The Glamorous Life Of An Intern: Part Two

Concannon wine glass

Over the past few weeks I have been participating in an internship with The Perishable Foods Council of Northern California, as well as the internship with Culture Magazine. With the PFC I experienced tours of many different areas of the food industry across Northern California. The sites we visited included Fiscalini Cheese in Modesto, Tony's Fine Foods in Sacramento, Nugget Markets in Sacramento, Fresh Choice in Sacramento, Taylor Farms in Tracy, Safeway Research and Development in Walnut Creek, Foster Farms in Modesto, Acosta Brokers in Pleasanton and we finished off with Concannon Winery in Livermore.

Inside Concannon Winery

We were generously given an exclusive tour of the winery, as well as a laboratory experience where we performed various experiments on wines.

Myself in the lab

We finished our day at Concannon with an Italian potluck (I baked my Thyme, Orange, Almond and Chocolate Biscotti!) and a private wine tasting with the charming Estate Manager, Jim Ryan.

The gardens and vineyards at Concannon

The dinner and wine tasting were held in the stunning Wine Library with Jim and it was a fabulous end to a very enjoyable and successful internship.

The beautiful Wine Library

Unfortunately, the end of my California experience is creeping up on me. I wish it could last forever! My internship with the PFC has not only enhanced my CV, but it has given me a great insight into the potential life as a Food Scientist in Northern California. Perhaps this is not the end of my California experience, but the beginning...?!

The Glamorous Life Of An Intern

Myself and Harold McGee, San Francisco

I wish to make a note of reflection and appreciation.

I have been a very lucky young lady indeed. I have met the charming Head Chef from The Fat Duck, Jocky Petrie, and been given a sneak preview of the experimental kitchen. During my Food Science Research and Development internship with Tony Conigliaro at 69 Colebrooke Row, I met, my food hero, Heston Blumenthal. Just last week, I met one of the most respected writers in the world of Food Science, Harold McGee.

I have barely managed to hold onto reality through each of these experiences. When I began my career as a Food Scientist in my first year at the University of Leeds, I just had absolutely no idea what euphoric opportunities and experiences the future held. This just proves that persistence really is key in life.

Needless to say, I can barely sit still at the thought of what the future may hold. If it compares with anything that I have experienced over the past year, I am certainly looking forward to it!

Thanks to everyone who has given me support in my career. I would not be in this position in life without you.