Art Institutes Culinary Students to Assist in Preparation of Thanksgiving Day Dinner at NYC's Prestigious James Beard House

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Six culinary students from The Art Institutes system of schools will participate in the "James Beard Student Experience" from November 21-26, 2016 in New York City, working alongside Art Institutes chef instructors at New York City's James Beard House to prepare a multi-course Thanksgiving Day meal. The students competed against fellow Art Institutes students from across the country to earn their spot in the famed James Beard House kitchen. Additionally, they'll participate in an immersion day at the Urbani Truffle Academy and shadow a chef at a New York City restaurant.

"This unique partnership allows culinary students to present a special, holiday-themed dinner under the guidance of chef instructors at the center of it. We are excited for the opportunities that it presents to our students, for growth and networking within the New York City culinary scene," said David Hendricksen, National Culinary Director, The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes.  

The Art Institutes students selected as participants in the James Beard Student Experience are:

Kristine Futalan, Associate of Science, Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a campus of Argosy University
"I never would have thought I would ever step foot inside the James Beard House and it is an amazing opportunity. This experience gives me my first opportunity to work in a kitchen with the guidance of some of the best chefs around."

Jacob Richard Lechner, Associate of Applied Science, Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of Colorado
"From this experience, I am hoping to make connections with other food enthusiasts and learn many different techniques for preparing such a [complicated] meal."

Cristian Pino, Associate of Science, Baking & Pastry, The Art Institute of California—San Diego, a campus of Argosy University
"I hope to learn from great chefs. The James Beard House experience is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I do not take for granted."

Nancy N. Ruiz, Associate of Applied Science, Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of Wisconsin
"Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined [I'd have] an opportunity this grand. Having [gotten to this place in the] contest, over so many other qualified candidates, really opens my eyes to the possibilities."

Tien Dung Tran, Bachelor of Science, Culinary Arts Management, The Art Institute of Atlanta
"For a student chef, [this experience] is overwhelming. I will learn from experienced chefs, [and see] what the atmosphere is like."

James Vest, Bachelor of Science, Culinary Arts Management, The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta
"The James Beard Student Experience is potentially a life changer. It's one of the world's biggest stages in food. I [am looking forward to seeing] what it's like in the fine dining world – and what better opportunity [could I ask for] than this?"

To earn their spot in the James Beard Student Experience on Thanksgiving Day, the students had to create a sample late fall or Thanksgiving menu that featured hors d' oeuvres and a five course menu. They also had to submit an original recipe for one of their menu items. To learn more, visit https://www.artinstitutes.edu/about/blog/james-beard-award

About The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes is a system of over 50 schools throughout North America. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all online programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University or Argosy University. The Art Institutes, 210 Sixth Avenue, 33rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 © 2016 The Art Institutes.  All rights reserved. Our email address is: [email protected]. 

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SOURCE The Art Institutes