Welcome to our Blog.

Learning how to cook is not a onetime event, but an ongoing journey that is fueled by passion, perseverance, dedication and love. Talk to our chefs and professors and you will immediately understand what drives them to eat, sleep and drink food through the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Industry. It is their lifelong passion that is infectious and addicting. I speak from 30 years of dedication to a career that has given me the opportunity to eat and cook great food, meet interesting people from diverse backgrounds, travel to far away places and make many, many friends. It is now your time to take your turn!!!!
As you come to enjoy our blog with its food articles, food reviews, student stories and school information, please keep in mind that this blog is part of a family of students, faculty and staff. We are all represented here as part of the Culinary Institute of Charleston. We welcome you to our family and look forward to your input. If we can answer any questions for you as you peruse the pages please call us, or better yet, come in for a visit. We will show you our Charleston Hospitality.

And so, please don’t be bashful; go ahead and post to our “Art of the Plate” blog. Let us know what you think about food, restaurants, events, books, journals, chefs or culinary & hospitality education. We look forward to your voice.

Sincerely,
Michal Carmel CEC, CCE, M.Ad. Ed.
Culinary Department Head

CIC Featured in Sandlapper Magazine Article on TTC

In an article titled "Tuning in to Technical Education," featuring TTC, Evelyn Beck described CIC's facilities and programs, including the Study Abroad trip to Italy. Sandlapper printed a great picture of CIC student Dwayne Carl Williams in full culinary uniform in one of the CIC kitchens on Main Campus. In the picture below, Carl is in more relaxed dress - with the group in Italy.

Maymester Study Abroad in Italy

Italy Maymester Program Itinerary 2009
May 11 Departure Charleston. May 12 Arrival in Florence. Welcome dinner.
May 13 Orientation and presentation of the student assignments: Food Landscape of Italy -food writing and photography project. Visit to the internal part of the Duomo and Baptistry.
May 14 Visit to San Lorenzo fresh food market, Lecture on Food Writing I.
Lecture and Workshop – Introduction to Italian gastronomy and typical Italian products, rules and regulations for guaranteeing quality and tradition.
May 15 Visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Workshop - Food Photography I.
May 16 Day trip to Northern Italy in the Po Valley.
Parma – Guided tour of the Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese factory. Walking tour of the city center and lunch on own. Transfer to Modena to visit a traditional balsamic vinegar factory for tour and tastings, part of the Consorzio Produttori di Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena.
May 17 Lecture on Food Writing II, Lecture and Workshop – Regional cuisine, Tuscany and its summer specialties.
May 18 Visit the Accademia Gallery, Lecture on Food Photography II, Lecture and Workshop: Olive Oil in Tuscan Cuisine – the importance of olive oil in the Italian culture and diet.
May 19 Lecture and final review on food writing and photography project, Lecture and cooking class – Italian cuisine and the Mediterranean – Exploration of the Italian cuisine as a part of the Mediterranean culinary culture.
May 20 Lecture and workshop: The importance of pasta in Italian cuisine and the tradition of Italian meals including the preparation of fresh pasta. Lecture and workshop: Italian Baking and Pastry: breads of Tuscany and specialty breads.
May 21 Visit an organic school canteen, Lecture and Workshop: Foods for Therapy – Beyond Chocolate, followed by a chocolate workshop with the European Champion Chocolate/Pastry Chef Andrea Bianchini (with tasting), Lecture: Meal Planning and Meal Management in the Italian family followed by a real meal with Italian families. Students will be invited in small groups by Italian families to join them for dinner.
May 22 Free day to explore the city of Florence.
May 23 Field trip to Montepulciano and Pienza. The trip will include visit to the Tenuta di Salcheto vineyard with tasting of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. At the end of the day, the group will move to San Sepolcro to check into a countyside agriturismo.
May 24 After breakfast in agrituismo, students will visit the town of San Sepolcro. Dinner in agriturismo.
May 25 Free day in the country around the agriturismo. After lunch, return to Florence. Evening free.
May 26 Free day in Florence. Farewell dinner in evening.
May 27 Departure from Florence and arival in Charleston.

