Assiniboine College Hosts Inaugural Dessert Showcase, ‘Sweet Affair’

Guests gathered at Assiniboine College on March 14, 2024, for the inaugural “Sweet Affair,” an event dedicated to showcasing student talents in culinary arts and hospitality. Attendees enjoyed a selection of desserts and specialty beverages crafted by students, highlighting their skills and creativity.

The event featured twelve themed stations, each offering three different dessert items accompanied by mocktails created by hospitality students. Attendees sampled a variety of treats, including cakes, tarts, pies, and éclairs, many of which were made using produce harvested from the college’s own garden. According to Karen O’Gilvie, the academic chair of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts and Field to Fork program, the event was designed to celebrate seasonal ingredients.

“We wanted to showcase desserts as a standalone event, and this was the perfect time of year to do that,” O’Gilvie stated. “We had about 100 guests, and tickets sold out within hours of going on sale.” Approximately 30 students participated in organizing and executing the event, gaining valuable experience in mass production, teamwork, and customer service.

The “Sweet Affair” also catered to diverse dietary needs, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available at each station. “It’s about teaching students how to serve every guest,” O’Gilvie emphasized.

For the students involved, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Second-year culinary arts student Isabel Carter expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “I personally love baking — it’s my favourite,” she noted. “This event means a lot. I got to learn new techniques and do things I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.”

The event also provided a platform for first-year student Didier Bernal, who described it as an “unforgettable” learning experience. “It’s just awesome to have this kind of exposure,” he remarked. Bernal highlighted the positive reactions from guests, particularly regarding his espresso-inspired mocktail, which surprised some with its sweet flavor.

As guests navigated through two rooms filled with plated desserts and smiling student faces, O’Gilvie reflected on the importance of community support. “We’re so grateful for the support from the Westman community,” she said. “They’ve always stood behind our students and our program. Tonight is a celebration of that partnership — and of what our students can do when passion meets learning.”

The success of the “Sweet Affair” illustrates the commitment of Assiniboine College to foster practical skills in its students while engaging the community in a celebration of culinary arts.