Choral Society’s ‘A Toast to Summer’ on June 23

The Choral Society of Pensacola will host A Toast of Summer, a casual evening at Artel Gallery (223 Palafox Pl.), on Friday, June 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees can chill with friends, sip champagne, and listen to live music, as they enjoy Artel’s music-inspired exhibition, “It’s Music to My Eyes.” They can also sample an array of treats planned, executed and served by members of the Culinary and Hospitality Club from Pensacola State College, supervised by adjunct instructor and faculty advisor Joni Verlin.

A relatively new organization, the club comprises 20-plus members, students in the college’s culinary or hospitality programs who want to explore career options through twice-monthly meetings and special events, including competitions and fundraisers.

As club president Ciara Silva notes, “Sometimes you don’t know what you like until you have that real-life experience catering or cooking or serving or marketing. With our events, you can experience those things first-hand.”

One of the events in which the club participated last semester was Pi Day, a celebration by the mathematics department. According to Silva, members sold slices of “chocolate chip cookie pies, German chocolate cake cookie pies, apple pies, sugar cookies…” Members also competed in the Great American Chili Cook-Off, earning second place in the Peoples’ Choice category, and took part in the Gulf Coast Kid’s House Chocolate Fest, where they offered both traditional treats and creative combinations of sweet and savory, such as chocolate-dipped bacon and cherry basil-filled cupcakes.

In addition to industry experience, the club offers students a social outlet and opportunities for networking.

The menu for A Toast to Summer will feature some savory items, including bruschetta and onigiri (rice balls), but
will emphasize sweets, among them, German chocolate cookies, chocolate cherry cupcakes, mini apple turnovers and salted caramel squares.

A Toast to Summer is sponsored by Bruce Baker, MBA, RE/MAX Infinity, and proceeds will support Choral Society programs and activities. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com and at the door.

For further information, email Charlie Smoke: charlie@choralsocietyofpensacola.org.