Top chefs from across New York City gathered last night at The Metropolitan Pavilion for the 15th annual City Harvest Bid Against Hunger event that boasted a mix of philanthropy and food.

And we’re off!

Last week I had the chance to attend my first cooking recreational course at ICE, and I wasn’t about to pass up the friendly warm-up prior to Monday’s headfirst dive into the culinary career program.

While many ICE graduates will go on to command top kitchens across the globe, not all of us will be content stepping into restaurants and controlling the burners.