Chef Andrew Weissman of Il Sogno and the Sandbar born in Chicago, IL. Chef has been in San Antonio for more then 40 years as well as doing work in NYC and Europe. Started out of Mama's Hofbrau washing dishes Chef has learned the whole industry and has solidified his name as one of the San Antonio's Top Chef's! Above Chef Weissman is at the Pearl Brewery addressed the graduating class of the Culinary Institute of America’s main campus on Friday.

 

 

Giving the speech had special significance for the San Antonio native, who was graduated from the school in Hyde Park, N.Y., before starting his culinary career, which includes the lauded but now-closed Le Rêve. “It is very difficult for me not to sound like a paid sponsor for this school,” he said, “but the truth is the CIA has helped provide me and my family with an amazing quality of life.”

He offered the following advice to the graduates: “For those of you wondering what now, I challenge you to write the greatest story of yourself. You may stumble along the way, but it is all part of the journey. Go ahead and make mistakes. It is also part of your growth as an individual. The key is to not repeat them. … Check to see if things are impossible only after you are done.”

 

 

The CIA also has campuses in San Antonio and Greystone, Calif. A fourth campus in Singapore is being added this month.

 

(Photos courtesy CIA/Keith Farris & article by @savorsa)