Final Culinary Event!

     I can't believe it! My culinary program has already come to an end. Definitely bitter-sweet. I still have externship and assisting hours to complete, but the days of going to school everyday where I created wonderful food with my friends are over. :(  However, a reunion has already been set - we still have many fun times ahead and memories to make together!
     The final culinary event was put on by all of the students with the assistance of the fantastic Natural Epicurean staff. We worked together to cater our open-house/ graduation which showcased all of the amazing talent within the class. Each dish was made with positive energy and excellence. It was absolutely phenomenal...so beautifully executed. We had 5 days to plan, prep, cook, and set-up for the event (serving 75 guests) that took place last night...talk about team work! I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with these individuals. There is so much talent and potential - I'm excited to see where everyone lands!

     Hopefully this gives you a glimpse of our busy, yet joy-filled day...

The gorgeous bouquets I received from several very special people!
Thank you for making me feel so loved even from afar! :-)

My special chef friends at the event site
...before...

 

...after...all set up for our celebration!


 

Our lovely drink station!




John, Rachel, & Torri...always having fun in the kitchen!

  

Friends from the very first day... :-)



The creator of the delicious Broccoli, Red Pepper, & Hijiki Quiche
You're so sweet, Ellen...love you!



Nikki creating her delicious Cilantro & Date Chutney!

Danielisa & Raul - beautiful people with HUGE hearts...
...gracias para las lecciones de Espanol! :-)

Craig likes cake...actually, anyone who tastes cake made by Torri would LOVE cake!!

Alison & Rachel rolling
Watermelon Sushi with Mango Chipotle Caviar
(John's big hit!)



Sam brings sunshine to everyone's day...you're amazing...
she has some sweet kitchen managing and sushi knife skills too!



Brian, our awesome bartender, serving
Kombucha Micheladas, Melon & Basil Spritzers,  & Kukicha Peach, Mint Tea 

The AMAZING Desserts made possible by Danielisa & Torri
*Layered Chocolate Cake with Cardamom Buttercream Frosting*
*Mini Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache & fresh berries* *Gluten Free Peach Tartlets*
*Coconut Mango Ice Cream Bites*



The spread...what an incredible menu...all vegan...
Rustic Grilled Flatbreads & Vegetable Kabobs with a variety of Dips & Chutneys
Watermelon Sushi & Sweet 'n' Sour Burdock Sushi
Vegan Ceviche & Crispy Plantains
Papaya & "Ricotta" Sandwich on Sprouted Sunflower Bread
Almond Cheese Zucchini Manicotti
Millet & Squash Patties with Salsa Verde
Strawberry & Basil Cream Cheese on a Raw Carrot Coconut Cracker
Broccoli, Red Pepper, & Hijiki Quiche



My delightful guests - Andrea & Matt

     Ah, what a blessed day...the food was sensational as are the hands who prepared it! Thank you again to all who had a part in making this event happen (special shout-outs to Rosa, Alex, Rachel, Shahnaz, Alicia, Marko, Tamera, Maya, and of course all of the good-looking people pictured below). I feel so blessed to have been a part of it all.

May we continue to grow as professionals in the unique field of
Plant-Based Cuisine!

Cheers!