OCC Student Chefs Will Feed Congress

Six culinary students from Orange Coast College have been invited to prepare food at a reception for the recess of the Congress in Washington next month.

They will be among students from three other colleges nationwide that were given the prestigious assignment.

The Aug. 6 reception, hosted by House Speaker Newt Gingrich, will honor the closing of the 105th Congress in the Capitol Building.

Invited guests include President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, senators, representatives and their families.

“OCC’s students will play an active role in the reception,” said Jill Bosich, the culinary arts instructor who will be overseeing the trip.

“They’ll actually be cooking in front of congressional members and their families . . . preparing fajitas, sushi, scallops and other delicacies right in front of the attendees.”

Bosich said the event, which used to be catered by some of the world’s foremost chefs, now celebrates culinary education in the United States by featuring students.

The local students attending the event are Christopher Hanmer and Kevin Juberg of Costa Mesa, Keith Noriega and Randy Torres of Riverside, Elizabeth Prip of Irvine and Jamie Dill of San Clemente.

They will be joined by students from schools in Florida and Michigan.