Robert Bateman HS student and teacher
cook for royalty!

Robert Bateman HS culinary graduate Jason Treceira  and OYAP student Anthony Eysseric (foreground) cooked for Prince Charles during his recent visit to Niagara College. 

November 5 started out like most days for Murray Zehr, Head of Technological Education at Robert Bateman High School in Burlington, but the day quickly changed when former student Jason Treceira called from his job at Niagara College were he works as the saucier. 

Jason invited his former teacher and one student to Niagara that day to help prepare lunch for His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, who was visiting the Niagara-on-the Lake campus to commemorate the opening of the new Wine Visitors and Education Centre.  For chef and student, this was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Unfortunately, Zehr could only bring one student with him. He wished all twenty-four of his culinary students could have had this amazing experience. Zehr asked student Anthony Eysseric to join him. Anthony, a Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP) student, was the youngest student to cook for the Prince Charles.  According to Zehr, “Anthony is a dedicated student.  He comes in early and stays late, he’s extremely passionate about cooking.”

The menu for the royal occasion was made with local produce and meats and included quail breast with smoked bacon and wild mushrooms in a red wine demi glace, butternut squash gnocci topped with six-year old Balderson white cheddar and sautéed honey crisp apples wrapped in phyllo pastry. A menu fit for a prince!

Zehr and Eysseric were able to take a few photos in the kitchen, but security was tight and cameras were not allowed when they were invited into the banquet room for Prince Charles’ speech. 

For Zehr and Eysseric, it was a memorable experience but it was also a proud moment for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Robert Bateman High School’s culinary program.