ROCKLAND — “After returning to resounding support from the Midcoast community last year, the Osprey Nest Café is warmed up and open for the 2024 season,” said Mid-Coast School of Technology, in a news release.

The student-run restaurant is open 6 weeks per school year, Tuesday through Friday, for a lunch service at noon. Students in the Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry programs operate the Osprey Nest Café by hosting guests, serving, prepping, cooking, and filling a bakery case for a la carte purchases. 

Both Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry programs have become two-year programs offered at Mid-Coast School of Technology. Leading up to this school year each was only a single year experience for students. The programs are led by Chef Charles Butler (Culinary Arts and Chef Steven Watts (Baking & Pastry). Reservations and the front of the house is managed by Miranda Balukas.

“Mid-Coast School of Technology is proud to be the first and only career and technical school in Maine to offer a full Baking and Pastry program,” said the release.

Patrons of the Osprey Nest Café, and formerly the World Café, will recognize that the menus change each week featuring different cuisines. This season’s foodies will have the opportunity to taste creations influenced by Spain, Southern U.S., Caribbean, India, Midwestern U.S, and Germany. 

The Osprey Nest Café is a buffet service with savory dishes and a dessert buffet featuring food from around the world. A la carte items are also available at The Bake Shop. 

Reservations for the Osprey Nest Café can be made online or by calling the school at 594-2161. Due to the limited capacity and single service reservations are required. Reservations are still available for next week (April 9 - 12), featuring dishes inspired by Caribbean cuisine. The second half of the season (April 23 - May 10) will be available by reservation beginning Monday, April 8.