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DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant Bakery Clerk Wins Culinary Competition Award
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (April 26, 2018) – A bakery clerk at DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant has earned an award for her edible centerpiece in the statewide 18th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition, hosted by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation on March 3rd and 4th in Orlando.
Amy Hallifax is a 16-year-old student at Estero High School, where she is currently completing her fourth and final culinary elective course. She began working in the bakery at DeRomo’s in early January to complement her food-preparation and dessert-making skills. At least two days per week, Hallifax serves customers, prepares batter and dough, and cuts pastries, preparing her to handle real-world, customer service situations and everyday tasks in the food products/services industry.
“DeRomo’s is a fast-paced and professional atmosphere, so I am treated like a professional who is expected to help customers in a quality and efficient manner,” Hallifax said. “I look forward to advancing my skills even further this summer, as a way of helping the Market prepare for busy season, along with some of the most experience-driven bakers in the business.”
To get a head start, Hallifax entered the aforementioned competition for the first time, making an edible rooster out of pineapple, bell peppers, miniature sweet peppers, carrots, cucumber flowers, blackberries and
raspberries, and watermelon radish butterflies. She took second place in the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece category. A total of 50 schools, all with ProStart (career technical education) programs throughout the State of Florida, participated in the competition.
“Amy is acquiring culinary techniques and restaurant management abilities not just at school, but at DeRomo’s itself, and we are so proud to be part of her journey toward becoming a professionally trained chef or pastry chef,” said Francis J. Cuomo, Owner. “Our business has found much success, and we share so much of that success with the staff, both individually and as a group.”
About DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant
DeRomo’s is a premier Gourmet Market, Restaurant, Banquet Room and Catering company serving all of South Florida. They pride themselves in offering a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience, as well as a product line that is constantly expanding through customer requests and specialty food shows. DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant is located at 26811 South Bay Drive, Suites 140 & 148, Bonita Springs, Fla. 34134. Hours of operation for the restaurant are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours of operation for the market are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (239) 325-3583. Online at DeRomos.com.