Five Culinary Arts students traveled with Career Technical Training Manager Elba Roca to the National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago.

Students Deandre Reyez, Daniel Contre-ras, Laterrie Miller, Markeyta Bowen and Jaekwon Collier were hungry when they en-tered culinary paradise but they came back full after sampling some of the coolest foods from around the world.

The annual event is the largest culinary and hospitality trade show in the world. It showcases many types of food and beverages along with large restaurant equipment and serving dishes for the hospitality industry. It’s also a great place to find job opportunities.

Daniel Contreras was on the search for sushi and had the opportunity to talk with a supplier from Japan. He also snagged a hat from Nathan’s Hot Dogs.

The students tried several different kinds of ice cream and had a great time at the Coca Cola booth trying new soft drinks that will be introduced to the marketplace soon. “This is the best day I ever had at Joliet Job Corps,” student Jaekwon Collier said.