Michel Escoffier to Visit United States to Celebrate Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts

CHICAGO, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This August 17-23, students and faculty of the Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts, www.escoffier.edu, (formerly The Culinary School of the Rockies (CSR) (Boulder, CO) and the Culinary Academy of Austin (CAA) (Austin, TX), will have the honor of celebrating the official name changes of the schools with Michel Escoffier; president of the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in Southern France and the great-grandson of the famous master chef Auguste Escoffier. This will be Mr. Escoffier's first visit to the schools since the name change took place on June 1, 2011.

"These schools reflect a commitment to smaller, more intimate programs that strive to raise the bar of excellence for developing culinary professionals," said Michel Escoffier. "I'm impressed with the dedication of all staff and faculty to live up to the level of quality and commitment associated with the revered Auguste Escoffier."

Auguste Escoffier, internationally recognized as perhaps the most famous chef in history, is as influential and relevant today as he was a century ago. Escoffier not only taught many famous chefs who themselves went on to train the likes of Julia Child and others, but his cooking methods and recipes continue to influence chefs today such as Chef Grant Achatz's, inaugural Escoffier inspired – Paris 1906 menu at Next restaurant in Chicago and Chef Bryan Voltaggio's (owner of Volt restaurant) comment in Food & Wine magazine naming Escoffier when asked what historical figure he would like to follow on Twitter. Escoffier's famous book, Le Guide Culinaire, which was re-released in June 2011, has been called the "bible that codified French cuisine." And, the brigade system he created is still the standard operating structure for commercial kitchens across the world. Indeed, the Escoffier name is synonymous with excellence, quality, skill and commitment in the culinary world. The launch of the Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts in the vibrant culinary meccas of Boulder, Colorado and Austin, Texas, is reinvigorating culinary education almost 100 years after Auguste Escoffier became world famous as the chef at the Savoy and Carlton Hotels in London and the Ritz Hotel in Paris. The schools incorporate the methods, principles and systems of Auguste Escoffier, while addressing contemporary culinary trends from around the globe and putting a unique focus on seasonal foods, farm-to-table, and sustainable practices. Both schools offer professional Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts programs, as well as Home Cook classes for the culinary enthusiast.

Prior to his visit to the Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts, Mr. Escoffier will officiate the induction of Les Disciples d' Escoffier at Stonepine Estate in Carmel Valley, CA – an event honoring California Executive Chefs and hosted by Les Dames d' Escoffier International – Monterey Bay Chapter and Stonepine Estate. For more information, contact Mary Chamberlin at [email protected].

In addition to the Les Disciples d' Escoffier event, Mr. Escoffier will extend his U.S. visit to Southern California on August 27 to attend a reception and give a presentation about the Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts. The event is intended to raise support for the Escoffier Foundation in France. Les Dames d' Escoffier and Friends d' Escoffier will be in attendance. For additional information, contact Peg Rahn at [email protected].

About the Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts

The Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts offer professional culinary arts programs based on the methods, principles and systems of Auguste Escoffier, the international culinary icon and the source of modern cooking. Students have the opportunity to learn history and context directly from the Escoffier family, as well as from expert chef instructors.

The Schools' affordable and accredited professional Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry certificate programs offer rigorous culinary skills training as well as grounding in the standards of professionalism and excellence sought by employers. Campuses are located in Boulder, Colorado and Austin, Texas, and also offer an array of Home Cook classes for the culinary enthusiast.

For more information, visit www.escoffier.edu or call 866-552-2433 in Austin or 877-249-0305 in Boulder. Follow us on Facebook.

SOURCE Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts