On April 21st 2012, BCA celebrated their 19th Annual Cultural Awareness Salute Dinner at the beautiful Gustavino’s in Midtown Mahatten New York. The theme was “Leaning Forward” in which main focus was to highlight the efforts needed to impact future leaders of the foodservice industry.
Ricardo Gomez a Graduate of Career Academy of New York states: “I truly believe BCA is ‘a big brother’ looking out for opportunities that would otherwise not be accessible to culinary student professionals of color. I have been trying to think of another group or scenario wherein I would have had the same opportunities for training and career coaching with leaders of this industry without the BCA’s assistance….there is none!”
The BCA Dinner was like no other event in New York. This dinner not only included food and wine, but notable individuals who worked very hard to pave the way for people of color in the culinary world. As you enter Gustavino’s, the lower level was adorned with food for the cocktail hour. Savory Hor D’oeuvres were prepared by the students of Brooklyn Job Corps Academy, South Bronx Job Corp Academy, William E Grady Career, Technical Education High School, and Star Career Academy of NY. The food not only looked delectable but it tasted even better!
I couldn’t help but notice I was surrounded by such GREATNESS from General Manager of Food Network and The Cooking Channel Michael Smith, Reporter Of Fox 5 News Dan Bowens, Celebrity Wedding and Event Planner Marie Danielle Vil-Young, to Food Network stars Melba Wilson, and Ron Duprat just to name a few.
After cocktail hour was over, we proceeded to the upper dining room which was breathtaking with pastel color lighting. Food enthusiasts were taken by the well prepared three course meal which was complimented greatly with an array of delicious wine. First course consisted of Avion Tequila Glazed and Ginger Kissed Scallops with Southern Style Farro and Black Eye Pea Salad paired prepared By The Culinary Institute of America. Our Second meal prepared by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Dallas tickled our palettes with their Mediterranean Chicken Roulade with Citrus Drizzle, Apple Scented Baby Carrots and Basil Orzo. Lastly the Third dish was a scruptious Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Crumb Mushroom Hash and Spiced Haricot Verts prepared by the Culinary Program at FedCap.
I must say these students were taught well…which was why they too were being honored for their excellence and were given a BCA High Performance Award. Before all mentioned, Speaker/Author & Convergence Catalyst Crystal Langdon gave a tear jerking speech which had the guests giving her a standing ovation.
The night came to a close with BCA president and CEO Alex Askew with closing remarks, Viennese Dessert reception prepared by Johnson & Wales University, Brooklyn Job Corp Academy,South Bronx Job Corp Academy, Star Career Academy of NY, Culinary Institute of America, William E Grady Career, and Technical Education High School. Let’s not forget the live band who rocked the house down.
Again the BLACK STREET team would like to send our Condolences to Chef Alisia Brown loved ones. Gone but never forgotten for your mission was to bring ALL chef from all walks of life together. R.I.P
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