LaSalle-Peru High School honors Director of Food and Nutrition Services

LaSalle-Peru High School students and staff are excited about the school’s new menus.

Director of Food and Nutrition Services Bobby Riahi was honored Wednesday by the LaSalle-Peru High School Board for changing those meals and energizing a part of school life for students.

Riahi was in this program since he was hired in January because of his hard work and dedication.

He energizes the employees, said Greg Sarver, chairman of the board. He helped simplify job descriptions, create flexibility and more opportunities to learn new skills.

As a trained chef, he understands food production, staff management and creativity. Students and staff alike are excited about our new dishes being served.

By providing these types of quality meals, not only to our kids, but to our staff and hearing how much they wait for lunch. I wonder what this week will be, exciting.

LaSalle-Peru High School Superintendent Steven Wrobleski

Superintendent Steven Wrobleski said having a trained chef adds another layer of rounding out the entire education for LP students.

By providing these types of quality meals, not only for our kids, but for our staff and hearing how much they can’t wait for lunch, she said. I wonder what this week will be, exciting.

Last week, LP posted about Riahis Chicken Alfredo, made with homemade pasta with flour from Janies Mill and eggs from Essl Farms. The comments were full of positive remarks about the new chef and his creative dishes.

One user wrote that my kid actually came home talking about this lunch. I never thought this was what he was talking about. Pasta from scratch. Thank you so much for going above and beyond.

Wrobleski said the district was fortunate to acquire him from Starved Rock Lodge, and said there is no extra charge for student lunches. Facility meals have increased slightly for special items.

Riahi said it’s an honor to be recognized for her work, and it’s good to see her skill set being used by people who appreciate it.

“I feel very lucky,” he said. After spending years behind a hot stove, it’s nice to have the opportunity to make a difference in student life.