MVCTC Aspire Update - Work for the Good...Food for the Community...Nourishment for the Soul
Written by Amy Wittmann, ADP Coordinator
On Friday, Aug. 31, I had the pleasure of dining at ONE Bistro in Xenia, Ohio. This restaurant serves the Xenia community and is part of a “Biznistry”- one that is established for the betterment of the community. The eatery is currently the location of the Culinary class for the Adult Diploma Program and ESOL students at Miami Valley CTC. They are part of an 8 -week course that gives the students a full hands-on experience in the restaurant business- from safety to preparation, to the operation, to clean up. This course ends with the students testing for a ServSafe certification, and ultimately earning their high school diploma if they are part of the Ohio ADP.
ONE Bistro strives to serve a healthy, affordable meal to its neighbors, both who have the ability to pay and those who under normal circumstances would
not be able to eat out. This social entrepreneurship exists to help the hungry find a meal, help the addicted find support, to help the mentally and physically impaired to find meaning and acceptance as valued volunteers and invest in the community.
The restaurant seats approximately 35-50 people and at 12:30 on a Friday afternoon, every table was full. I was greeted by a very attentive and friendly server who went out of her way to make my dining experience a positive one. The menu has a wide range of lunch type salads, soups, sandwiches, and pizzas, in addition to some daily specials. I ordered the Spinach Goat Cheese & Bacon pizza and was highly pleased with the flavor and presentation of this selection. Throughout the meal, I was approached by the server to check on my experience, refill my water glass, and eventually offer me a to-go cup for the ride home.
I especially enjoyed seeing two of my ADP students, Alana Harrison and Lamesha Cowherd, working in the kitchen. One of them even made my pizza!
They both commented on how much this program means to their academic journey and how it will affect the lives of their family. They enjoy their classwork
and their kitchen work, despite having to do some dishes!
When it came time to pay for my meal, I took the bill to the cashier. They embrace a “pay what you can afford” concept. If unable to pay for a meal, you can give time in service as payment. If able to pay, a suggested price of $6-$9 will cover the cost of a meal. Any donations over the suggested price
will “pay it forward” to help cover the cost of a neighbor’s meal.
I highly recommend a trip to Xenia for this community culinary experience. Eagles’ Point in Eaton is another example of this type of establishment and
will eventually work with some of our culinary students. I encourage you to make the trip for breakfast or lunch Wednesday thru Saturday. Check out
their website for more information at https://onebistro.org/about-us/.
PICTURED: ADP students Alana Harrison and Lamesha Cowherd work hard to serve the patrons of One Bistro. Upon completion of the program, both will receive their High School Equivalency.
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