Seaford students get a taste of French, Spanish cultures

They didn’t travel abroad, but Seaford High School students learning French and Spanish were immersed in the cultures during a pair of restaurant trips.

About 100 students from Diana Arichabala’s Spanish level 3 classes went to Sangria 71 in Williston Park to taste the flavors of Spain. Plates of appetizers came out including chorizo, croquetas and Manchego cheese with honey. Each student could then select an entrée. A popular choice was paella, a classic rice dish. Following dinner, students were then treated to dessert.

“It was cool experiencing the Spanish culture in person,” sophomore Nick Kanellopoulos said, who has been studying the language since seventh grade. He added that it was great to taste the food and use the Spanish language in an authentic setting.

More than 30 students from Ina Ionescu’s Advanced Placement and pre-AP French classes traveled to Brasserie in Massapequa. After reviewing restaurant etiquette in class, students then put it into practice. They were also able to meet Brasserie’s owner and chef, who spoke to the students in French about the restaurant’s origins.

Appetizers include charcuterie, escargots, mussels and bread with sauce. For entrees, students could choose between a Nutella crepe with berries, quiche Lorraine, Croque Monsieur or Madame and a bistro-style burger with brie and bacon. Desserts were chocolate mousse and a lemon tart.

“We got to taste a little bit of everything,” said Ava Caruso, who went with the burger as her meal. “It was really cool hearing the chef speak in French, and I understood it. I really enjoyed being there. It felt like I was in France.”

Patricia Foley, the lead teacher for the World Language department, said that authentic cultural experiences are an important aspect to learning a new language.