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Chefs prepare students for real world
By PAULETTE LASH RITCHIE
© St. Petersburg Times, INVERNESS -- The students in the culinary arts class at Withlacoochee Technical Institute have high hopes for their futures and the men in the high hats are trying to help them get there. Chefs Hal Holanchock and Robert Anderson are the two newest culinary arts instructors at WTI. "We impart those skills onto students that are necessary to acquire jobs in the hotel industry and do well in those jobs and we get them ready for the workplace," said Holanchock. "We need to prepare them for the world that's out there," said Anderson, "the real kitchen, not just what's on the TV shows." Holanchock is a certified executive chef, a certified culinary educator and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has taught culinary arts in two other Florida districts. Anderson earned an associate of science degree in restaurant management from Cape Cod Community College and then worked as an apprentice at the Jockey Club in Miami. More recently he was the head chef at Black Diamond. Anderson, 46, said he considers it a great honor to work with Holanchock. Anderson is new to teaching young students, although he does have some experience instructing adults, and said: "It's challenging. I'm getting the hang of it. I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to a happy career here." Holanchock, 48, is glad to be at WTI as well. "I like it here very much," he said. Everyone here is very friendly. They can't do enough for you. I've grown to love the school. You affect people in a positive way. There's no other thing like it." A couple of Holanchock's students shared thoughts about their teacher. Jennifer Salomone, 19, who hopes to be a host of a cooking show on television someday, said: "I respect him very much for his knowledge of the culinary arts. He's taught me a lot of the trade." Justin Fraser, 19, said: "Chef has taught me speed and quickness is the essence of cooking. He has also taught me that cooking is an art and not just cooking. Chef's good-natured. Fun to work with." Both chefs are married. Holanchock's wife, Kathy, is a secretary in the front office at WTI. They have a son, Don, who is an executive chef in Tallahassee and another son, Paul, who is a licensed practical nurse working toward becoming a registered nurse in Orlando. Anderson's wife, Karen, is an artist who paints large murals. One way the chefs differ is how they like to spend their free time. "Other than culinary arts," said Holanchock, "my only hobby, and a vice really, is saltwater fishing." Anderson said, "Antique automobiles is my biggest passion." He "takes 'em apart and puts 'em back together," Holanchock said.
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