Longest Lunch spices up the Peninsula

Poor weather didn’t lessen the appetite of diners gathered for the annual Longest Lunch in Sorrento last week.

150 foodies enjoyed a four course meal and wines sponsored by local businesses, with all proceeds going to local children’s charities.  The eager diners were looked after by 35 serving staff organised by Chisholm Mornington Peninsula. 

“We had such fun doing this last year that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said Jan Watson, Senior Hospitality Teacher at Chisholm Mornington Peninsula, “But we wanted to challenge ourselves by doing it a bit differently.”

To this end the serving staff included not only current Chisholm students but also VETiS and VCAL students from local schools and some Year 10 students from Balcombe Grammar.

Also lending a hand were students from Pelican Pantry – a café in the Pelican Park recreation centre in Hastings – who are doing a specially designed hospitality course being delivered by Chisholm.

“A lot of the students had only had minimal training – the Balcombe kids had 30 minutes – and many are training to be chefs, not waiting staff, but they all worked together brilliantly,” said Watson.  She added that the Lunch had been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by diners.

Antony Trivett, Mornington Peninsula Campus Manager, also applauded the efforts of those involved.

“The staff, students and members of the community really pulled together and worked as a team to make this event happen,” he said, “It’s a magnificent achievement and continues Chisholm’s ongoing commitment to the Longest Lunch initiative.”

The successful result came about despite a last minute change of location.

Originally scheduled to take place on the beach, the event was moved into the Sorrento sailing club at the last moment to avoid inclement weather.