Assiniboine College Celebrates Culinary Talent at Sweet Affair

Assiniboine College hosted its inaugural “Sweet Affair” on October 19, 2023, offering guests an evening filled with desserts and specialty beverages. The event, designed to showcase the skills of culinary arts and hospitality management students, featured twelve themed stations, each presenting three unique dessert items paired with creative mocktails.

Guests indulged in an array of treats, including cakes, tarts, pies, and éclairs, many made with ingredients sourced from the college’s own garden. According to Karen O’Gilvie, academic chair of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts and Field to Fork program, the event was timed perfectly to highlight seasonal produce.

“We wanted to showcase desserts as a standalone event, and this was the perfect time of year to do that — especially with ingredients grown right here by our horticulture students,” O’Gilvie stated, reflecting on the importance of local sourcing.

Approximately thirty students actively participated in organizing the event, which quickly sold out, drawing around one hundred guests. O’Gilvie emphasized the educational value of the experience, stating, “It’s teaching them mass production, teamwork, budgeting, event planning and how to exceed customer expectations.” The students dedicated two months of hard work to ensure the event’s success.

The “Sweet Affair” also focused on inclusivity, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Each station offered gluten-free and dairy-free options, reinforcing the importance of serving all guests. O’Gilvie remarked, “It’s about teaching students how to serve every guest.”

For students like second-year culinary arts student Isabel Carter, the event provided a thrilling opportunity to apply their baking passions in a real-world setting. “I personally love baking — it’s my favourite,” Carter shared. “A lot of people like sweets, so this event means a lot. I got to learn new techniques and do things I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

Carter noted that events like this help students enhance their communication and presentation skills. “We get to talk to people, learn how to mingle and present our dishes. It’s busy, but really rewarding,” she added.

First-year student Didier Bernal described the Sweet Affair as an “unforgettable” learning experience. He expressed appreciation for the exposure it provided and the chance to build confidence. “It’s just awesome to have this kind of exposure,” Bernal commented. He highlighted the creativity behind each dessert, including his espresso-inspired mocktail, which surprised guests with its sweet flavor.

As attendees moved through the venue, filled with delicious desserts and the enthusiasm of the student chefs, O’Gilvie expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “We’re so grateful for the support from the Westman community,” she stated. “They’ve always stood behind our students and our program. Tonight is a celebration of that partnership — and of what our students can do when passion meets learning.”

The Sweet Affair not only showcased the talents of Assiniboine College students but also reinforced the importance of community engagement in education. Such events create lasting memories and invaluable experiences for all involved.