Caldwell 1st Graders Grade Local Grub, Earn Free Lunch

Caldwell, NJ – Passing the muster of a food critic is tough enough, but earning the taste bud approval of a first-grader is a whole different challenge.

Last month, first-grade students from Lincoln Elementary School in Caldwell put their taste buds and writing skills to the test last month, creating and sharing restaurant reviews for multiple local establishments in a unique school project.

Many of the local restaurants ended up framing and displaying their reviews, but one establishment took their thanks a step further and treated the entire class to a free lunch.

On June 15, Buffalo Wild Wings of Fairfield sent lunch for the entire class of first-grade students.

According to the restaurant’s staff, the review - written by Gerard Strumolo, a student in Cara Bakos’ class - had a lasting impact.

“I spoke with my manager about treating Gerard to a free lunch, but he said to bring lunch to everyone,” said Buffalo Wild Wings General Manager Charles Hunter.

OTHER REVIEWS

Other students chose to review eateries such as Central Burger, the Essex County Country Club, Fat Fish Taco and Dough.

“I liked it… I love their food,” said Madison Gunson of her meal at Central Burger, which has her review hanging on its wall. “My burger had pickles, mayo, lettuce, tomato and cheese. I also had a blueberry raspberry shake and French fries.”

Student Eliza Lima chose to review the Essex County Country Club because her grandmother brings the family to the restaurant for special events.

“They have a lot of good choices for kids,” Lima said. “I like the chicken fingers, mini hot dogs, and sometimes the pasta.”

Many of the restaurants hung their reviews up for customers to see.

“We were so happy to meet Shea and we love the review,” said the manager at Fresh Fish Taco as he pointed to the restaurant review written by student Shea Ivers. “I took a photo with him and we hung the review where everyone can see it.”

Ivers was just as enthusiastic about his meal at Fat Fish Taco.

“The fried chicken and French fries have a lot of seasoning,” Ivers said. “People should really go there because it is yummy.”

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Photo: Grover Cleveland Middle School

Caption: First-grader Gerard Strumolo (center) from Lincoln Elementary School in Caldwell stands with representatives from Wild Buffalo Wings, including General Manager Charles Hunter, during a lunch sponsored by the restaurant.