The Reviews Are In on Sustainable Seafood Lowcountry Supper

On June 16th, the CIC and the Sustainable Seafood Initiative of the South Carolina Aquarium partnered to present a Lowcountry Seafood Supper featuring CIC chefs, guest chefs and culinary and hospitality students. The event took place at 181 Palmer. The menu and wines follow:
~ Passed Hors d’oeuvres created by Chef Stefanelli and CIC students ~Louis Bouillot Grande Reserve Cremant de Bourgogne
~ Blue Crab and Mascarpone Ravioli, Fava Beans, Spring Onion, Preserved Lemon,
Chef Scott Stefanelli ~ Rene Sparr 2007 Pinot Blanc
~ Seared Yellow fin Tuna, Yellow Gazpacho, Roasted Corn, Pickled Okra,
Chef Frank McMahon: Hank’s Seafood ~ J Wine 2007 Pinot Gris Russian River Valley
~ Sautéed Trigger Fish, Sweet Peas, Country Ham, Wood-Grilled Shrimp, Vidalia Onion Relish,
Chef James Clark: Waterscapes at the Marina Inn ~ Martin Ray 2007 Pinot Noir
~ Roasted Swordfish, Lobster Sauce, Heirloom Potatoes, Early Summer Vegetables,
Chef Robert Wysong: Kiawah ~ Bodegas de la Marquesa Valserrano Crianza Rioja
~ Fresh Blueberry Buckle with Local Peach Ice Cream, Chef Jeffrey Alexander
Guests at the event included Chef Bob Waggoner, who sent an email that the "Dinner was wonderful. Ya'll did fantastic!"
And author and former Post & Courier restaurant critic Holly Herrick, who wrote the review that follows in her blog at http://charlestonchow.blogspot.com/
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saving Fish While Sustaining the Soul
The Culinary Institute of Charleston, working in tandem with the South Carolina Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, culinary students, and a host of talented guest chefs, achieved a resounding missionary and culinary trifecta at the Sustainable Seafood Dinner held at 181 Palmer on the school's Palmer campus last Tuesday (June 16).
A fund-raiser extraordinaire, the goal was to raise funds and awareness for the aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative, showcase the talents of the students and the chefs, and present an award-winning, five-course feast to the evening's guests. Served within the intimate, soothing space of the school's working classroom/restaurant, 181 Palmer, the event achieved all this and more.
Between courses, Megan Westmeyer, the aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SSI)Coordinator, provided informative and humorous anecdotes about the significant progress the initiative has made in improving the lives and longevity of the fish that populate our coastal waters. From improved long-line techniques and gentler and kinder lures that prevent wastless ensnarement (and murder) of the denizens of the deep to the chivalrous mating habits of male triggerfish, Westmeyer had the small crowd of 40 alternating between waves of laughter and hushed, appreciative enlightenment.
The menu showcased 100% sustainable fish, including blue crab, yellowfin tuna, triggerfish and swordfish and each course was paired with wine, every bottle retailing for $20 or less. Hank's Seafood Chef Frank McMahon's pink, seared slices of yellowfin tuna swam in a cool sea of sweet corn, tomatoes, tangy pickled okra and dill while Waterscapes at the Marina Inn (Grand Dunes) chef James Clark triggerfish went Lowcountry with the round, rich flavors of sweet peas, country ham, shrimp and Vidalia onion relish. Dessert came in the delightful form of a round scoop of fresh peach ice cream served on a crisp shortbread cookie with a blueberry buckle; a type of sophisticated spoon bread.
Students worked with the chefs to create the dinner, just as they do every day of the school year with chef Scott Stefanelli in the school's kitchen laboratory. One of Charleston's best kept restaurant secrets, 181 Palmer serves a three-course lunch ($15)throughout the year when school's in session, and everyone is invited. Just be sure to make a reservation. Stefanelli and his students infuse the food and the dining room with talent, skill and unbridled positive energy that's on par with any five-star restaurant anywhere in the world.
Culinary Institute of Charleston Palmer Campus 66 Columbus Street, downtown
For required reservations: (843) 820-5087, ext. 2 http://www.culinaryinstituteofcharleston.com/

