Phil's Capstone 12-10

I drove down to KC to attend Phil's Capstone in mid December at The Kansas City International Culinary Institute. This is when all the senior students cook/make their signature dishes and place them on display and offer tastings for friends/family, then the public is invited in to taste. They literally show off what they have learned before graduating. He also had to create a portfolio on a restaurant he created as if it were his own. The name of his restaurant is Ciaccio's Tattorria. He showed how it would look, the building layout, the dishes/glasses/utensils he would use and of course, the menu he would offer. It was so much fun! He began cooking at 6am that day preparing for the evening when we arrived at 5pm.
These are all the family/friends of the students going around each students table of display. The student chefs would present their dishes with explanations of how they prepared them, what the ingredients were and then stand back and talk with the guests as they ate. It was fun to see how Phil was so at ease talking about his foods and just how comfortable he was talking to strangers. He was very professional!

Explaining his portfolio, Ciaccio's Tattorria, to Rob.

Phil's table held Pumpkin Hummus with home made pita triangles, Mussels in a spicy vinaigrette, BLT Amuse' Boughe [cherry tomato's stuffed with bacon, sprinkled with slivers of chives and drizzled with an avocado vinaigrette and the finale' - Italian Ramki [figs stuffed with Gorgonzola and wrapped in prosciutto, broiled and then drizzled with an aged balsamic vinaigrette] Absolutely to die-for!!

Talking with the many guests

The back two tables were the dessert chefs. I am so happy I made the effort to drive down to experience this special night with Phil. I know it made him very happy that his mom and brother came to show our support and pride for what he has accomplished!

Proud mom!! : } Phil has just started his last semester, taking his last 2 classes and will graduate in 3/11! WOOOHOOO!! He is currently working at Cinzetti's Italian Market in KC as a Chef.