15th Annual Culinary Round Up
THE 15TH ANNUAL CULINARY ROUND UP IS SOLD OUT! THANK YOU!
Since 2010, Rancho Cielo’s annual Culinary Round Up has provided a unique opportunity for our guests to meet and see our culinary students in action. It’s an evening of fun, food and libations with a Western flair, including an exciting raffle and live auction.
Proceeds from the event benefit the culinary program at Rancho Cielo, where the students have a pathway to earning their high school diploma while gaining hands-on culinary training and earning industry certifications. If not for supporters like you, opportunities like this—to test their skills, to learn service, presentation and plating for large events—would not exist.
All of the food and beverages, as well as raffle and auction items, are generously donated by local businesses and help generate additional funds needed for us to serve our students.
2025 Live Auction Items
Live Painting
In less than 10 minutes, world renowned speed painter Amy Burkman will transform a blank 36″x48″ canvas into a masterpiece. Using her art, Amy has raised million of dollars for cancer research, children’s hospitals, animal rescue groups and more.
Next Level Napa
Dinner for two at the award-winning French Laundry in Yountville (including wine for the ultimate supper). Plus, a one-night stay at The Harvest Inn, and includes breakfast.
2000 Jaguar S-Type
V8 sedan; 240 @ 6800 RPM horsepower; city 16 mpg/hwy 24 mpg/combined 19 mpg; leather seats; CD player; cruise control; and power front seats. Recently detailed, serviced and ready to drive.
Diamond Pendant
A dazzling custom 2.5-karat diamond bezel set pendant on a white gold 18-inch chain. Artfully designed by Kirkor Kocek.
Coastal Culinary Adventure
Dinner for eight guests with private transportation down the coast to the home of Judge Richard (Ret.) and Cindy Silver in the Carmel Highlands, where ocean views are panoramic. The beautifully curated five-course menu will blend local flavors, fresh ingredients and culinary innovation. Each course will be paired with a selection of
unique fine wines.
From Post to Point
A two-night stay at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, dinner for two at the exquisite Sierra Mar Restaurant, along with an elegant breakfast. Enjoy the Falconry Experience, along with daily complimentary guest activities. Plus, a two-night stay at Cavallo Point–The Lodge at the Golden Gate, Sausalito, nestled at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge in historic Fort Baker, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and dinner for two at Farley or Sula.
Tequila & Carne Asada
Enjoy a party for 12 at the Cabrera Ranch, where guests will be treated to a one-of-a kind tequila tasting featuring selections from Ricky Cabrera’s private collection. Dinner will feature carne asada, stories and much more. Transportation provided.
DCA Dinner
Experience epicurean bliss (for up to 18 guests) prepared by top local chefs and Drummond Culinary Academy students. Each course will be paired with the region’s most exquisite wines.
Folktale Celebration
This expertly organized evening will be prepared by the best special event staff in the area. Up to 30 guests will be greeted with a sparkling reception and live entertainment followed by a five-course meal set amongst the vines at Folktale Winery & Vineyard. Each course will be paired with wines from Folktale’s Library Cellar.
Maui Getaway
Stay at Ka’anapali Beach Club in a one-bedroom deluxe ocean-view condominium that includes a kitchenette and private balcony. Enjoy the on-site pool, restaurant and café.
Harvest Experience
Tour this historic Carmel Valley property once home to Hank Ketchum (creator of Dennis the Menace) and published in Sunset Magazine in 1942 and 2023. Learn about the fascinating history and immerse yourself in the gardens and vineyard with hands on activities.
Adding to this unique experience, guests will participate in a culinary education session led by Hollie Jackson of H Jackson Events. Choose from topics such as crafting signature salad dressings, creating jams from seasonal fruits or entertaining tips. This interactive class is designed to provide valuable knowledge while highlighting the property’s abundant resources. Enjoy an intimate multi-course family style lunch, prepared by Hollie Jackson, paired with estate wines, and served under an arbor covered by an 85-year-old grapevine.
Pinnacles Gourmet
Indulge in a gourmet seven-course meal (for up to 10 guests), prepared by Rancho Cielo’s Board President, Pete Scudder, and paired with a rich selection of wines at the private home of Kurt Gollnick and Janet Rodgers. Kurt will also lead guests on a tour of his farm. Transportation provided.
Participating Restaurants
Ardent Culinaire – Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – The C Restaurant + Bar (InterContinental The Clement Monterey)
Carmel Valley Ranch – Covey Grill (The Quail) – Estéban Restaurant (Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa)
Fin+Field Restaurant Bar (Monterey Marriott) – Folktale Winery & Vineyards – Food Fleet
Jacks Monterey/Peter B’s Brewpub (Portola Hotel & Spa) – Just Baked – Lucia Restaurant and Bar (Bernardus Lodge & Spa)
Monterey Peninsula College – Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy – Roy’s at the Inn at Spanish Bay
Santa Lucia Preserve – The Sardine Factory – Schooners Monterey (Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa)
Sea Root (Hyatt Regency Monterey) – Seventh & Dolores – Stillwater Bar & Grill at the Lodge at Pebble Beach
The Wild Plum Café – Woody’s At the Airport
Wine, Beer, Spirits & More
Alvarado Street Brewery – Bernardus Winery – CRŪ Winery – Dawn’s Dream Winery – Doc Pepe’s Lab – Folktale Winery
Galante Family Winery – Joyce Wine Co. – McIntyre Family Wines – Odonata Wines
Peter B’s Brewpub – Peerless Coffee & Tea – ROAR – Scheid Vineyards – Shale Canyon Wines – Wrath Wines
The Experience
For foodies, oenophiles and beer enthusiasts alike, there’s nothing better than an evening filled with elegant food and beverages, especially when the cuisine is prepared by some of the finest chefs from across the Monterey Peninsula and the up-and-coming culinary students of our Drummond Culinary Academy.
Set the scene in a beautiful ballroom where you can stroll at your own pace,
sampling some of the finest local wines and craft beers to pair with
innovative small plates, each composed of ingredients fresh from the bounty of Monterey County.
At each table you visit, you will be able to meet each student and hear how their journey led them to that moment—and where they hope their culinary training will lead. They have overcome major hardships to pursue their passion for cooking and food. Participating in the Culinary Round Up helps build their repertoire as they prepare for additional training, internships, and work in the hospitality industry.
This is an exciting networking event for everyone—most importantly for the students, who are connecting with expert chefs from local restaurants who may be willing to hire them after graduation.
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NO HOST VALET PARKING AVAILABLE TO ALL GUESTS ATTENDING THE EVENT
Make one of the Monterey Peninsula’s premiere foodie events a mini getaway!
Portola Hotel & Spa is offering special room rates to attendees!
Book your room today!
Alternatively, if you are reading about this for the first time or have attended the event and loved it, join us at the Drummond Culinary Academy Dining Room at Rancho Cielo on a Friday evening (see our Reservations page for dates and times). The students also prepare and serve gourmet meals for the public.
Guests can choose options from a seasonal, three-course prix-fixe menu of contemporary California cuisine that speaks to the bounty and culture of the Salinas Valley and the students themselves. It is also a unique opportunity to participate in their learning, which is as much hospitality and culinary training as an empowerment journey.
