Saturday, May 3, 2014

Career Awareness/Job Readiness Preparation!




MAN J. KIM KICKS OFF THE JOB READINESS SERIES

 Man J. Kim, of Lori's Diner, Sears Fine Food and the newly open Golden Gate Grill 
stopped by the Bayview YMCA to talk to the students about developing a strong "work ethic."


Man Kim kept the students attention by sharing his personal experiences of coming to America  in 1972 with very little. He talked about the odd jobs he had as a janitor, house cleaner, gas station attendant and dishwasher. In 1975 at age 25 he purchased his first sandwich shop. In 1985 opened Sushi Boat, 389 Geary St.(Union Square).  1993 opened Lori's  Diner in three locations, Sutter St. Mason and North Point. In  2003 he saved the  nostalgic Sears Fine Food noted for their silver dollar sized Swedish pancakes. Man Kim pointed out that hard work and having integrity are key ingredients to success. .
Man Kim gave the students valuable information about getting and keeping a job. He stressed the importance of being on time even and being honest! He told them the story of how he purchased 3 different alarm clocks to make sure he was always on time! Several members of P&P will have summer jobs at one of his locations!


 GATEWAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION!


Tannis Reinhertz, CCSF Department Chair of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies had a great time visiting the YMCA. She found out that Neal Hatten, Associate Executive Director at the Y had her father as his instructor while attending Bayview Elementary School. Talk about a small world after all!

Tannis gave P&P an overview of the Associate Degree and Certificate Program in Culinary Art and Hospitality. She made it clear the reading, writing and math are necessary essentials for succeeding in the program. It was during this meeting with Tannis that P&P decided to have an Iron Chef Competition which she whole heartily encouraged!


P&P enjoyed their visit with Tannis and looking forward to having her as a judge for the Iron Chef Competition!
You will find out who the winner is in our May blog!

VALUABLE INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES WITH CASEY NEUBURGER, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

 
Casey Neuburger, Director of Human Resources InterContinental Hotel giving valuable tips of interviewing for a job.
 
P&P listening attentively as Casey speaks!
 
 P&P share what they've learned!
Thanks Casey, P&P looks forward to their summer employment opportunity with InterContinental

  SAN FRANCISCO ACHIEVERS PARTNER WITH P&P!



Primed & Prepped Hosted a dinner evening for San Francisco Achievers.San Francisco Achiever's goal is to promote student achievement and personal growth through intervention, scholarship, and education for African-American male scholars. Henry Safarit, Founder, (standing next to Ricky in beginning of video) was delighted to bring along seven of his young men and 4 staff members to meet P&P. One of his students joined P&P, a new Partnership was born.


Chef Berlin takes a moment to describe the nights menu with a little help from some of the P&P students.

Roasted Prime Rib in Au Jus sauce

Ginger glazed carrots with hot house asparagus!

Primed & Prepped enjoy hosting dinners to see people delight in what they cook!

DINNER & A TOUR AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL WITH CASEY NEUBURGER &

Primed & Prepped was invited to dinner and a tour of the InterContinental Hotel.
Greetings the students is Vincent Latigue, Area Director of Safety and Security, who gave a riveting talk about the importance of education and personal development. The students couldn't take their eyes off of him. Seated next to him is Shelia Middleton, Supervisor of Housekeeping. Sheila also told how she worked her way up the career ladder. Against the wall is Peter Koehler, General Manager, and Casey Neuburger, Director of Human Resources whom the students have had several encounters with and are very comfortable in their presence.


The students and Chef Berlin had a great time meeting Chef Daniel Corey, Luce Chef de Cuisine. We have been invited to their Ultimate Clash where five InterContinental Hotels, five students chefs compete for the title. The Chef Students are from Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Puerto Rico and San Francisco. What an exciting time for P&P!


As part of their Career Pathway Training,Casey is showing them one of the guest rooms as he describes and explains the features.

The students had an opportunity to hear how this gentleman moved from dishwasher to Kitchen Manager.

 Thanks InterContinental!

DINNER & A TOUR AT  SAN FRANCISCO CITY COLLEGE WITH CHEF NG

 

Primed &Prepped had dinner at the main Cafeteria at CCSF prepared by students in their Culinary Arts Hospitality Program. After dinner we had a extensive tour lead by Chef Ng. What an incredible experience for P&P!

Chef Ng is giving Primed & Prepped a tour of the kitchen facilities explaining how the pastry department works!

Thanks Chef Ng!




P&P is seeking interested young men 15-19 years of age to participate in our 8-week Summer Program starting June 2- July 30, 2014.  Space is limited so don't delay in getting registered!


 


For more information please contact Kelly Armstrong at the Bayview YMCA (415) 822-7728 or email karmstrong@ymcasf.org.


















Wednesday, April 9, 2014

PRIMED & PREPPED IS OVERCOMED WITH APPRECIATION!


