Last May, we reported on the opening of MESA Kids Cooking School at 154 E. Main St. in New Albany, and students will soon get to see their hard work served in a real restaurant. Gospel Bird, located just down the street at 207 E. Main St., is enlisting the help of kids ages 5 to 15-years-old to test and select dishes for its new kids menu, which is scheduled to debut in October. Students interested in participating can sign up for a series of MESA Kids classes offered throughout the month of September.

During these menu and development classes, students will experience innovation and creativity as they test out and try new flavors. Students will learn new skills and valuable techniques and will vote on foods that will appear on Gospel Bird’s menu. Gospel Bird chef/owner Eric Morris and Executive Chef Scott Dickenson will also visit the school to work on menu ideas with the students. MESA Kids opened in July with a series of summer camps and has since added weeknight classes and Saturday afternoon workshops for kids of all ages. New classes are added each month and are structured around many themes to inspire and enrich aspiring young chefs.

MESA’s classes will be held on Monday evenings for 5 to 9-year-olds and Tuesday evenings for 10 to 15-year-olds. Baking specific classes will be held Thursdays and Fridays for each age group as well. Cost for the four classes is $129.99 per child for non-members and $109.99 per child for members. Limited scholarships are available. For more information or to register, visit mesakidscookingschool.com or follow Mesa Kids Cooking School on Facebook.