Culinary Management - Frequently Asked Questions
Let us answer your questions about MCC's Culinary Management and Baking and Pastry Management programs.
- Do I have to wear the MCC-issued uniform?
Yes, it is a requirement of the program for all students to wear the same uniform. You may not wear another college's logo or a company-issued jacket.
- Where do I order my uniform and tool kit?
Uniforms and toolkits may only be purchased in the MCC Store. You may pre-order online and pickup in the store, B162.
- Do I need my uniform on the first day of class?
If you already have an MCC-issued uniform, please wear it. Students in CLM 102, 103, PAS 102, 103 are expected to be in uniform on the first day of class.
- What do I wear if my uniform is not in yet?
Wear a plain white shirt and jeans or black pants - something that can be easily cleaned.
- What if my uniform is old and/or stained?
You can order individual pieces from the MCC Store as needed. Due to health department standards, you will be asked to leave class if you do not have a clean uniform.
- What if I lose my uniform or toolkit?
Extra hats, aprons and a few tool kit items will be sold in the MCC Store. Any replacement or extra items are the cost responsibility of the student.
- Can I have my name on my jacket?
If you’d like to add your name, EmbroidMe in Crystal Lake is the best option.
- Where do I buy kitchen-safe shoes?
The best pricing locally is Payless®, Walmart® or Farm & Fleet®. Online, check out Shoes For Crews or SR Max.
- What kind of uniform do I need for the bakery or restaurant class?
For PAS 208-Bakery operations you will receive a hat to keep and a purple apron to use during the semester. You must wear a plain black shirt and clean jeans or black pants. Walmart® or Farm & Fleet® have plain black t-shirts readily available.
For CLM 208-Restaurant operations, you will receive a purple tie and black apron to use during the semester. You must wear a plain black button- down shirt with a collar and black pants (no jeans).
- Do I have to use the MCC toolkit?
Yes, it is a requirement of the program that all students have the same toolkits and uniforms. The toolkit is a starting kit to begin your career. There are many storage pockets in the toolkit and students can and should expect to add extra items as they progress through the program.
- If I already have a culinary kit, do I have to buy a complete pastry kit?
The toolkits are the same for all students in Culinary or Pastry Management classes and only one toolkit is needed per student. We recommend that you purchase an additional uniform if you're taking both Culinary and Pastry classes.
- Do I need my book on the first day of class?
Absolutely, yes. Many classes will have homework the first day. Every Culinary and Pastry Management class uses the assigned book(s) on a regular basis.
- Can I purchase a used book for lecture classes?
Every ManageFirst®-based class requires a student access code to take the final exam. These codes come in new books only. These classes are: CLM 105, CLM 106, CLM 107, CLM 130, CLM 160, CLM 208. Your instructor will not have access codes available for you and you cannot purchase them the day of the exam.
- How can I find a job in the culinary industry?
All culinary job leads are funneled through the office of career services.
To find a culinary-related job, visit Hire A Scot, MCC's job board.
For help with resumes and interviewing, visit Career Services.
- I'm a current student, can I use the kitchen outside of class/lab?
The lab is only available for scheduled lab classes and special events. No student may be working in the lab without authorization and no student may be in the lab without an instructor present.
- What kind of reasonable accommodations are available in the program?
Culinary Program Accommodation Guidelines
Instructors will make every attempt to work with students on reasonable accommodations. Students who need accommodations, are required to register with the office of Access and Disability Services. Reasonable accommodations will vary in lab classes. Lab classes can accommodate the following:
- Note takers
- Recording lectures (must be arranged with instructor)
- Extra time on written tests for mid-terms and final exams
- Test taking in the testing center the same day/time as current class (must be arranged with instructor)
- Test taking in the testing center at a later date due to illness (must be arranged with instructor)
Note: Industry-issued exams such as ServSafe Food® and ServSafe Alcohol® must be proctored in-class, in-person, by a certified instructor/proctor. Some lab classes will have short in-class quizzes that must be completed in the lab, as they are related to ingredients and/or equipment only found in the lab. In addition, students will be required to perform simple math problems in class, sometimes without the aid of a calculator or cellphone. Basic math skills (Math 090) are a requirement of the program, and an expectation in the industry.
- My employer has openings, how can we let culinary students know?
All culinary job leads are funneled through the office of career services. To post a culinary-related job, visit Hire A Scot, MCC's job board.
- What if I have questions about culinary or pastry classes or program information?
Please email the department chair, Chef Tina Drzal. Email is the best way to reach Chef Tina outside of class times.
All current catalog program information can be found at online. In addition, program requirements are hanging in the lab, near the instructor desk.
Please view the culinary program student code of conduct for other important program rules.
- When does the restaurant run? How do I make reservations?
See Tartan Bistro details. The student-run restaurant is a class that runs in the Spring semester only. The Tartan Bistro operates on Wednesday and Thursday nights, 6-7:30 p.m. from February through the end of the semester, typically the last week of April or the first week of May. The final menu is not posted until the week of opening night. Reservation requests are via email only beginning February 1 each year. Email tartanbistro@mchenry.edu for reservation requests. To view some of our previous menus, visit us on Instagram or Facebook
- When does the bakery run? Can I order cakes and other pastries?
See details on the Sweet Scots Bakery. The student-run bakery is a class that runs in the Fall semester only on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. September through November. The bakery is open to the general public, but does not create custom cakes or special orders. For opening date and menu information, visit us on Instagram.
- Does the culinary program provide any catering services?
Unfortunately, catering is not available via our culinary management program. For on-campus catering needs, see the MCC Café.
- I'd like to rent the kitchen during off hours, is that possible?
Due to Health Department and insurance liability issues, the culinary lab is not available to rent at any time.
- I need student volunteers for an event, who do I contact?
The college does not hire out or volunteer students outside of existing program relationships. Most students already have jobs in the industry and will not work for free. Internships are encouraged but not required and must be paid internships by employment law.
- How can I schedule a tour of the culinary lab?
The lab is a health department-certified working kitchen. Tours during classes are not allowed as the kitchen is in use. The kitchen is viewable from the Commons area via several large windows or you can watch our culinary video tour. Field trip Fridays or Friday tours can be arranged by contacting new student enrollment via email at recruit@mchenry.edu.
- I have books or equipment I'd like to donate to the program, who do I contact?
Thank you for thinking of us! Please email the department chair, Chef Tina with details on exactly what you’d like to donate. If it is an item we can use, it must be dropped off at the college. Due to safety issues, we will not send anyone to pick-up donations. We can provide a tax-exempt letter for IRS purposes for donations.
- I'd like to donate money to the program for scholarships, who do I contact?
Thank you for thinking of us! Please contact the Friends of MCC Foundation.