CIC Kids' Cooking Classes Going like Hot Cakes

June 19, The Post & Courier. "KIDS COOK UP A BATCH OF FUN"

"With Father's Day just around the corner, mothers around the Lowcountry are trying to find time in their busy schedules to prepare celebration dinners and cakes.
"Usually small hands are more a hindrance than a help, but children can be a huge help in the kitchen if they have the necessary skills. Trident Technical College's Culinary Institute of Charleston is offering cooking classes for children throughout the summer to teach everything from how to decorate a cake to how to make candy.
"'I think I've found my calling," said 11-year-old Hannah Luckie during the Down Home Southern Cooking class Thursday.
"There isn't a bored or pouting face in the bunch.
""I really like cooking, but I don't have enough time. I have things to do, other camps to go to," Gabrielle Strother said. Strother got a break from her busy 10-year-old's schedule to learn how to make traditional Southern favorites, such as pulled pork and coleslaw."

For the full story: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/jun/19/kids_cook_up_batch_fun86531/

Meet CIC Student and Award-Winning Pit Master J.T. Handy

In Feb., 2009, CIC student and award-winning pit master J. T. Handy taught a Southern Barbecue Master class at the FELC Summit held at CIC's Palmer Campus. According to Mr. Troy Rosamond, Financial Director of *SUSTA, "Chef Randy Cheramie, an instructor at John Folse Culinary Institute in Thibodaux, Louisiana, attended this class. J.T. Handy did such an outstanding job that Randy returned to Thibodaux raving about this guy, saying 'we’ve got to get him for our barbecue session [for the SUSTA International Chefs Training Program].'" Mr. Rosamond had "extensive discussions with instructor George Kaslow of John Folse Culinary Institute and planned to bring on a guest barbecue chef for the program."

"The pieces," said Mr. Rosamond, "just fit together perfectly. Mr. Kaslow had preliminary discussions with Mr. Handy, found him intriging, and left it to me to contact him and make the arrangements for his participation. Everything just fell into place: the scheduling, his availability and willingness to participate, and Mr. Handy’s knowledge and ability."

Subsequently, J. T. went down to teach a class to a visiting group of chefs from India. "It went so well," said Mt. Rosamond, "that the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations has arranged for him to perform at their bi-annual conference and, I think, to tour a few of their establishments. This follow-up activity is not under the auspices of SUSTA.
"However, SUSTA will definitely work with him in the future. He has a standing guest spot in our chef training program, which is expected to last at least another three years when we plan to train chefs from three different regions of China: Year 1 – Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau, Year 2 – Shanghai, Year 3 – Beijing. Also, if an opportunity arises, we will definitely utilize him in future trade promotions that may come up. We have also introduced J.T. to the marketing department of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, and he is likely to do some work with them in the future."

J.T. will indeed be going to India - for fifteen days in November to teach barbecue at three festivals in three different cities. Additionally, J. T. will be teaching one of his classes for the Level IV Prostart Conference at the CIC Palmer Campus in July. Congratulations, Tim! That's some success story!

