Pressure Cooker Opening May 27

I've blogged before about being connected to a very important organization: C-CAP. (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) It's a non-profit organization that raises money to help underserved high school students enter the culinary arts field by providing scholarships, teacher training, job training, product donation, and college advising. I couldn't be happier for a program that supports the culinary arts, students, and education. I've been lucky enough to serve on the Junior Benefit committee as well as volunteer at three events now.

Jennifer Grausman, daughter of C-CAP founder Richard Grausman, is very excited to share her documentary Pressure Cooker. This touching film follows three seniors at Philadelphia’s Frankford High School, who find an unlikely champion in Culinary Arts teacher Wilma Stephenson. A legend in the school system, Mrs. Stephenson’s hilariously blunt boot-camp method is validated by years of scholarship success that’s taken countless students from the city’s working-class neighborhoods to the top culinary schools in the country. And under her fierce direction, the usual distractions of high school are swept aside as Erica, Dudley and Fatoumata prepare to achieve beyond what anyone else expects from them.

If you want to see a movie that will touch your heart and open your mind to the reality of hard work and determination, then go see Pressure Cooker. This type of film is something we don't see enough of. No high paid actors, no blockbuster budget, just real, authentic people inspiring others.

The documentary opens May 27 here in NYC at the IFC Center and June 5th in LA and later June 12 in Philadelphia. Tickets for the NYC showings can be ordered through the IFC.

The film has debuted at numerous film festivals and taken home several awards including:

Special Jury Prize, Los Angeles Film Festival
Audience Award, Aspen Film Festival
Editing, Honorable Mention, Woodstock Film Festival
Audience Award, Portland International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Philadelphia Cinefest
Best Documentary-Honorable Mention, Nashville Film Festival
Audience Award, Berkshire International Film Festival

Still not convinced? The trailer alone will inspire you.

Become a fan of Pressure Cooker on Facebook like I did!

Food is Love,

Hilary

C-CAP Honors Drew Nieporent

Chefs, culinary students, foodies and critics alike were eating in harmony last night at the 11th Annual C-CAP benefit. This was my third C-CAP event to volunteer at and I think I did a fantastic job. I worked the registration table for a couple hours and then I was able to partake in all the delicious food tasting. But best of all, I was so pleased with myself for being able to recognize so many industry folks. I realized I'm well-versed and involved in this industry more than I give myself credit for.

Founder of C-CAP, Richard Grausman

*All photos from Feedbag correspondent Laurie Pila Horowitz*

Another volunteer came near the table I was working at and said, "This guy says he's with the press." I of course knew who "that guy" was right away. So I kindly let them know that Josh Ozersky works for city search and writes The Feedbag blog and should be given a press kit right away. I was even called a hipster just for knowing this. I'm no hipster, but I know food personalities. I was able to chat with a chef I seriously admire, Wylie Dufresne. He was serving some a warm chestnut-horseradish soup with pear and ver jous. I regret not going back for more. We joked about his one point win over my chef at the Tofu competition this past summer.

Wylie Dufresne

I got to meet the talented Philip Grausman who created "The Bean", a trophy given to the honoree of each event. I watched Lynn Crawford and her Four Seasons crew walk by. They always seems to travel in groups of 10 or more. This year honored Drew Nieporent, restaurateur and founder of the Myriad Restaurant Group. I checked in his older brother, who looks just like him. Handsome Marcus Samuelsson was there, too looking rushed as chefs always do. He serves as C-CAP's restaurant chair.

WD~50's chestnut horseradish soup with pear and ver jous

I can't wait for the next event and I look forward to working with these talented food personalities more. Who knows, maybe my chef-or your chef-will be named as the honoree.

For other wrap-ups of the event, see these blog links below. The Feedbag definitely has the best photos.

Marcus Samuelsson and Drew Nieporent

The Feedbag


Grub Street


Restaurant Girl


Time Out New York


DCW_NYC
-Hilary-

Hats Off to Drew Nieporent

Wednesday, February 24th is the 11th annual C-CAP benefit honoring Drew Nieporent with over 35 restaurants and chefs offering tasting of their delicious dishes. I went last year to volunteer and I'm thrilled to be going again. It's wonderful to see so many chefs come together for a great cause, celebrating a restaurateur who would normally be considered a competitor.

The proceeds for C-CAP benefit underserved high school students interested in entering the culinary arts. Benefits include internships, scholarships, career and college advising, and product donations. The tickets are $600, but for Juniors (under 35) the cost is only $225. I know times may be tough for some of you, but perhaps you know someone who would enjoy a night of champagne, food, and fun. Pass the word around!

Careers through Culinary Arts Program C-CAP
11th Annual Benefit
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Chelsea Piers, Pier 60 and West 23rd Street
NYC
6:30-9:00 PM general admission

Looking forward to seeing you there!
DCW_NYC
-Hilary-