The Culinary Scoop Covers the Kitchen of Champions

http://www.theculinaryscoop.com/2010/12/kitchen-of-champions-culinary-training-program-serves-up-success/

Kitchen of Champions on NPR

Cy Musiker of KQED came to SVdP today to take a gander at our culinary job training program. Here is that gander:

Guest Chef with Luka's Taproom

Chef Jacob Alioto of Luka's Taproom worked with our Kitchen of Champions trainees last week to prepare what some have said is our finest meal yet. We raised a bit of money to offset the large cost of our program and gave Culinary Cohort 25 another Guest Chef experience.

Dig the 5 course menu:

Bresaola w/Arugula & Parmesan
Persimmon & Chicory Salad w/Citrus, fromage blanc & pomegranate vinaigrette
Cioppino w/Dungeness Crab, Squid, Clams, Mussels & Shrimp
Braised Short Ribs w/Mashed Yams, Brussels Sprouts & Orange Gremolata
Orange-Cardamom Creme Brulee w/Chocolate Dipped Short Dough Cookies

*some photos courtesy of ferronlandia

Mock Interviews

Last week we hosted 18 of our closest employers, community partners, friends, board members and colleagues to participate in...

MOCK INTERVIEWS !!!1!1!!

It was an excellent session where each trainee was interviewed for 15 minutes by 4 consecutive interviewers. Interviewers were given the same template but each had their own twist based on professional and personal experiences. Trainees were evaluated and we had a group discussion afterwards. It was one of those experiences that led to trainees talking about it during their breaks and even after they were released for the day, and that's what it's all about people!

 

Field Trip: Epicurean Group at Holy Names University

Today we ventured out to the Oakland hills for a tour of the Epicurean Group's kitchen operation at Holy Names University. Epicurean prides themselves in using the freshest ingredients, highest quality foods, making everything from scratch and providing an excellent customer experience with every meal. We look forward to kicking it with Chef David and Chef Rafa again very, very soon!

Community Mural Project

Last week we got some local residents, clients and artists together to paint 3 gigantic murals that will be mounted on our building here at San Pablo and 23rd. Here are some shots from the Kitchen of Champions-catered event.