Wednesday evening, October 19, 2011 marked the Grand Opening of Cole’s Bistro, a student-run restaurant concept
hosted by the Woodland Job Corps Center, Anne Arundel Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Tourism
Institute (AACC HCAT) and the Hospitality Career Technical Training Cluster Programs.
Over forty honored guests were graciously greeted, escorted and seated by students from the Center’s Hotel/Lodging
CTT program under the training and sirection of Ms. Patricia Flowers and Mr. L.C. Adams. These students were also
cross-trained and provided table service for the evening.
Once seated, our guests participated in a fabulous four- course meal prepared by the Advanced and Basic Culinary Arts
students under the training and direction of Chefs Monique Williams, Cassandra Richardson, Peter Gibbons and Vincent
Cole (no relation to the Regional Manager, we think ).
The guests dined on exquisite cuisine including the multi-layered stacked crab appetizer, traditional onion soup
with amazing French bread crouton smothered in gruyere cheese and a mouth watering Veal Osso Buco
served with saffron infused risotto. The entire event was topped off with a New Orleans inspired Bananas
Foster, flambéed and served over house made vanilla bean ice cream. (menu and pictures shown on page 7)
The opening of the Bistro marks a significant step forward in the introduction of real-time, industry-based
training and feedback for our Hotel/Lodging, Basic Culinary and Advanced Culinary students. Job Corps,
through CTST plans and funding, have always provided hands-on and industry-related work projects and
opportunities for Construction Cluster programs. Cole’s Bistro now gives the Hospitality Cluster programs a
similar platform to showcase student training and talents.
As an acknowledgement to one of Job Corps’ Culinary champions, the Bistro was dedicated and named after
Job Corps Philadelphia Regional Director, Dr. Francis S. Cole. Dr. Cole is a long-standing champion of the
Job Corps program with a special emphasis and affection for the Culinary Arts programs. From driving industry
linkages and certifications to increasing Culinary Instructor credentials to hosting the Annual Philadelphia
Culinary Arts Competition, Dr. Cole tirelessly continues to strive for what is best for his kids. The Bistro will
continue in that mission and is very welcomed to have his continued influence, advice and support.
For anyone looking for a unique dining experience, Cole’s Bistro is an amazing opportunity to have a fine
dining experience and to see the results of an amazing educational partnership. For employers and hospitality
industry professionals looking for a unique opportunity to review and recruit industry-trained employees, we
have a seat waiting for you at the Bistro. Through our partnership, we are also able to tailor our student-training
to an organization’s specific needs.