PHILADELPHIA - Sofitel Philadelphia gives back to the community by partnering with Girard College by taking students out of their classrooms and teaching them to plant edible urban gardens.
Students from Girard College will plant vegetables and herbs on the rooftop garden of the hotel under the supervision of Executive Chef Edward Hancock. The various vegetables and herbs planted, including radishes and jalapenos and tomatoes, basil, and thyme, will provide fresh ingredients for both Sofitel Philadelphia's restaurants, Liberte Lounge and Chez Colette.
Angela Bauer, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia, said: "At Sofitel, we are passionate about the role that we play as the hotel in the community." The garden is an excellent example of using sustainable resources to supply restaurant food. Inviting a historic school to join our gardening initiative was a fantastic opportunity.
After students have learned more about nutrition, growing, and hospitality, they move to Chez Collette, where a cooking demo and tasting will occur. Students will be sous chefs for Chef Hancock and prepare seared scallops and a tomato, basil, and mint salad with a lemon-thyme vinaigrette. The students will also assist the chef in preparing a meal. Everyone will then enjoy mocktails and the new spring menu.
