The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Bulldog Café was open for business Friday at Ottumwa High School.

The café is manned by students in the culinary program. It is a class in which students are able to organize their own menu, ingredients and shopping list. Students are able to put their plan into action every week with the help of their fellow classmates; preparing, cooking and serving their menu to guests at Ottumwa High School.

KTVO spoke with Ottumwa High School Senior Nick Dure.

Dure spoke about his menu items.

“It’s considered hamburgers and fries, but I call them fancy burgers with fries. It’s a hamburger wrapped in hash-browns. You just sear it up and put it in the oven to cook the rest of it,” said Dure

Dure gave us a glimpse into how he created his menu.

“Everyone chooses to cook their own stuff. You make the recipe and make a market order; after that you go shopping,” said Dure.

Dure joined Ms. Kent’s class after he completed Foods One and Foods Two. He also takes courses at Indian Hills Community College. He believes that classes like this, and his previous courses have prepared him for what he wants to focus on after high school.

“I love the craziness in the kitchen. It is always fun. I love cooking and I love eating too,” said Dure.

Bulldog Café teacher Ms. Kent told KTVO that she enjoys having her students in her class because they want to be their. She believes that they want to learn how to cook and they want to be apart of the process. Many of her students do go on to the culinary program at Indian Hills Community College.

The public is invited to taste the food of these young chefs. If you would like to attend one of the Bulldog Café lunches, contact Ms. Kent at Ottumwa High School. The cost of the full course lunch is $6.