"C'est manifique," was the outcry of Emmett O'Brien students as they began their visit to The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. Chef Flaherty, a graduate of the prestigious school, and Chef McDowell led forty Culinary students and a few fortunate staff members on a whirlwind tour.

The Culinary Institute of America opened its doors to Emmett O'Brien by providing a tour and lecture.  Topics covered in the presentation included entrance criteria, SAT scores and financial aid.  Last year the school awarded $23,000,000 in scholarships and grants.

The students and staff were treated to a dining experience at the Escoffier Restaurant--one of the five award-winning, student-staffed public restaurants on campus.  Auguste Escoffier is a near legendary figure among chefs and gourmets and a leader in the development of modern French Cuisine.  He popularized and updated traditional French cooking methods.

The German Emperor Kaiser William II once congratulated Escoffier by stating, " I am Emperor of Germany, but you are the Emperor of the Chefs."

The Culinary Institute produced a personalized menu for Emmett O'Brien staff and students.  The heading ''warmly welcomed" the group. The ensuing meal had students raving and describing the food and presentaion as nothing less than 'a dining experience.'

The menu included a First Course--Soupe Maison (Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Garlic Croutons and Bacon); Main Course--Filet de Boeuf en Croute (Tenderloin of Beef in Puff Pastry with Mushroom Duxelle with Truffled Creamed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Madeira Sauce; Dessert--Gateau au Chocolat; and Cafe, Tea or Iced Tea.

Joe Mastrisanti was awe struck, "What an eye-opener!  I never dreamed of how serious and professioanl this field is.  I've been given a wonderful oppoprtunity to see the best in Culinary up close and personal."

Chef Flaherty added, "This experience cetainly opened the students' eyes as to what their potential could be."