They timed him! It took Ernesto Gomez only 10 seconds to nimbly fold the delicate filo dough around a mixture with spinach and cheese and roll it into a neat triangle. The Foss High School students could not come close to Gomez’s time on their first attempt at making Greek spanakopita, or spinach pies. But, they did roll tidy rectangles that they sampled after the spanakopitas were cooked.
This lesson in Greek cuisine was the first of eight interdisciplinary activities that Foss teacher Valerie Navarro has planned for her drama club and theater students with the chefs/managers of OPA! Greek Cuisine at 6104 6th Ave. The second half of the evening on Monday, Sept. 15, included performing scenes from Greek plays in English with critiques and acting tips for each student. Roberto Ruiz, another chef at OPA!, was a professional actor in Mexico, and is also a skilled painter whose work hangs in the restaurant.
Ruiz said, “We share common interests—like art and languages—with Valerie Navarro, and decided to involve her Foss students in activities that will teach them about food of the several countries—food is a big part of the culture of a country. Understanding the culture of a country helps students understand the people of that country. And, we also wanted to share ideas about the performing arts with students. It’s a great partnership with Foss.”
Students shared some thoughts about trying these enrichment activities. A Foss senior in the International Baccalaureate (IB) theater program, Jason McAllister said, “I like art and acting and am willing to try new things.” Ebony Patton, an 11th grader in IB dance, said, “Dr. Navarro throws out all kinds of new ideas for us to experience. She gets us excited about learning.”
A 12th grader in IB theater and dance, Passia Abraham explained she cannot cook at all, so the activities seemed a good way to learn about different foods. Also a 12th grader in IB theater and dance, Whitney Mitchell said, “I like the performing arts, and I think this series will help me with my career.”
These cultural events will take place on two Mondays a month until Jan. 12, when a Student Showcase will be open to the public and cover the best work from each of the activities. Other Foss students may also sign up for the events. The cost is $10 per session to participate, except for students on free-and-reduced lunch who pay $5. Each of the remaining activities will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the restaurant.
- On Sept. 29, students will learn about Greek mural painting and set design. The food will be dolmathes, a Greek grape-leaf dish.
- The Oct. 13 program includes making Spanish tapas and doing monologues in Spanish, with critiques and acting tips.
- On Oct. 27, students have a Frida Kahlo lecture and do character portraits, in addition to tasting mole from the Mexican culture.
- On Nov. 10, the restaurant will feature sauces and gateaux (cakes of France) and scenes from Moliere’s plays in French.
- The Nov. 24 agenda includes French soup and perspectives in theater set design.
- On Dec. 8, students will try chocolate recipes from Mexico and do scenes from “don Juan Tenorio.”
- On Jan. 5, 2009, Latin American cuisine will be highlighted, along with Mayan Codex painting.
Contact Valerie Navarro at Foss High School at 253.571.7375 for more information.