[CGK × Primo] Authentic Experiences for Children! Kitchen Tour and Full-Course Dining at an Italian Restaurant

Our annual event in collaboration with the Italian restaurant "Primo" has become so popular that this year it was held over two weeks due to increasing interest.
This event was first introduced through a family from CGK’s very first cohort, as part of our school’s mission to provide “authentic experiences for children.” Since then, Primo has graciously created a special menu for CGK International School every year.

At the event, children enjoy a full-course meal just like adults, with tables beautifully set with multiple forks and knives. However, the goal is not to enforce strict table manners—it is to offer a unique and memorable experience that children rarely encounter in everyday life. This sentiment is shared by both Primo and CGK.

As the children sat at the table, they were thrilled by the array of cutlery, picking them up to make sounds or rearranging them in excitement. While this may not align with formal etiquette, it was still a valuable experience. Conversations between parents and children naturally arose: “Why are there so many utensils?” followed by, “Because each one is used for a different course.”

Another highlight of this event is the kitchen tour. Since full-course meals involve some waiting time between dishes, children have the chance to observe the kitchen in action. They get to see how the chefs prepare and plate each dish. When a curious child asked, “What is this white thing?”, they were encouraged to go and ask the chef directly. These moments—when children’s curiosity naturally sparks—are the perfect opportunities for learning.
There were also many other questions: “What is this tool for?” and “Do chefs have any foods they dislike?” The chefs, although likely unused to being observed so closely, kindly listened and responded to the children’s endless curiosity with warmth and enthusiasm.

At CGK, we place great value on experiential learning, not by instructing children directly, but by allowing them to feel and discover on their own. This event may inspire children to develop an interest in cooking, enjoy food more deeply, or perhaps even dream of working in a restaurant one day. Even if their only takeaway is that “the meal was delicious,” the experience is still immensely meaningful. If the time spent was special and filled with joy, then the event was a complete success.

For parents, dining with young children amid fragile glassware might have been a little nerve-wracking at times. But if it allowed them to enjoy a wonderful time with their child and other families, then we are truly delighted.