Over 50 students gathered at Culinary Club’s interest meeting on Aug. 25 in Room 2712. Officers led staff introductions and covered their future plans to host bake-offs, fundraisers and eating competitions.

Freshman and new member Farhana Alapat said she joined Culinary Club to learn more about cooking and try a variety of different foods. She plans on coming to the club again.

“At first [the meeting] was overwhelming, because I didn’t realize there were going to be so many people,” Alapat said. “But honestly, the atmosphere was fun and it was nice to socialize with everyone.”

Sophomore and outreach officer Elise Nguyen was in charge of creating the club’s advertisement poster and spreading the word for the club around campus. This is her first year as a Culinary Club officer.

“There were definitely a lot more people this year than last year, and it was really crowded with people trying to get food,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen became an officer to put out new event ideas for Culinary Club. She plans to keep club energy and engagement high for all members.

“As outreach, I’m reaching out to other people and trying to promote our club as much as I can,” Nguyen said. “So I normally go out to people in the hallways and tell them to join the club.”

Junior and vice president Shivali Sinha has been an officer of Culinary Club since its founding in her freshman year. As the club begins its third year, Sinha said she is excited to expand the club and plan new events.

“We are planning more collaborative events,” Sinha said. “Instead of just having sales meetings where we sell food, we’re having more events, like a meeting last year where we decorated and made hot chocolate.”

In September, the club is hosting a make-your-own Chipotle bowl event. Members will choose from a variety of ingredients, including rice, meat and guacamole. Culinary Club is also collaborating with Cancer Awareness Club in October to make breast cancer awareness cookies.

For more information on Culinary Club, join its Remind @bhschef and follow its Instagram @bellaireculinary.