Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) Los Angeles is thrilled to present its highly anticipated annual C•CAP LA Gala, a spectacular event honoring Italian culinary legend Chef Celestino Drago. Renowned for pioneering regional Italian cuisine in Los Angeles, Chef Drago will be celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the iconic Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles. This unforgettable evening will spotlight his extraordinary contributions to the culinary world while supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.
Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) is a national workforce development non-profit that empowers under-resourced high school students and adults to become the next generation of leaders in food and hospitality. Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grausman, and in partnership with board co-chair Chef Marcus Samuelsson, C•CAP serves communities across the country, including 7,000 Los Angeles high school students, and their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.
Chef Celestino Drago has shaped Los Angeles’s dining landscape for more than four decades. Born and raised in Sicily, Chef Drago has become one of the world’s most lauded Italian chefs and has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine early in his career, was a multi-time guest chef at the James Beard House in New York on multiple occasions and named “Chef of the Year” by Food Fare Los Angeles. Chef Drago’s highest honor was being knighted as “Cavaliere Celestino” by the Italian government for his dedication and exemplary contributions to the preservation and advancement of Italian culture and traditions in the United States. Chef Celestino Drago is the Executive Chef and Owner of Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles, IL Pastaio, Drago Ristorante, Drago Bakery, Drago Events, and Celestino Drago Catering & Special Events.
This celebratory evening will begin with Rooftop Cocktails and Sicilian Canapés, followed by an elegant Four-Course Sicilian Dinner curated and prepared by Chef Drago in the Grand Ballroom.
THE MENU
Reception | Rooftop Great Lawn
Appetizers:
Pizza Margherita Napoletana
Fiori di Zucca Fritti (Fried Zucchini Blossoms)
Polpo Alla Griglia con Fagioli Bianchi (Grilled Octopus with White Beans)
Polpettine Siciliane al Sugo Piccante (Sicilian-Style Meatballs)
Wine & Cocktails by New Zealand Wine Navigator and Mission Craft Cocktails
Four-Course Dinner | Grand Ballroom
Insalata di Burrata con Pomodori Antichi
Sauvignon Blanc, Priest Ranch, Napa, CA, 2023
‘Ncasciata Siciliana, Baked Pasta of Eggplant, Ragù, Caciocavallo, and Peas
Pinot Noir, Ranchos de Ontiveros, “Native 9, Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard,” Santa Maria Valley, CA, 2019
Cioppino Costa Tirrenica, Branzino, Turbot, Shrimp, Spicy Saffron Broth; Garlic Toast
or Pollo Tarufato, Truffle Crust, Haricot Vert Mushroom
Chardonnay, Ranchos de Ontiveros, “Doña Martina, Rancho Viñedo Vineyard,” Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre/Tempranillo, Ojai Mountain, “Estate,” Ventura County, CA, 2022
Torta Della Nonna with Cinnamon Gelato
Mission Craft Cocktails Espresso Martini
This year’s Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) Los Angeles Gala is made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Nestlé Professional Solutions, along with Platinum Sponsors Mise En Place Restaurant Services, Richard Grausman and Deborah Grausman. Product & Bar Sponsors include ISM Brewing, Chefs Warehouse | Allen Brothers, Chef Works, New Zealand Wine Navigator, MIKIMOTO, Acqua Panna, S.Pellegrino, Priest Ranch Winery, Vesta Foodservice, Ojai Mountain, Native 9, and Mission Craft Cocktails.
TICKETS INFORMATION: The Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) Los Angeles Gala will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at the Jonathan Club. For Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities, and more information, please visit: Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) Los Angeles Gala – Tickets.
