Monday I had my first day of school. We started our 8 months of Culinary education with a series of talks by school admin, tours, and the issuing of our uniforms, books, and knife bag. For a group of 33 Culinary students it was as though Christmas came early! It was very interesting to hear the history of the Greystone building. Built in the 1800's, it was used by monks to make wine. It was then bought by Christian Brothers Winery. After the earthquake of 1990 there was too much damage for Christian Brothers to afford to fix, which is when the CIA bought and moved into the building. Outside are flags representing the 10 main wine producing countries, and an 11th for Canada.
There is such a change going from a huge school like the University of Illinois to a small one building school. Every morning I walk in at 6:45 with the feeling of attending boarding school in a castle in Europe. It is an extremely close community. With only 300 students everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. My day starts with breakfast at long wooden tables among chef instructors and fellow students in the teaching kitchen. For the next three weeks I have the opportunity to take Product Identification and Fabrication with Chef Thomas Wong.
WOODEN SPOON
among other exciting utensils, knives, and books
My first week at the CIA has been such a great experience that I can't wait to continue. 8 months is not going to be long enough.
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