Capstone Project

I thought that I would take a few minutes to reflect on what's been going on with my capstone project.  I have procrastinated somewhat, but I have also made some break throughs that I am excited to add to the finished project.

My capstone project is to create an outdoor cafe for the culinary program at Cranston High School West.  This is a two part project.  Part one includes creating a multi-curricula project that is math focussed and the second part includes actually building the project.  Either way it will benefit the Cranston Area Career and Tech for years to come.

I summitted my original proposal to Dean McVety for approval, then I contacted Jerry Auth and Jeff Goldthwait for curriculum and math ideas.  They were very helpful.

I then spoke with my JWU Advisor Karen Swaboda regarding garden contacts in Rhode Island.

Next, I began researching garden ideas and planing the units that would be included in this project.  This included taking measurments and pictures of the site.  This project will not be implemented right away, but could be completed after the scheduled renovation of the Career and Tech Center slated for this summer.

I am currently putting information together in a clear workable plan.

Flipping through the channels

I was flipping through the channels and came upon Culinary Travels.  I have seen this show before and decided to watch it for a few minutes.  The show started talking about the The Hyatt in San Francisco.  The funny part of the show was the narrative.  The narrator describes The Hyatt as being built in 1973 and being around for a good long time.  I almost spit out my oatmeal because I was born in 1973.  I just thought that some of you may enjoy a little humor.  By the way, the food looked amazing.

French Laundry

I hope you enjoy the video of the French Laundry.  I'm not sure on when it was filmed, but I'm guessing shortly after the book was published because the dishes in the video match the ones in the book.

Finishing the blog Assignment

Yesterday I added a photo peach for you all to enjoy.  Today its off to meet with our curriculum group to plan our thursday presentation.

Yes, I do grill everything

My 2011 Senior Q project

Little Rhody’s Big Boned Senior Q

By Morgan Wotherspoon

            This has been a busy year for Big Boned BBQ.  As you may know, we are a competition and catering team from Rhode Island.  We are members of The New England Barbecue Society and compete on the KCBS circuit in the New England area.  We have been cooking for Senior Q for several years now and we love our senior friends from the Coventry Senior Center and the West Warwick Senior Center.

            The Senior Q night at the Coventry Senior Center took place on the first Thursday of October.  This year Alex Morales did the cooking during the day.  This was a great opportunity for him to get the blessing of hanging out with the wonderful ladies of the Coventry Senior Center.  Both Director Pat Shurtleff and Coordinator Pat Fleming were eager for this year’s barbecue.  The seniors look forward to their annual October dinner.  This year 90 seniors signed up for a dinner of pulled pork, chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.  Coffee and cake were served for dessert.  The meal was served by the local home school Cub Scout pack 158.  They did a wonderful job and the seniors thought they were very professional.  I helped plate the meal with Alex and our good friend Gerry from the Senior Center.

            The Senior Q night at West Warwick took place on the third Thursday of October.  Manny Murray Director of the West Warwick Senior Center loves this meal so much that he schedules his vacation around our annual event.  This year I cooked this event which turned out to be a beautiful day.  We had 95 seniors sign up for a meal that consisted of pulled pork, baby back ribs, and chicken with coleslaw baked beans, and Texas toast.  Once again coffee and cake were served for dessert.  The meal was served by the local Boy Scout Troop 158.  The seniors loved the Boy Scouts and some of the ladies asked the boys to dance.  The music was provided by West Warwick’s country band The Rhode Island Rednecks.  The staff at the West Warwick Senior Center is great.  We have made many senior friends over the years cooking barbecue for Senior Q.  It’s my favorite time of year.  These events are truly special to Alex and me.

Competition Pictures