Date Posted: April 23, 2024
The Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation and the Culinary Arts Program and Advisory Committee’s ninth annual Food and Wine Pairings, held on April 19, 2024 on the Griffin Campus, received well over 200 guests who enjoyed an evening of fine dining, wine, and fundraising.
The guests were impressed by the various appetizers, entrees and desserts, all served and prepared by the outstanding and talented chefs and students in the Culinary Arts program. Early estimates indicate that proceeds from the event will exceed $44,000.00 with that money going to support student scholarships and the Study Travel Abroad internship for the Culinary Arts program.
SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark welcomed the guests and congratulated the Culinary Advisory Committee and stated that they are the pace setter for all of SCTC’s advisory committees. “You are to be commended for your outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the Culinary Arts program and all of the students in this wonderful program,” he said.
Culinary Arts Advisory Committee Member Dick Morrow stated, “The Food and Wine Pairings Event has grown in size and has become one of the most popular events at the College. You are privileged to be one of the select few to enjoy the exquisite food and wine pairings tonight in perhaps the most exclusive restaurant around, as this dining experience only happens once a year for two hours. It is indeed a treat to be able to share in this unique culinary experience with so many friends of the College.”
The evening began as guests first gathered in the atrium for a reception where sangria was served with various appetizers including Crisp Brie encased in Panko with apple chutney, fresh baby arugula, drizzled honey and accented with coffee spice; Canape of smoked salmon on toasted crostini with whipped caper and dill herb cheese, freshly picked red onions, lemon zest, and fresh cracked pepper; Coconut chicken lavash roasted red peppers, fresh baby arugula; Caprese Marinated Mozzarella, fresh cherry tomato salad, drizzled balsamic reduction all served with Sangria De Valencia.
The gathering then moved into the Event Center where guests were able to visit five impressive stations, each with exceptional presentations and service from students. Guests were encouraged to visit the various stations which included:
Roasted Beef Tenderloin served with Smoked Gouda Potato Croquettes, Spring Vegetables, Romesco Sauce and paired with Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon, Tulum Valley, San Juan, Argentina; Low Country Shrimp served with South Carolina Stone Ground Grit Cake, Creole Cream Sauce and paired with Champion Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County, California; Chicken Paillard Involtini served with Cremini Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, Ricotta and Provolone Cheeses, Roasted Garlic and Sun-dried Tomato Israeli Couscous Salad and Basil Pesto Aioli and paired with Noble Vines, 446 Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand; Plateau de Fromages which included a Foreign and Domestic Cheese Assortment, Chutneys and Fruits, and Assorted Crackers paired with Z Alexander Brown, Pinot Noir, Lone Star Wine Cellars, California.
Always a crowd pleaser, the dessert station featured Double Milk Chocolate Mousse with Sweet and Salty Almonds, Bananas-Foster Pudding, Apricot and Pistachio Baklava with Orange Cardamom Syrup which was paired with Santa Marina Prosecco, Trieste, Italy.
The Food and Wine Pairing was successful primarily due to the unwavering support of guests as well as our many contributors and sponsors. SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark expressed gratitude on behalf of the College and thanked those in attendance which were comprised of representatives from area businesses as corporate sponsors and other faithful friends of the College. Georgia Crown Distributing Company was the in-kind sponsor for the event. Table Sponsors included Aerosol Resource Innovations (ARI), Alan Dodson, Alexander Hope, City of Griffin- Griffin Power, Concord Café, Dick Morrow, General Storage, Henry County Development Authority, Impact Office Interiors, Jack Bowdoin, Judge Josh Thacker, Kaska Holdings, Norcom, Inc., Oakbridge Insurance, Sangsin Technology America, Southern Rivers Energy, University of Georgia Griffin Campus, and Worrell Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo.
The Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation expressed its great appreciation when Foundation Chair Jack Bowdoin stated, “The tie that binds the College and the Foundation is that the Foundation recognizes the unmet need for funding available to technical education. One of the greatest needs for the College is student scholarships since the College cannot use state funds for scholarships. We are thrilled to be able to hold such an exceptional event to raise funds for these deserving and talented Culinary Arts students.”