UPDATE

[chefteldanielle]

Yes Iam going to WCI and it's quite disappointing.
In the sense that they charge $22,000 and many of the classes are not structured at all. They lack alot of ingredients in their storeroom that are available out there and we don't get the chance to practice with them unless you go out and buy them yourself.

The kids are very irresponsible and don't show up for class, receive a C and every class has an opportunity to make up a grade. You just write a paper and there you have it an A.
It shouldn't bother me that people do that but I have a 4.0 GPA and I work my tail off and Iam hoping to do my internship in a great place (it ofcourse depends on your GPA)Iam hoping I do not have to compete against people who have been absent all year long and have smooched their way into A-ship.
Plus the student lunches are mediocre at best.Iam dealing with a business and they don't want anyone to fail. because then they loose $$$.
Yes Iam disappointed right now. Iam having fun.
Iam making tons of friends and loosing them in the process because my style of cooking is different and Iam kicking their B--T in the flavor department.
Iam a finalist on Monday in the Catfish competition for my school.
All in all I like it. If I had to do it over again I'd go to CIA.
Good luck in your searches..
Danielle

[shroomgirl]

so are you hunting....incredible place for shrooms, you have an active NAMA group in your area as well as a couple chef hunters.

Sorry your school is letting you down, what a drag.

catfish????ok give what are you preparing?
Say is that indigenous to Oregan, seems like you have so many local varieties of fish that to have a competition in catfish is bazarrre

[chefteldanielle]

Well I won third prize which I believe is great for a rookie cook such as me.
I guess hey have this contest every year.
the guy who won had a great plate but the flavor was quite Blah. I was told my flavor was the best but my presentation needed some work.
Iam a happy camper. Shroomgirl, i found a morel in my backyard. It was delicious. Iam going wild with my new hobby. I will not eat anything that I do not recognize.
Danielle

[Greg]

Congratulations, Danielle! If your flavor was the best, you took first in my book. I think there's something seriously wrong when flavor takes a backseat to presentation.

[cape chef]

Ditto...

In cooking,first comes technique and flavor.
Then comes plate presentation.

some of the finest food I have ever eaten were simple presentations,but the food was alive with flavor.
Great jod Danellie.
cc

[Isa]

Congratulation Danielle!

[-d-]

Danielle,

Congratulations! That's really impressive!

btw, I really enjoyed your post and your candid discussion about your experience and the cooking school.

[chefteldanielle]

Thanks all.
I agree about flavor being the most important. I am glad I didn't take first place. It gives me more room to practice and plug away. Iam noy ready to be the best yet.
I have a ton to learn.I have another competition to attend but it will be on the weekend when I take off from work and go to California for some R & R.
Iam hoping to go eat at some cool places and relax.
Iam now in the bakeshop. Iam not a baker and truly do not enjoy it when it comes to cakes and cookies etc. Now the bread is another story. I will never use my bread machine again. Iam on the presidents list this week with a 4.0 GPA. Keeping up with the crowd.
4 more classes to go until I go to the PM section which is more advanced and has longer classes (3 weeks).
My next class is going to be nutrition.Iam moved into my new house and cannot wait to have a whole day off to be able to enjoy it.
It's been a very busy "almost 4 months"
Thank you for keeping up with me.
Danielle

[Pastachef]

Congratulations on your effort and achievement. It sounds as if you have a brilliant future ahead.

[Mezzaluna]

Danielle, I was wondering how you were doing!I missed your post from earier in April when my ISP pooped out on us for a couple of weeks. Your work ethic and love of all things culinary (okay, maybe pastries are excepted?) will take you to the top. You're tops in our book no matter what! Enjoy your time off and good luck with the next round at school.

[chefteldanielle]

Thank you Mezzaluna. I finally finished the class with an A today and off to Nutrition I go.
3 more classes before I start the evening section.
Dining room, a la carte and Garde manger.
Thank you for your support.
Danielle

[Kimmie]

An A Danielle!

Congratulations!

Too !

[shroomgirl]

Hey that's great!!! Ok if you need contacts for shroomers in your area holler. Greg Higgins hunts but there are several North America Mycological Association (NAMA) members in your area....they should go on forays and keep you up on what is in season and what environment each fungi inhabits.
Morel in your backyard....well that has to be a great omen.

[Isa]

Congratulation Danielle!

[chefteldanielle]

Iam officially halfway..
After passing my midterm Iam officially a senior in my program.. wow how time flies by..
6 more months and it's all over..
Danielle