Pinecrest Academy will launch a new food service in time for the 2012-2013 academic school year. Chef Steve Sommer and his culinary staff will join Pinecrest in August, offering fresh, nutritious and healthy food to students at the Catholic School in Cumming.

With childhood obesity on the rise, and other physical disorders plaguing children due to inadequate nutrition, Chef Sommer and team believe that children should have better quality food, and a healthier and wider variety of choices at school. 

“I feel strongly that good nutrition and healthy food are imperative for a child’s ability to learn, and all food we will serve in Pinecrest’s dining halls will be fresh or fresh frozen and prepared daily on site,” commented Chef Steve Sommer.  “No processed food or canned vegetables will be served, and all food will be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a chef.”

When returning to school in August, students can expect a variety of menu items. Some of the entrees include: chicken tenders, burgers, chili, spaghetti, lasagna (meat/veggie), chicken stir fry, tacos, burritos, baked fish, baked/fried chicken, pizza, Chicken Parmesan, meatloaf, sandwiches, wraps, all beef hotdogs, and casseroles.

Some of the vegetables include broccoli, corn, roasted red potatoes, rice and other grains, sweet potato fries, baked beans, green beans, peas, zucchini, and yellow squash.

A full salad bar and potato bar will be available, along with a variety of soups, including tomato, chicken, and vegetable. Desserts include fresh fruits, Jell-O, pudding, brownies, cookies, cinnamon apples, cobblers, cakes and more.

Carbonated beverages will not be on the menu, but water, fresh fruit flavored water, low sugar juices, milk, low fat chocolate milk, and tea will be.

Chef Sommer has been cooking for more than 25 years, and after attending the Chicago Institute of Culinary Arts, he entered the culinary business professionally and has been a chef for 14 years, wearing the hat of executive chef for the last eight.

While at the Institute, he received invitations by well-known food magazines to have his food presentations photographed and published.  He was chosen on several occasions to represent the Institute with his culinary skills at a variety of events.

During his career, Chef Sommer has worked for Wolfgang Puck, the Chicago Bears, high end restaurants, and private clubs. He has prepared meals for notable sports personalities, including Tom Glavine, Tiger Woods, Richard Dent and other professional athletes, and has catered numerous events, serving thousands of guests.