Primed & Prepped had the opportunity to thank some key supporters at our Annual Appreciation Dinner. It included Faz Poursohi, Faz Restaurants, Man Kim, Lori's Diner, Sears Fine Food and Golden Gate Grill & Bar and Casey Neuburger, Director of Human Resources, InterContinental Hotel.
Faz prepared the dessert for the dinner...  Lemon Cheese Cake topped with Quince Preserves.  YUMMY! You can always have some when you visit one of his  FAZ locations.
 Gina Former  also Congratulated and Thanked Faz for his many contributions to Primed & Prepped! Faz was our go to guy when we first opened the kitchen. He helped us with ordering the supplies and equipment that was needed!
Man Kim is the epitome of a generous person. Primed & Prepped is truly blessed to have him on our team!
 Man Kim was humbled by our show of appreciation. The young men of Primed & Prepped adore him! His Golden Gate Grill Restaurant is one of their favorite restaurants. During the Holiday Season he invited them for dinner where they could order anything on the menu and that was a treat they'll never forget!
Casey Neuburger is committed to supporting Primed & Prepped. His dedication goes beyond his work at the Intercontinental Hotel the place where President Obama stays when he's in town! I love saying that!
Casey came with several co-workers that included: Ulysses Skyes,Conference Service Manager, Vince Latigue, Area Director of Saftey & Security, Peter Koehler, Regional Director of Operations, Jared Lamb,  Engineer was also present but not in this photo along with Kelly and P&P student.
P&P guest table  enjoying great food and conversation!
This was a room full of joyous people, it was a great event!
Chef Berlin ran a tight ship preparing food for 150 plus guest. P&P students learned some valuable skills and lessons during this time.

The Menu: Cherry Cabernet Arline Chicken Breast, Tarragon Salmon with Cranberry Chutney, Sage Au gratin Potatoes, Risotto with Yogurt and Pears, Broccolirabe with Shitake and Tree Mushrooms
Chef Berlin  showing P&P student how to prepare a display mount for the fruit and cheese!


Assorted Imported Cheeses and fruit from Green Leaf Produce 
Thanks Georgette!
On large events like this one Chef Berlin brought in Chef DJana Kirkland, one of his business associates ,  who also taught P&P students some tricks of the trade!

Patricia Garcia,  Bayview Y's HR Administrative Associate, Lyslynn Lacoste, BMagic Director, Kelly, Sherrice Dorsey-Smith, DCYF Senior Program Officer and Jesus Martinez, Bayview Y Peer Advocate where on hand enjoying the night's event!
Great Job Guys!


Gina, thank you for all you've done for  P&P, you will be missed!
We will definitely do a special Vegan dinner
for you real soon!

A special THANKS to Toni Brock for the wonderful photographs!

P&P is seeking interested young men 15-19 years of age to participate in our 8-week Summer Program starting June 2.  Space is limited so don't delay in getting registered!



For more information please contact Kelly Armstrong at the Bayview YMCA (415) 822-7728 or email karmstrong@ymcasf.org.



















Saturday, March 8, 2014

Primed & Prepped In Action!



PRIMED & PREPPED RECRUIT NIGHT

 P&P hosted dinner for potential new P&P students. On the menu was Seafood Fettuccine,Tossed Green Salad and French Bread

 
.Chef Berlin asked the young men to explain what they've learned in the program. 
Take a listen!

Seafood Pasta with veggies...Yummy!
There was plenty of food, laughter and conversation about the advantages of becoming a participant to the program!
We were grateful that Chef Bairam, Kitchen Supervisor at Zynga stopped by to say hello and help out a bit in the kitchen.


BLACK CUISINE

 Primed & Prepped participated in Black Cuisine's 34th Annual Event. Chef Berlin and Rev. Marvin Hall, Black Cuisine Coordinator, had the young men assist with cleaning and seasoning the ribs at the Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Center. Chef Xavier Loggins, Senior Nutrition Program  and Chef Marque Howard lead the young men in an educational, fun filled training.  Chef Berlin had the young men prepare Jerk Chicken, Vegetable Soup, Dirty Rice and a Bell Pepper Vegetable dish for the event. It was a great experience for Primed & Prepped and we look forward to next year!


Team Work!

Chef Xavier explaining how to carry a box of Ribs

Prepping the Ribs for Seasoning!
Chef Berlin's favorite line..."Hey guys. listen up"
Chef Xaiver and Marvin Hall keeping a watchful eye on the young men
Focused on the task at hand!
Chef Marque striking a pose along with Chef DJana, Chef Xavier and P&P!


 DRESS FOR SUCCESS WITH USF!

Kathleen Leo, President of the Hospitality Management Association (HMA), University of San Francisco, invited Primed & Prepped to their Annual Fashion Show. The Fashion Show educates USF's students on how to dress professionally. The program started with a business panel of industry professionals that talked about networking and job searching tips followed by the Fashion Show which highlighted the differences between Business Professional and Business Casual.

 
The students were patiently awaiting the Fashion Show presentation
Runway model showcasing a Business Professional look!


P&P students posing with Bron Austin Deal, Founder/CEO of The Image: Dress for Success Runway Show



(left) Dr. David Jones, USF Professor and Department Chair, Hospitality Management. Dr. Jones planted the seed for the P&P program and is very committed to being a part of it. Event Keynote Speaker, Los Ellis, author of "The Hidden Keys to Life and Business Success" spoke on Creating Your Personal Brand.  The students were captivated by Ellis who told them they could be whatever they put their minds to.




 GREAT JOB P&P!




 We are seeking interested young men 15-19 years of age to participate in this exciting new program . When you send us a referral that becomes a student you will be invited to have dinner prepared by Primed & Prepped!


For more information please contact Kelly Armstrong at the Bayview YMCA (415) 822-7728 or email karmstrong@ymcasf.org.