Culinary Arts: Tastefully Done

Welcome to Central Campus

A view of the Central Cafe

Menu for a delicious lunch

On March 7, 2014, I ate at the award winning culinary arts program called Central Campus Cafe located at Central Campus in Des Moines.  It is quite simply the "taste" of Des Moines Schools!  Central Cafe is a learning environment wonderfully crafted by Elaine Wolf, a finalist for the 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year.  Elaine is a master at what she does - instilling in her students a love for culinary arts.  In the past ten years, she has created a source of pride for the Des Moines School District as she guides her students to prepare and serve meals in a cafe setting.  Her students prepare food from scratch for a cafe open for business either Thursday or Friday.   A GrowLab cart is used for growing herbs, lettuces, and micro greens for the Central Campus Cafe adding to the quality of the food served.

Tasty vegetable soup

Chef Wolf's culinary arts program is one where students can earn up to a full year’s credit toward a degree from DMACC’s Iowa Culinary Institute.  She has earned numerous grants to develop her high quality cafe and kitchen area including a grant for over $100,000 from Cargill.   She has developed partnerships with more than 50 area food industry professionals which provide additional  opportunities for her students.

Tilapia on rice

On the day I dined at Central Cafe, I was treated to flavorful vegetable soup followed by a tasty tilapia meal.  The service was excellent, and it is easy to see how proud the culinary arts students are to be part of this magnificent program.  The setting for Central Cafe has a wonderful view of Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.

So if you are looking for a great meal and terrific service, make a visit to Central Cafe.  You will be glad you did!  And while there, be sure to offer your congratulations to Elaine Wolf for developing such an amazing program that allows students to pursue a career in which they are "hungry" for success!

Elaine Wolf in front of displays created by her students for competition