Some dishes stick with us for years, the kind that take multiple drafts to perfect before they ever touch a plate. Usually, that level of craft comes from decorated chefs with decades of experience. This time, it came from somewhere unexpected: our newest Salmon Scampi was created by chefs who are still in high school.
This summer, Kerbey Lane Cafe partnered with Austin High School's culinary program and handed a team of students a real challenge: create a dish worthy of our seasonal menu. What came back was Salmon Scampi, a standout addition to our Austin restaurant's seasonal lineup. The dish features pan-seared sustainable salmon over angel hair pasta, tossed in a garlic white wine sauce, and finished with fresh seasonal vegetables.
A Student-Created Dish With Real Impact
Salmon Scampi was dreamed up by Austin High School culinary students Zach Borja and Josiah Peterson-Bull. Since launching, it has become one of the most talked-about items on our seasonal menu. It's the kind of clean, balanced plate that proves great cooking doesn't require a decade of experience, just curiosity, quality ingredients, and someone willing to hand over the kitchen.
Recognized by the City of Austin
The partnership between Kerbey Lane and AISD didn't go unnoticed. On May 26th, Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter officially declared Austin High Culinary Class Day in Austin, Texas. The declaration recognized the culinary program these students are part of, along with the hands-on, real-world culinary education Kerbey Lane Cafe is proud to support.
Supporting the Next Generation of Austin Chefs
Good food doesn't just come from experience, it comes from curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to hand someone the keys to a real kitchen. At Kerbey Lane, we believe the next generation of great chefs is already here in Austin. They just need a place to start. This spring, that place was our kitchen, and the result is a seasonal dish we think you'll love as much as we do.
Come try our Salmon Scampi at any Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe location while it's featured on our seasonal menu, and taste what Austin's next generation of culinary talent is capable of.
