BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor
Chef Eric Holland loves what he does. Anyone who knows him and the business he is in, knows that he loves his career – cooking and catering.
There have been several occasions where Holland has had the opportunity to share his skills with students. He has taught cooking classes to several of the area’s schools and technical schools.
There is a different excitement now, however, when he talks about the students in his class from North Boulevard Homes.
Chef Eric, as he is known, received an extension on a grant that he received from the Tampa Housing Authority to provide cooking classes for qualified residents.
Currently, he has 10 students, who he says are very dedicated to the classes. They range in ages 18-61. Last Tuesday, October 4, 2011, classmates served their signature meal to invited guests.
Some of the community who stopped in were: County Commissioner and Mrs. Les (Gwen) Miller, Judge Perry Little, Hakim Aquil, Jarvis El-Amin, Rev. Willie Dixon, Dr. and Mrs. John (Molbert) Scrivens, Michael Reeves, Danny Green, Sol Davis, Sr., Sol Davis, Jr., Olivia Brown, Eddye Hankerson Gloria Andrews and Frank Crum.
Classes are held Tuesday through Friday at E. V. E.’s Catering, 3311 W. Cypress St., 8 a. m. until 2 p. m.
In addition to learning the basic cooking and food preparation skills, the class is also taught basic dining room skills. Elliott Burt has worked with Chef Holland for several years. He is a local Maître and provides 2 sessions during each 6-weeks session of classes.
Holland credits the cooperation of Mrs. Stephanie Brown-Gilmore, who is in charge of Program and Property Services of the Tampa Housing Authority, with helping him to get the program started for the residents.
After completing the classes, there is an opportunity for the students to become gainfully employed.
A Tampa native, Holland earned his high school diploma from Jefferson High School, while working at several restaurants along the way. He went to California for a period and studied under a French Chef. Holland also studied at Johnson & Wales University, taught at Tampa Bay Tech for 4 years, and worked in the prison system for 4 years.
Holland reopened his business, E. V. E.’s Catering in 2008. The restaurant currently offers an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet, 11 a. m. – 4 p. m. “We’re trying to teach these young people the importance of providing a comfortable atmosphere for their customers. We’re looking for support from the community, where our service is the utmost in a professional atmosphere.”
A member of Mt. Tabor M. B. Church, Holland quickly reminds that he doesn’t do it all alone. His 13-year-old daughter, Erica helps with much of the technical equipment. His wife, Vandelon and his mother, Jean Tim also assist in the business.
