Blog 2 - Summer Mentorship

Plates of Eggs Benedict waiting for further preparation

1. List the contact name, phone number, and organization of the person with whom you volunteered.

Edward Forte

(951) 201-3541

Independent Caterer

2. What qualified this person as an expert in your topic choice?

     

My mentor graduated from the culinary arts college Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and has been passionately working in his field for 5-6 years now. Today, he cooks for business and for leisure, he started his catering business from simple means and is continually growing; occasionally he plans and invited family and friends to themed gourmet meals, each is a new experience. A few traits that stood out about my mentor are his attention to detail, diligence, and desire to experiment and innovate. Seeing these traits present helps me immerse myself in the learning experience. 

3. List three questions for further exploration now that you've completed your summer hours.

• What are important traits needed in a chef?
• What are important processes and methods to practice toward becoming an exemplary chef?
• What are important parameters and factors to look at when experimenting different styles and dishes?

    

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

The most important thing I have gained in this mentorship experience is the necessity of precision. In many occasions I have seen that we tend to overlook some details, especially in time constraints. However with a simple wrong measurement, setting, or timing the whole sensual experience of a certain dish can be ruined. Constant precision and detail help create a consistent and impeccable dining experience. 

5. What is your senior project topic going to be?  How did mentorship help you make your decision?  Please explain.

My senior project topic is going to be culinary arts. My mentorship has helped me see the many skills and traits that I want to acquire and has helped me appreciate the hard work that goes into the delicious food we eat. Through observing my mentor's work over the years I have truly seen the beauty in the art and satisfaction that it provides. In conclusion, this mentorship has cemented my desire to learn the art of cooking. 

The completed product and it was delicious