*SUSTA is a non-profit regional organization consisting of the 15 Southern states and Puerto Rico. We work with the USDA and with our region’s Departments of Agriculture to implement USDA funded programs that benefit value added food companies throughout our region with the goal of increasing sales of southern U.S. agricultural products. We target companies that are defined as small business by the SBA guidelines (or cooperatives), whose branded products consist of >50% US agricultural content (excluding water). http://www.susta.org/

International Chefs Training Program
Since the summer of 2000, the John Folse Culinary Institute has served as a testament to how food can bring people together from around the globe.The institute serves as the home of an international training program that represents 15 southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Chefs come from as far away as India, Russia, Hungary, Mexico, Thailand, Canada and Croatia to participate in this two-week fellowship program sponsored jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Southern United States Trade Association. After arriving, chefs attend lectures and hands-on demonstrations. The experience allows chefs to create dishes they’ve never attempted before, with the hope that they will promote Southern cooking when they return to their homeland. At the end of the week, participating chefs are asked to prepare their traditional dishes with southern U.S. ingredients. http://www.nicholls.edu/culinary/susta-international-chefs-training-program/

BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Presents Check to TTC Foundation

On June 4th, BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Chairman Laura Hewitt and Festival Director Angel Postell presented a check for $10,000.00 to the TTC Foundation for CIC Culinary Scholarships. Accepting the check on behalf of the Foundation and the CIC were (l-r) Kathleen Forbes, Foundation Director, Michael Saboe, CIC Dean, and Marion Sullivan, CIC Culinary Specialist and Festival Board Member. The CIC thanks the Festival for this generous donation!

CIC Students and Faculty Recognized at Awards Day

AWARDS DAY SPRING 2009

HCSA (The Hospitality and Culinary Student Association - advisors: Chef Vagasky and Mr. Teehan)) brought home first place for Outstanding Student Organization.
Chef David Vagasky, HCSA Advisor, was named second runner-up for Outstanding Student Organization Advisor.
Cheryl Cote received awards for Academic Recognition and Outstanding Members of Student Organizations.
Renata Dos Santos received an Outstanding Student Organization Award.
Joe Branton received the State Credit Union Award.
Amy Campbell received the Merit Award for the Hospitality/Tourism division and Carla Walker received the Merit Award for the Culinary division.

Photo by James Connelly.

ACF Student Team Brings Home the Bronze!

Under the leadership of mentor Chef Ward Morgan, The Charleston ACF Student Team brought home a bronze from the Southeast Regional Competition.
Team members from left to right:
CIC Students Jonathan Kaldas, Jeremy Manley, Meri Spalviero, and Joe Branton (Captain), and Joe DiMaio (Arts Institute)

Chef Mitchell Interviewed in RestaurantReport

Missing Ingredients in Our Kitchens...An Interview with Chef Kevin Mitchell

By Bob Bickell

"I had an opportunity to speak with chef Kevin Mitchell who is a Chef Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston located at the Trident Technical College in Charleston. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, an active member of the ACF, and a founding father of the BCA (Bridging Culinary Awareness). The BCA's objective is to motivate urban challenged high school students and introducing them to the culinary arts as a viable career option. Member benefits include quality educational and employment resources, job coaching, mentoring as well as networking support with the goal of bridging culinary arts in the new millennium.

"He is a dedicated and extremely passionate teacher who loves this industry and is totally dedicated to his students. He is a class act in every respect, and he did not shy away from answering my questions. "

To read the whole interview, see: http://www.restaurantreport.com/chef_talk/chef_talk_kevin-mitchell.html

ICES Brings Three Days of Sugar to CIC

For three sweet days, Bronwen Weber, Executive Pastry Chef and Instructor from Frosted Art Bakery & Studio in Dallas, led a group of some forty cake experts through a set of new techniques. This was a seminar for ICES, the International Cake Exploration Societé, "an organization comprised of over 3,500 sugar artists, cake decorators and vendors from all over the world." Two CIC grads were in attendence: Gwen Simons, of Sweet Creations in Charleston, and Julie Kay Fowler, of Couture Creations in Greenville.

