Students at the Culinary Institute of Virginia's Norfolk campus recently wrapped up their Baking & Pastry Arts program with the Capstone Themed Buffet/Plated Desserts event. This event is both a reflection of what they've learned and a glimpse into their futures as culinary professionals.
At the forefront of this program stands Chef Jeanne Mancuso, an EPIC award-winning instructor. Her dedication to teaching didn't go unnoticed – students surprised her with an inflatable Baby Yoda.
The event itself had two main components. First, a buffet presentation where students displayed their themed cake creations like Goosebumps and Nightmare Before Christmas. This was a chance to flex their creative muscles with offerings like hot chocolate brownie cups, eyeball cake pops, and more.
Next was the plated dessert presentation. Here, students showcased not just their baking skills but also their presentation prowess. Each dish served wasn't just tasty but also visually appealing. Dedication was evident; Michaela Carlsen and her team, for instance, spent weekends practicing their dishes.
Highlighting the institute's reputation, several graduates are now headed to the Disney Culinary Program in Orlando. Of the eight, five will focus on baking, and three will begin in savory roles, aspiring to shift to baking later.
This event underscores the rigorous training and passion at the Culinary Institute of Virginia. It's more than just about dishes; it's about shaping the future culinary talents. The capstone event marks these students' end at CIV, but signals the start of many bright careers ahead!