The Clubs at St. James, in partnership with Troon, recently sponsored and hosted several students from the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (COAST) in nearby Bolivia, N.C., for the third annual St. James Chopped Event. The competition proved to be a fun, hands-on opportunity for students to showcase their culinary skills and engage with the St. James community. Working under the guidance of Executive Chef Peter Holderied, the student chefs demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and professionalism throughout the event.
This year’s competition featured eight COAST students who went head-to-head in the “A Taste of COAST Challenge,” preparing unique dishes for attending members to sample. Guests enjoyed tasting each team’s creations and casting their votes to determine the event’s champion. The winners of the competition were Aaron McLaughlin and Ethan Warren featuring their Brisket Mac N Cheese Sundaes. The evening celebrated not only culinary talent but also the dedication and hard work these students bring to their craft.
The Clubs at St. James and Troon were honored to support COAST’s Culinary Program, which provides students with hands-on training in a professional kitchen environment. The program emphasizes essential skills such as sanitation, menu planning, knife techniques, costing, and production, while also building important soft skills like teamwork, problem solving, and communication. Through strong partnerships with hospitality organizations, COAST continues to offer students valuable pathways to internships and future employment in the industry.
The event was a huge success, highlighting the next generation of culinary professionals and reaffirming The Clubs at St. James’ commitment to supporting educational programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in hospitality.
