OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -
Some of the trendiest cuisine is being made right in Johnson County, but one may be surprised at who is preparing the exquisite dishes.
It is one of the toughest restaurant reservations to lock down around town, but believe it or not the Broadmoor Bistro is run almost completely by students.
Whether one likes gourmet vegetables sautéed in a white wine sauce or top-of-the-line pastries, the Broadmoor Bistro is the place.
It looks just like a regular restaurant with fine dining and state-of-the-art equipment, but the chefs aren't even old enough to taste some of the wine they cook with.
"I really like it because it gives me an opportunity to try new things and do more complex things than I would at a foods class or at home," culinary student Elisa Gentry said.
Gentry is a senior at Shawnee Mission East. Her favorite class is the award-winning culinary courses offered through the Broadmoor Technical School in Overland Park.
She wants to be a pastry chef and run her own bakery one day. Her courses let her get the hands-on experience she needs.
"It lets me make mistakes here rather than when I get a job, making mistakes there and it being a lot worse," Gentry said.
Chef Bob Brassard has run the course for the past 11 years, helping nearly 70 students earn $2 million in scholarship money.
"I'm very passionate about food. But education provides an avenue for me to be around food but help inspire other passionate people," Brassard said.
Brassard just won a prestigious award from the American Culinary Federation. He has been teaching so well for so long that it has now come full circle.
"This course changed my life," said Justin Hoffman who graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 2004.
Hoffman was a chef in the New York area but recently decided to give back to the program that gave so much to him.
"I think I have a unique opportunity as an educator because I know what it was like to sit in those chairs and be in the program, and I know the standard and quality of students we are looking for," Hoffman said.
Students, like Gentry, are already developing a reputation for making the best pastries in town. And judging by the quality of food, the students have bright futures.
If anyone would like to check out the food for themselves, they have three more chances before the end of the school year.
The Broadmoor Bistro is open on Wednesday nights. Just go to opentable.com to book a reservation.
Copyright 2013 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
