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Photo Gallery: Riverhead's Top 15 Feted

Riverhead Class of 2012's Top 15 students experienced fine dining Wednesday night.

The Top 15 students in Riverhead High School's Class of 2012 on Wednesday night.

Academic excellence was rewarded with fine dining as the high achievers were honored with the second annual culinary experience at Comtesse Therese Bistro in Aquebogue.

Students enjoyed sumptuous fare, a culinary education and an inside view into fine dining etiquette by Dianne Delaney, master sommelier and manager of the Comtesse Therese Bistro.

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The restaurant began the tradition of honoring the Top 15 for their academic achievements in 2011. "I want to celebrate the best of the best that Riverhead has to offer," Delaney said.

Students also met three scientists, Christina Swinson, Joe Brady, and Mohan Nair from Brookhaven National Laboratories, who spoke at the dinner. Ten of the students present are planning to study science, engineering, and biology in college.

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On the menu was a classic French dinner including escargot, lardon salad wih fresh local duck egg, local scorpion fish smoked local duck served with potatoes dauphinoise, sauteed garlic spinach, and, for dessert, French crepe Suzette -- prepared by Chef Aristodemos ("Arie") Pavlou.

Delaney, gave a lesson in the art of fine dining, explaining silverware and etiquette. "I don't want you to be nervous about all the silverware on the table,” she told the students.


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