Ta-Da!!! I finally have all the photos from my Culinary School Graduation! These were taken by Andy, a gracious photographer who volunteered his time at our graduation!
After an intensive 24 week course covering everything from basic knife skills to advanced preparation of meat and lobster, my fellow classmates and I finally made it to the week of graduation. It was an INTENSE week to say the least. There were many days when we would be at school starting at 7am and not leave until wee hours of the morning. After much lost sleep and tons of “family” meals throughout the week we were ready for our graduation. We invited 200 guests to our event, took over the kitchen of a country club and wowed everyone with a 6 course tasting menu!
The first course was the Shellfish Trio featuring Cucumber Cup with Scallop Ceviche, Baked Mussel with Herb Garlic Butter and Shrimp Kataifi with Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce and was paired with a delicious and refreshing Cucumber Martini featuring Ku Soju
The second course was a Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Cheese Strata with Chiffonade of Opal Basil
The third course consisted of Miso Glazed Black Cod served over Black Soba Noodles with Julienned Snow Peas
The fourth course was a Limoncello Mint Sorbet Pallet Cleanser
The fifth course was Filet Mignon Medallions with Port Demi Sauce served with Potato Gratin, Sautéed Tri-Color Carrots and Bright Lights
And finally the six course was a duo of Chocolate Fantasy Cake with Raspberry Chambord Coulis accompanied by a Hazelnut Tuile filled with Passion Fruit Mousse and Mixed Berries.
What do you think?!? Do you like it? Which dish would be your fav?
It was so much fun, the wine was flowing, the kitchen was insane and everyone had a fantastic time! It was a great experience to culminate everything that we learned during school. And after it was all over I slept for about 48 hours straight and when I finally woke up I had to soak my feet because they were so swollen from standing up for an entire week in the kitchen.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for sharing! I like the last one:) I am all about dessert!
This looks like an AMAZING spread!! I wish I could have been there! I’m a soba noodle girl, so that and of course the dessert would have been my favorites!! I can’t wait to see what you will do next.
That beef looks awesome. Well done!
Wow, all the dishes are beautiful! Congrats!!
OMG Congratulations! And the website looks AMAZING. Congratulations all around. Very excited to celebrate with you in SF!
Those all look delicious! Especially the dessert, I love chocolate!!
This looks fantastic. I want to have the tomato with the Burrata but I think my favorite would be the pumpkin ice cream sandwiches, they look awesome. Congratulations on your graduation.
Wow, Gaby – everything looks exceptional. You sure worked hard – congratulations. I would love to taste that Black Cod with the Soba noodles….!
This was an AMAZING meal! Congrats again!!
Congrats Gaby!!!
My fav would definately be the Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Cheese Strata with Chiffonade of Opal Basil. Maybe you can make it for me the next time I’m in LA!!!???
Congratulations!!! Everything looks so delicious, but like Maria, I’m a dessert girl. And your dessert plate does not disappoint.
What a fabulous way to end culinary school? What’s next?
The heirloom tomato dish looks divine. As does the beef medallion dish. Yum. I am hungry!! Where could I go and actually eat this???
This menu is beyond fantastic. I am going to try and reproduce the entire menu. I just wish I had your recipes!
Breathtaking dishes. I bet it would be mindblowing when you saw them in person? We look forward for posts on what you learned in the school and styling tips that you may have
Congratulations!! I can’t believe I missed this post. The sixth course would definitely be my favorite. I got sucked right in by that Chambord coulis.