Eat. Race. Cheer.

Ravenous? I hope so. Because if there’s one thing we should all be this regatta weekend, it's hungry. Whether you merely crave a break from the hustle and bustle of Brentwood life or you’re just looking forward to the thrill of a good race, you can rest assured that there is one aspect of this weekend that will leave you completely satiated. That’s right. As always, one of the best parts of the Brentwood Regatta is the assortment of food choices we’re presented with. Whether you choose to snack down over at “The Plaza” or help yourself to some food over in the Cafeteria, you really can’t go wrong. In fact, the Caf has gone to great heights to make sure this weekend is memorable. As Chef David Sheffield laughed, “I love Regatta weekend. It’s a lot of fun. Very festive.” Very festive, indeed. With over 9500 meals served over a span of three days, the Caf has more than doubled their average workload. This, of course, “means a lot more extra hands in the kitchen and longer shifts.” However, despite the enormity of the task presented to our cherished Brentwood food services staff, Chef Sheffield modestly maintains that Regatta weekend “Isn’t all that different from the normal school week.” He does concede, however “that the real difficulty lies in the preparation of the three special events taking place during regatta weekend: The Board Dinner, The Alumni Reception and The Donor Dinner.” Nevertheless, despite the Cafeteria’s nonchalance regarding the immensity of their work, the appreciation of their skill in feeding the vast number of people on campus is not felt solely by Brentonians. The quality of food at the Regatta is hailed by visiting communities with the Vancouver College rowers eagerly naming some of their favourite dishes in recent years “Chicken and Waffles.” Clearly, we are all unanimous in our thanks to the Brentwood Staff. Furthermore, while there is no doubt in my mind that we will all do our best to sample all the food choices available to us this weekend, I regretfully inform you that it may not be entirely possible. Just a couple of steps south from the Cafeteria, the tents of visiting schools hold their own array of delectable dishes. As I was told over at The Gorge Narrows Rowing Club, “these kids are the loves of our lives.” This is clearly exemplified in the sheer magnitude of work that goes into preparing to come to the Brentwood Regatta. Kathryn Helde of Lakeside Crew has over 80 rowers to take care of and spent an average of seven hours a day preparing a list of ingredients and over three days shopping at Safeway and Costco to acquire all the items necessary. Clearly, Kathryn speaks for all of us when she says, “They are all thankful and that’s the best part.” Yes, Kathryn, we most definitely are. Chelsea A, Hope ‘17