Steinbrenner has welcomed multiple new editions to our staff this year. Included in this list, are Chef Scarpa and Chef Goldstein, our new chefs in the culinary department. They have taken over for Mr. Meola and Mr. Walescheck, who have been offered a restaurant by a prominent Florida restaurateur.
Steinbrenner has always had a great culinary department, and it’s no different this year. Scarpa and Goldstein co-teach, meaning that both of them teach everything from Culinary 1-4, and everyone from Freshmen to Seniors.
Chef Scarpa grew up in Queens, New York, a major destination, internationally, for fantastic food . He moved down here after his family did, and appreciates the slower pace of life. He previously taught Culinary Arts at Pierce Middle School. He decided to teach Culinary because he enjoys showing kids how to cook and it is an important part of growing up. Blending cooking and nutrition into school along with other academic classes helps to prepare teens for life after high school, all the way into adulthood, and even possibly inspiring students to consider cooking as a career.
“I love teaching them how to integrate cooking into everyday life. Even if they’re not going to be a chef, they can utilize the information that I’m giving them in their everyday lives,” said Scarpa.
Having taught to a younger age group then the ones at our school, Steinbrenner has been a transition, but a positive one, and Scarpa is more than up for the adjustment.
“Steinbrenner is quite different, but I really enjoy it. I like teaching at the high school level better than the middle school level. This is a very fun group of kids, and they are very helpful,” said Scarpa.
Chef Goldstein moved here from Rhode Island, going to college at the University of Tampa. Though he may be new to Steinbrenner, educating is nothing unfamiliar for this chef. He previously worked for eight years at the elementary school level, teaching Math and Science to fourth and fifth graders. He spent the past year at Gaither High School, teaching TV Production. Although this is his first year doing Culinary, the kitchen is not a new aspect of his life.
“I’ve always been around food. My parents are chefs, so I grew up in the restaurant industry. When I saw the opportunity, I jumped on it,” said Goldstein.
Having a family so centered around cooking, Goldstein has worked in restaurants, and has always been comfortable around food. Part of cooking, is learning to experiment with various ideas and flavors to create something new.
“My favorite part of cooking is probably trying new things, cooking in ways I’ve ever done before,” said Goldstein. “I like using different seasonings that I might have never tried before.”
Both chefs commented that Steinbrenner kids are excited to be in the class. They are eager to learn, and even more eager to participate. Our Warriors are clearly happy to add these two new faces to the school and to the kitchen. After all, great food makes for a great day.
Jordyn Dees // Staff Writer
