Blog 6 - Advisory Prep

A typical view of what a chef's apprenticeship would look like. 

1. What has worked well for you concerning senior project this year?  What has made it a positive experience for you?   

So far this year, my mentorship has been enjoyable, really upping my interest in my topic, given that my topic is heavily based on experience, my mentorship has made it easy to build experience. In terms of research, I’ve been able to find some really intriguing information to help build a foundation of knowledge in my topic, also seeing many intricate recipes, has already led me to being creative and trying to make something new. My interview was truly something I found to be really helpful, especially the experiential questions that I was able to ask, learning more about my mentor’s journey helped me to see the possibilities and the work that goes into the field. I am quite glad with my choice of topic, as it strikes a good balance between a topic I am serious enough about but not to the extent that it would kill me, and also the fact that it is fun! Purely the experience of learning and working with something that is fun, creative, and tactile yet not having to use math or science (Other than measurements) has made the senior project worthwhile thus far.

2. What are you finding difficult concerning senior project?  How can you adapt to make that portion work better for you?  How might the senior team help?

In terms of difficulties, I haven’t experienced anything that is yet to concern me. The only matter I was not satisfied with was that I was not able to acquire any specific resources or contacts through my first interview. However, I am still optimistic that through more communication that I will be able to talk to more people in the field, as I feel that with the topic of Culinary Arts, it would be highly beneficial that I absorb multiple views and ideas from various experts. On the other hand, I feel that acquiring more resources won’t be a challenging task as it will just take more time and research.

Blog 5 - Interview 1 Reflection

1. What is the most important thing I learned from the interview?  Is there anything I would do differently for other interviews?

The most important thing I learned from the interview was the information about the different careers in the field as well as the education involved. Prior to this interview, I didn’t fully grasp how diverse the field of Culinary Arts really was and now I know its true depth and how much passion and grit you really need to work your way through. For other interviews, I would probably be more organized and prepared, and I would probably make it more formal and possibly film the interview. I would probably communicate with the interviewee beforehand to establish what topics we would cover so that conversation can be held more smoothly and to take advantage of as much information from the interviewee as possible.

2. Did I get additional resources and contacts?  What is the most useful?  Why?

I didn’t necessarily get any specific contacts, one in particular was mentioned and would be a great person to speak with but they reside and work in New York City, however the specific chef is a good friend of my mentor. My mentor suggested talking to local restaurants and in terms of small family-owned businesses, I could probably work under an apprenticeship. When it came to recommending resources, my mentor who I interviewed claimed that he had many cooking related books, and I am assured that I would be able to drop by and look through some of the books he owns.

3. What makes my interviewee qualified to help me?

I believe that my interviewee is qualified to help me because of his diverse work experience. In the span of 6-7 years, my mentor/interviewee has worked under different industries within cooking and Culinary Arts, restaurant, food production/distribution, and private catering. I also believe my interviewee is qualified due to his creative and passionate vision in cooking, those two traits he claimed are of the three most important in an exemplary chef during the interview. When I would spectate him cooking during the dinners he would host, I always see a focused and cultivated person, someone who is always on point, even during my mentorship he is always tack sharp, always knowing what to do.

Interview #1 Audio Link: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BywLkIe5u8MDRlp1Ty1tcVBXOXM/view?usp=sharing

Blog 4 - House Advisory Prep

Remy the little chef from Ratatouille gracefully decorating a dish with its accompanying sauce or glaze

Write a short explanation of what you are hoping to accomplish through your senior project topic.

Through my senior project topic, Culinary Arts, I hope to quench my curiosity in my topic and to hopefully develop more of a passion. I currently have many interests, but food and cooking has always been one that I’ve wanted to blossom. Since the start of my mentorship, I have learned some techniques, principles, and even some recipes; and over time I can feel my knowledge and interest continuing to grow. I don’t necessarily aim to be a master chef or anything like that, but this is truly more of a passion I want to acquire outside of a career.

Blog 3 - First Interview Preparation

The stunning presentation of dishes that I hope to learn.

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?

      I plan to interview my current mentor Chef Edward Forte. He is quite an experienced chef, practicing his craft for 6 years now, in various forms, restaurant, catering, and entertaining. He is also a close friend, making for an open and comfortable environment for asking questions and having an intellectually developing conversation on the topic. I also feel that he will be able to introduce me more into my topic and he can probably refer me to fellow chefs or educators.

2.  Five questions will be assigned to all seniors to ask.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  Ask open-ended questions. 

• What kinds of traits do you find important in an exemplary chef?
• How does passion for cooking affect your creations?
• What are the most important elements/disciplines in presenting food?

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

Blog 1 – Senior Final Lesson/Interview Reflection

1.  What three lessons were most helpful for you to see, and why?

• Automotive Maintenance: This is a topic I was particularly interested in and watching it helped me see how feasible such a topic would be as a senior presentation. The presenter also showed confidence and knowledge in the topic, also giving a good hook on the audience.
• Editorial Publishing: This presentation showed how to have a very professional style and layout, in addition to good aesthetic. This presentation also had a fun yet well-structured activity that was a new experience and the presenter rewarded the winners.
• GPS Tracking: While I wasn't so enthusiastic to view this presentation, the amount of knowledge and persuasion was able to swing me around and become intrigued and more involved with the presentation.

2. List one thing that you learned about the senior project in interviews that will help you get off to a good start?

The most helpful thing I learned during senior presentations was to draw your audience in with a strong yet interactive hook/activity. 

3. What topic(s) are you considering, and why?

• Automotive Repair: I viewed a similar topic during this year's senior presentations, and as the presenter went through it, it made want to do the topic more and more. I was already considering the topic as its one of my biggest interests, but I saw how fun and rewarding such a topic would be.
• Computer Engineering/PC Building: While I wasn't able to attend a presentation of this topic, computers are also a big part of my hobbies and I tend to build or help people build computers. This topic would be great because while I known a lot about computers, I still have so much more to learn and I can get really intricate with the details. Computer engineering or similar would also be my likely career path.

4. What EQ do you think might be interesting to consider in guiding a project like this? 

AR: What are the most important fields of knowledge and skills needed to be a good, well-trusted mechanic?

CE: What are important qualities and methods to becoming a great computer engineer on the job?

5. What are some ideas you have about finding summer mentorship?

So far my only idea is making communication, I plan on contacting different specialist repair shops as well as custom PC buiders. A less likely mentorship would be through an actual computer engineer, that would be significantly more difficult to find as their schedules are work-heavy and are usually not working in Southern California.