Renata Dos Santos Named Culinary Legend

We are late announcing that CIC student Renata Dos Santos was awarded the Laura Hewitt Culinary Legend Award due to a delay in obtaining the official photograph, but we are still proud to post this exciting news. The official press release from the Charleston Food + Wine Festival follows.
Celebrating Charleston's Culinary Legends
2009 winners of the Laura Hewitt Culinary Legend Award
At the Festival's Opening Ceremonies, four leaders in the culinary community were awarded with the "Laura Hewitt Culinary Legend Award". This award was designed to honor individuals and organizations who have excelled in the culinary community of Charleston, or who have contributed significantly to Lowcountry cuisine. The 2009 winners were:

Individual Award Winner: Richard Elliott: owner of Maverick Southern Kitchens, has been a pioneer in the culinary industry. A risk taker, he has opened a number of successful restaurants around the state including three of Charleston's most popular. He is an active member of the community and is involved with organizations such as the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce.

Chef Award Winner (new category for awards): Chef Robert Carter: a leader in the chef community, Robert is the Executive Chef and Co-owner of Peninsula Grill. Robert started and has continued planning the annual Chef's Feast, an annual fundraiser for the Lowcountry Food Bank. He was named 2008 SC Hospitality Association "Mentor of the Year" for the Pro-Start National Culinary Arts Competition at Wando High School. He is also one of the inaugural members of the Culinary Institute of Charleston Chef Council, Industry Advisor for the Art Institute of Charleston, member of Sustainable Seafood and Lowcountry Local First and voted "Best Chef" by City Paper for eight years and "Best Restaurant" for ten years. Robert was nominated for an Outstanding Restaurant in 2008 by the James Beard Foundation.

College Student Award Winner: Renata Dos Santos: a college student at the Culinary Institute of Charleston is very involved on campus and with the American Culinary Federation. Renata has volunteered at a number of community events such as Vintner's Dinner, Chef's Feast, Taste of Charleston and Camp Happy Days. She is involved with Slow Foods Charleston and has worked at The Lodge, Sea Island, My Personal Chef and Magnolias.

Organization Award Winner: Charleston Restaurant Association: The Charleston Restaurant Association has been a vital community organization for several years and has been marketing Charleston's restaurants locally and throughout. They have created signature events to elevate the restaurant community such as the Oyster Festival and the Taste of Charleston, and continue to improve these events every year.

Winners from the 2008 Festival included Sustainable Seafood Initiative and Chef Brett McKee from Oak Steakhouse. 2007 Festival winners included John Taylor, "Hoppin' John", winner of the "Individual" category, Gayle Rawlins, winner of the "College Student" category( a CIC grad), Emily Byrd, winner of the "High School Student" category, and American Culinary Federation-Charleston Chapter, winner of the "Organization" category of the Culinary Legend Awards. For the 2009 Festival, in honor of Laura Hewitt, Board of Director Chair for the Festival, and her leadership the past two years with the Festival, the award was renamed the Laura Hewitt Culinary Legend Award.

On Monday, May 11th, CIC's group takes off for its Maymester Study Abroad in Italy. They will return to Apicus, The Culinary Institute of Florence, CIC's partner for our last Study Abroad trip. Attending are CIC students Lee Evans, Judy Brown, Darla Robinson, Josh Ody, Bobby Sills, Chris Holme and Wayne Gaybo, accompanied by Hospitality Department Head Patricia Agnew and Instructor Lisa Buzzelli. Keep an eye on the blog for pictures and postings!

CIC Chefs Council Member Wins Beard Award

Congratulations to Chef Mike Lata of FIG restaurant, who brought home the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Southeast! The Beard Awards are very prestigious - often called the culinary equivalents of Oscars.
In addition, Chef Lata was featured in the May issues of Gourmet and Forbes magazines.

Chef Lata is a member of the Culinary Institute of Charleston's Chefs Council.

Spring Petits Fours Class Makes Beautiful Bites

Spring 2009 Petits Fours Class, Palmer Campus Bakeshop
Chef Jeff Alexander and his talented class turned out an array of tantelizing petits fours that were as sweet on the tastebuds as they were on the eye. Too many for any one class to consume, the students generously plated up mouthwatering selections of petits fours on mirror trays and served their creations to the lucky diners at 181 Palmer. Congratulations all!