I had an amazing meal at CLASS Kitchen a new pop-up restaurant in  Costa Mesa, CA  that serves excellent food and delivers an exceptional dining experience that is operated entirely by  high school culinary students. Yes kids – 16 and 17 years old who have come together to gain valuable work experience and offer their community something unique and inspiring. \n\n\nAustin January and Noah Rosen, juniors at the Orange County School of the Arts (OSCA) utilized their skills learned in school to make their dream a reality. For the past five weekends. their team of over a dozen other students served a 4-course prix fixe menu to a sold out crowds.\n\nIt was a pleasure and a joy to watch this group students who could have just as easily been at a beach bonfire, cooking and serving their patrons with smiles and a shared passion for food.  I couldn’t help but note the extreme effort and professionalism that they exhibited as individuals and a team.  If these are our future leaders and entrepreneurs, we are fortunate indeed.\n\nFrom a shared vision, to clearly defined roles and working as a team these students are shining examples for us all.  This experience provides them perhaps the most important lesson of all – resiliency.  There will always be set backs in business and in life, the trick is to learn how to overcome them.\n\nThat night one of their two ovens didn’t work impairing their ability to make their famously know popover appetizer.  So instead each guest was served a salad and the soup (which was one of my favorite courses).  Adjust, be resourceful, solve the problem and take action – they nailed it.\n\nDon’t miss out on their encore weekend.  Book your reservation now for August 14 and 15.