Future pro chefs work with Fieri

By Josh Grosteffon

While Guy Fieri was cooking with "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" all-star chefs during his food show Wednesday night at the Midland Center for the Arts, aspiring young chefs also had their hands, and knives, in the show.

Six students from the culinary and hospitality management ProStart program at the Saginaw Career Complex were on stage before and during the show. ProStart is a two-year high school program put on by the National Restaurant Association for students interested in the culinary world.

"This is once in a lifetime opportunity," Jenna Zoromski said of being part of the food tour. "I think we're all really excited -- from the moment we found out about it."

Students were chopping vegetables, prepping garlic, getting spices and other things ready, and working with Fieri's assistants. Fieri also came and talked to the students before the show.

During the show, students fetched trays, ran dishes and were on spill patrol.

"Whatever they tell us to do, we just do it," Savannah McKinley said.

The students are all serious about entering the culinary field, and yes, they're all big Food Network fans.

"You turn on my TV and that's all that's ever on," said Kayla Nestell.

While working on the food show was a bit different than traditional jobs in the culinary field, their class work prepared students for what they had to do on the show.

Students were able to use and showcase kitchen safety, knife skills, sanitation and teamwork. Another important aspect is kitchen language.

Fieri uses students from the program at his shows. Prospective assistants were interviewed earlier this year for a spot on stage.

"He's a real supporter of the ProStart program," said Julie Ivan, instructor for the program, of Fieri.

Fieri hosted the national student ProStart Invitational.

"It's a really neat thing for us because they're into food; this is the rock and roll moment of food of a lifetime, and they get involved," Fieri said in a previous interview.

All the students are set on the world of food for their future careers.

"These are the kids that have the passion in their heart," said Shari Smith, instructor and owner of Shari's at the Williard Hilton. She's taken students to the restaurant for more hands-on experience. Students also participate in competitions at the state and national level.