Do you know how to cook a skate properly?
Jens Dahlmann, Vice President of Culinary Operations at Universal Orlando Resort, recently taught students participating in Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program how to prepare the close relative of a stingray in brown butter with caper sauce.
“It’s sweet,” a student said after sampling the skate. “It’s fantastic.”
As part of the program, students participate in guest lectures, cooking demonstrations and site visits inside top Central Florida resort and theme park kitchens. Longstanding partnerships give students a taste of different careers and specialties within the local culinary industry.
Perhaps most importantly, these introductions often lead to students obtaining jobs in these locations after completing the 16-week course.
Dahlmann said Universal had hired 16 graduates over the last several years.
“It’s a very natural fit because they learn the right things to bring to Universal,” he said. “It’s such a hands-on program.”
When Dahlmann visited, the students also learned how to prepare Atlantic salmon with mango and papaya salsa and blackened Pompano fish. The lesson included how to cut and clean the fish, the proper knives to use, how to make a stock, food safety, and the right cooking methods for the desired outcome.
“The keys are fresh ingredients, and you don’t have to do too much,” he said. “That’s taking away from the quality of the fish. When the price is more, do less.”
The students were engaged in the demonstration, listening intently and trying all the dishes. After the demonstration, they practiced butchering the fish and replicating the dishes.
“When you start learning to butcher fish don’t’ start with a skate,” Dahlmann joked because it’s tricky.
Second Harvest’s Culinary Training Program is a free, 16-week course designed for adults facing barriers to employment. The program includes hands-on time in the kitchen and classroom instruction on life skills.
“They do a really good job preparing students for a career,” Dahlmann said.
Success in the culinary field depends on the student’s determination and perseverance, he added.
“Put in the effort, work hard and take risks, and you’re going to be fine,” Dahlmann said.
