Cleburne HS graduate ,” Janszen said , “ I felt a great sense
Cleburne This is Texas 25 of pride while touring the newlyrenovated portion of the high school and being among the first to experience the Sting Bistro . It makes me excited for the future of our school district and community .”
The reason for their involvement in culinary arts varies from student to student , but there is consensus when it comes to the level of instruction they are receiving and the knowledge and experience they are gaining .
“ Knowing how to cook at this level is fun ,” eleventh grader Liz Felix said . “ I know this will help me take care of myself when I ’ m on my own and it also makes me more marketable in terms of job opportunities . I ’ m not sure I will do this as a career , but I love this class . I plan to continue with