Lesson 110: Graduation & Farewell

Sealed with the crowning of a toque, a farewell buffet and one last day spent in the kitchen cooking beside my classmates and now, my close friends. We were an eclectic group. There were former Wall Street traders, real estate professionals and U.S. servicemen back from tours in Iraq. But after more than 650 hours of instruction, I now find myself among future restaurateurs, food truck entrepreneurs, and perhaps, a future world-class chef.

It’s been an incredible opportunity to not only attend ICE, but to get to chronicle my journey along the way. My classmates bared the burden of an omnipresent lens capturing their every move as I rightfully earned the title of Food Paparazzi. But only so much can be seen through a lens, just as one can argue that only so much can be understood through words. So while I hope the Life as a Culinary Student column has given you insight into much of what an ICE education has to offer, I would encourage you to experience the heat of the kitchen and the passion of the students for yourself.

ICE has provided me with valuable skills, confidence in my craft and most importantly, an appreciation for good food. Beyond the fancy garnish and modern plate design lies the truth of the dish – the taste. It’s as simple as recognizing it, and as difficult as knowing how to produce it. In just one week my skills will be put to the test for the first time in the professional world of food. I am ecstatic that I will be continuing to combine my passions for both journalism and food as I complete my externship in the Food Network Test Kitchen. I am armed and ready, so in the words of the Chairman … Allez cuisine! - Kelly Senyei, ICE Culinary Arts ‘10

A look back: Lesson 1: Mise en Place Lesson 5: Medium Dice & Mirepoix Lessons 6-10: Fabrication & Stocks Lessons 11-14: Meat Fabrication Lessons 15-19: Classic & Contemporary Sauces Lessons 20-24: Soups & Sauteing Lessons 25-32: Frying, Braising & Beyond Lessons 33-37: ‘Tis the time to tourne Lessons 38-42: Now we’re cookin’ Lessons 43-49: France, Italy & China, here we come! Lessons 50-54: Food as Art Lessons 55-59: Normandy, Alsace, Provence and Beyond Lessons 60-70: Trying to Contain Myself Lessons 71-80: Pastry and Patience Lessons 81-90: From Poaching to Plating Lessons 91-100: The End in Sight