Atlantic Cape shows off culinary school's impact at Restaurant Gala

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save ATLANTIC CITY — The 42nd annual Restaurant Gala, presented by Atlantic Cape Community College's Academy of Culinary Arts, was held Thursday night at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center. The sold-out event of over 900 community and business leaders, officials, foodies and friends of the college raises funds that benefit ACA students. Over the years, the gala has raised more than $4.

3 million for scholarships, food and equipment costs and more. Last year's event raised over $300,000. "The support from events like this are the difference between some of our students being able to stay in the program and having to drop out for a period of time," said ACA director Joseph Sheridan at Thursday's event.



"We have expensive equipment that has to be maintained, and we have to pay for the food that students work with, and we all know what's going on with prices of food recently." Ocean City firefighter charged with assaulting girlfriend NJ police chief accused of pooping near desks, spiking coffee with Viagra Golden Nugget owner will resign from casino company if confirmed as US ambassador to Italy Mark Giannantonio got 2 Atlantic City casinos through crises and became the face of the industry Sentencing delayed for Northfield man who led $100 million NJ health care fraud scheme Request made to rename Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve for former committeemen Ocean City Boardwalk property with hotel approvals listed for $25M Fish and animals see spectators for first time in 5 years as Atlantic City Aquarium reopens ‘Dog beach’ between Ocean City and Longport to close next week Who are The Press boys basketball Player, Coach and Team of the Year? Billy Damiana named Lower Cape May's football coach Orange Loop undergoing more changes, from beer hall leadership to new restaurants Galloway Fish and Wildlife office listed for closure as part of federal cuts by DOGE Who are The Press Boys Basketball All-Stars? New Jersey may allow a return to paper grocery bags if they're partly recycled This year's "Gala Goes Broadway" theme highlighted New York City's renowned theater scene and history. A band played Broadway tunes mixed with class Motown and other songs for guests to dance to.

Kelsey Grammer, known as TV's Frasier Crane on "Frasier" and "Cheers," was among the notable participants. He founded Faith American Brewing Company in 2015, based in Margaretville, New York. The event began with a cocktail hour featuring hors d'oeuvres prepared by ACA's roughly 80 students.

"This is an incredible experience for students on so many levels," Sheridan said. "For many of them, this is their first opportunity to produce food and work an event of this size, so it gives them valuable experience that will help them in their careers late on. The financial support through the gala cannot be understated.

" Deborah Pellegrino is the first female executive director chef at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, a title she proudly holds amid a 30-plus-year culinary career that started on a yacht. Over 50 percent of the chefs serving dinner inside the main ballroom were ACA graduates, Sheridan estimated. That included one of Atlantic City's top performers in the culinary scene, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa executive director chef Deborah Pellegrino, the first woman to hold that position in any Atlantic City casino.

"I gave a speech the other day and said when I was working in the casinos as a pastry chef, it was such a hassle because you worked all day and then you come out and it was a long day, but everybody loved coming here and you get to see everybody have such a good time," said Pellegrino, a 1992 alumna. "I feel good that I'm a part of it now and can give back. I just love it.

" Kyle Timpson, a 2013 Cape May County Technical High School graduate, won the finale of Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen: Head Chefs Only," earning $250,000 and a job in a Ramsay restaurant. ACA alumni Kyle Timpson (Class of 2016) and Anthony Della Vecchia (Class of 2015) offered a caviar bar with numerous assorted garnishes. Timpson is a Dennis Township native and former Middle Township and Cape May Tech student who won Season 23 of Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen.

" The 30-year-old was the first openly gay man to win on the hit reality cooking show. He was one of the most popular people of the night, taking countless selfies with admiring diners, ACA students and former professors and colleagues. "There are a lot of people here I know from school," said Timpson, who received two scholarships through funds raised at the gala.

"It's nice. It's cool that all the students get to come here and find out that all the (chefs) behind those tables went to the same school. I feel like there's a stigma behind community colleges, like 'oh, you go there because you're poor or can't afford (four-year colleges) or you're stupid.

' It's not that." Della Vecchia is co-owner of Tony Beef in Galloway Township and Somers Point along with brother Nick. Both are Absegami High School graduates.

"It means a lot to see so many support (the ACA)," Della Vecchia said. "It means a lot, also, to see so many new students who are here volunteering. The school is gonna continue to go on and create more chefs that we desperately need in the area.

" Erica Woody and Tyra Oliver, both of Atlantic City, sample seafood at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. The theme of the event was Gala Goes Broadway. Janet Mays, of Egg Harbor Township, samples dishes prepared by the college students at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City,Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The theme of the event was Gala Goes Broadway. Guest sample dishes prepared by the college students at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Guest sample dishes prepared by the college students at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Kyle Timpson, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show and a former student at ACCC, helps serve guests dishes prepared by the college students at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Superfrico Italian Restaurant made meatballs to sample at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. The 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Zii Gayer, of Ocean City, talks with Lazet Minahan, who was serving a puffed pastry dish with gin-infused diplomat cream at the Ocean Casino table at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Renault Winery served pastrami on potato latkes at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Hard Rock served deserts at the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Nicole Burroughs, of Galloway, and Maisha Moore, of Pleasantville, sample dishes at the Hard Rock table during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Anthony Bell, of Williamstown, samples a dish from La Strada, during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Richard and Julie Younger, of Smithville, chat with Chef Mike Buckley, of Ossu Asian Tavern, during the the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City,Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Kim Davis, of Mays Landing, samples a tuna dish from Nobu, during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City,Thursday, March 27, 2025. Donna Allen, of Ocean City, walks back to her table with an armful of dishes during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City,Thursday, March 27, 2025. Kyle Timpson, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show and a former student at ACCC, visits the Hel’s Kitchen table during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Scene from the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Kyle Timpson, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show and a former student at ACCC, with fellow contestant Amanda Palomino, formerly of Atlantic City now in San Diego, visits the Hell’s Kitchen table during the 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala, at the Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, in Atlantic City, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Contact John Russo: 609-272-7184 jrusso@pressofac.

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